I’ll echo what has been said already by goat hunters with much more experience than me. Such as Gregg (Troutbum). Goats to me, are the ultimate challenge. Especially solo. They live in environments that are typically steeper and much more wet then the other white critters folks go bonkers over.
-Don’t get me wrong, I love me some deep curling horns and yeller eye balls.
Being in the alpine is really what it’s all about for me. And the chase that goats offer is absolutely what fuels me. Here in AK, I do firmly believe they are the ultimate mountain specimen. When you’re able to spend some time with them and watch how carelessly they jaunt up and down sheer cliffs, at least for me, it puts them higher on the pedestal they already so elegantly perch themselves upon.
I’m certain there are places you speak of that offer no real “chase.” Which in that case I totally agree with the sporting and ethical stance you appeal to.
Half the battle here is simply catching a billy in country where 1. You have an opportunity to get at him. And 2. You will have the opportunity to retrieve him once that ethical shot is made.
A few years ago, I sat on a billy for a few days waiting for him to move into recoverable country...long story short, he never moved and weather pushed me out of there. Then BLAM immediate emergency closure due to the quota being met before I could ever get back in there. Frustrating, but that’s why we play the game!
From my corner of the world goat hunting is a true testament of a man’s grit and sack. There’s nothing better! Maybe I’ll get to try an “easy” one someday!
Here’s a photo dump from a few of my years.
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