Bow stabilizers for mountain goats?

[moewells100]

Afternoon, I'm a flatlander heading out on first mountain goat hunt this fall in BC. I have limited experience hauling gear around mountains and understand weight is a huge issue. For those that have been archery goat hunting, did you hunt with stabilizers, or take them off to save weight in the mountains?

I'm guessing the thermals get ripping on the tops of those ridges, so i'm leaning towards long stabilizers with moderate weights. Just curious what others did given weight concerns.

Thanks

 

[farmermail]

I kept mine on. Not enough difference in getting up a hill with or without, and since I practice with it, I hunt with it. I didn't want to change something before the hunt.

 

[wildwilderness]

Whatever you are the most confident in shooting well. My current bow an RX7 only has that little doinker thing it comes with. Shoots great as is .

With the wind having less on the bow the better. A quiver full of arrows definitely acts like a sail. As to weight ounces add up to pounds.

 

[Ron.C]

I've only hunted goat twice with my bow. The thought of changing anything on it to save a few ounces never crossed my mind. I used the same setup I used for elk, same as for deer, same as for bear....

Regarding winds, yes it can be windy up high but not always.

I highly doubt on a guided hunt that you'll be hauling anything more than day hunt gear in your pack as you head up for a goat. Talk to your outfitter and ask him what you should/should not be packing.

In my experience, the most important thing you can do is put every ounce of energy into physical preparation. I never did a goat hunt where I felt I had over prepared.

good luck!!

 

[Blockcaver]

I never use a stabilizer, hunting goats (arrowed a couple nice Billy's) or any other big game animal. I do shoot a longer 35" A-A compound that has proven to be accurate under mountain hunting conditions.

Shooting in the wind I'll get as low as possible...on my knees and take the TightSpot quiver off to minimize wind drag on the bow while executing a shot.

Good luck!

 

[Blockcaver]

duplicate

 

[Flatland Fit Man]

Your shot is the whole reason you are hiking in the mountain in the first place. Give yourself every advantage to execute the shot at the highest level.

I would advise playing with stabilizers, angle down, back bars, long / short, heavy and light. For example I run 12” out front at 10 degree down angle & 10” off the back also angled down. 2& 4oz respectively. Find what makes you shoot the best and take it on the hunt.

You can save weight in other places. Most people can lose 10 pounds of weight off their body and make their pack feel lighter in the process. Good luck on your hunt!