Doubled-up in SEAK

[Mark at EXO]

I was fortunate enough to return to SE AK for another mountain goat (my prior hunt). This time I was along for the ride as a 2nd tag holder, in case we got the opportunity to fill two tags, but Jake was the primary hunter.

As it turns out, we had one good weather day between rain/fog leaving and snow coming in, and were presented with an opportunity to double on goats.

Jake's billy ended up being 12-years-old, which is old for goats in general, but is especially old for harvests in this area.



Both goats had great coats and measured 9+ in length.



The setting didn't suck for photos!

We did a full podcast recap of the story, which also shares some footage of the hunt film that will be released later this year: https://the-experience-project.com/alaska-mountain-goat-hunt-breakdown/

I have always been fascinated by these creatures and the places they live. Having hunted them twice now, my interest in them and appreciation for them has only grown!

 

[Antares]

Dang, guys! Get some! A 12 yo billy is nuts. Old man of the mountain!

 

[FAAFO]

Great photos, thanks for sharing

 

[taskswap]

I'm going to regret asking, but on a scale of 1..10 how physically challenging would you rate one of these hunts? For reference, IMO, I'd call elk a 7. You have to be prepared for altitude and it's very common to have 1500-2000' climbs say from a base camp to a ridge or to get back out of a valley you dropped into. But if you pick your routes carefully I personally think anyone in even modest shape can do it, even if they might move a little slower than somebody used to it. On a successful hunt I personally do probably 20 miles over the course of a week if I know the area, maybe double that if I have to scout a ton the week before, and maybe 10000' total elevation change over the whole week. Sounds like a lot, but per-day it's not a big deal.

Those photos of you on those peaks with what looks like 9000' down to that river make me wonder how much of that you're doing. I assume you're camping somewhere near your target altitude, but still, what do you figure you put in on a successful hunt, in terms of miles / elevation change?

 

[Mark at EXO]

Hey @taskswap. It is hard to rate difficulty, as it depends on your physical (AND mental) preparation, as well as what you have been exposed to in past hunts and what you consider to be "hard".

Not trying to be dramatic, but if you think 1.5-2k gain per climb and 20 mi/week is a "7", then this hunt would be a 9-10 for you.

In this SE AK goat country, you're generally starting at sea level and gaining 4,000+ elevation to start hunting in "goat country".

Nothing up there is measured in miles. It is all gain/loss. You could legitimately expect to be doing 1,500-2,000' per mile.

Oh, and did I mention the devil's club, alder jungles, and wet, loose, uneven footing throughout?

I'm not saying everyone needs to be a physical specimen. In fact, I'd argue that mindset is more important than physical capability. But ideally, you're well-trained and mentally prepared to embrace the suck.

Those trophy photos are pretty, but it isn't pretty to get up there, or to come down with a 100+ pound pack in the snow.

 

[Marty]

@Mark at EXO Congrats on an awesome experience! I'll be looking forwarding to listening/watching the podcast.

Cheers!

 

[Seak_angler]

Congrats on another great hunt! Great work fellas!

 

[taskswap]

Not trying to be dramatic, but if you think 1.5-2k gain per climb and 20 mi/week is a "7", then this hunt would be a 9-10 for you.

I mean, to be clear, my elk season is only 5 days long. If you're doing more than 4-5mi/day you're probably making so much noise or not glassing enough, and you're never going to see them. I can "hike" 20 miles in a day, but that's not the same as "hunting" the same territory. But the rest of what you posted was what I was wondering. Thanks for the detail, and congrats!

 

[sierracharlie338]

Sounds like an amazing trip. Congrats to you both

 

[Clarktar]

12! That is really neat! Way to go!!

 

[Decker9]

Nice work gents!! Couple dandy’s right there, 12 years old, that’s awesome just imagine the country that Billy has seen. Congratulations X2!!

 

[HuntHarder]

So badass! Those pictures are sweet. I would give my left nut to go on a Mtn. goat hunt. Maybe one of these years I will try to squeeze one in my budget. The cost is only going higher. Congrats again on a dream hunt.

 

[JRay]

Epic adventure for sure! Beautiful goats

 

[jzeblaz]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing guys.