Goat in area R (998)

shawn · #1 08-10-2012

I have the fortune of getting a goat tag in area R. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what areas to start scouting. If there are any people that have hunted them before could you please offer up some advice on there habits, etc. I plan on starting scouting next weekend (on call this weekend), and think i will try and get the last week in sept off to hunt them. If there is anyone out there that can help me out with some info i would greatly appretiate it.

slopeshunter · #2 08-10-2012

Congrats on the tag Shawn! Sorry I can't help you on the area, but I'm sure there are others here who know it. Best of luck!

#3 08-10-2012

Get out for a hike and look up to the cliffs. Theyre not hard to find. Congrats on the tag, shouldn't be difficult to fill if you spend a day or two out.

Skeenabilly · #4 08-10-2012

Biggest advice I can give you is start running. Mountain hunting is alot of physical effort. You have a once in a lifetime opportunity and it would be a shame if your body gave out because you didnt put in the time. When I shot my Skeena billy, I ran, hiked, biked, climbed stairs with weighted pack, went to the gym. After the first day hiking to spike camp, I questioned if I even did enough. Congrats on the tag, now run to the gun range and shoot straight.

7mmremmag · #5 08-10-2012

Im in the same boat your in Shawn. If I drew that tag I wouldnt know where to start??? But with a once in a lifetime tag like that I would definitely try and hire a guide. Someone who knows the area and maybe even someone with horses.
Just to make sure I didnt screw up that once in a lifetime chance.
Just my 2 cents

alpineguy · #6 08-10-2012

Lucky man!! Good luck Shawn!! At least it's close and not way back.

SLH · #7 08-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mmremmag

Im in the same boat your in Shawn. If I drew that tag I wouldnt know where to start??? But with a once in a lifetime tag like that I would definitely try and hire a guide. Someone who knows the area and maybe even someone with horses.
Just to make sure I didnt screw up that once in a lifetime chance.
Just my 2 cents

Get a guide??
What a joke!

Its not that big of an area and won't take that long to figure out. Get your ass out there and just do it. If you need some help get some freinds involved because it will likely be their only chance to hunt goats as well. The only way you can screw this up is to not go out. You are going to be in some wonderful country seeing some wonderful animals, enjoy the effort and everything that comes with it.

SLH · #8 08-10-2012

Shawn get in touch with the bio in Blairemore he will have some good info for you. Also get your hands on the pertinent maps and figure out the trails and road closures and you will do fine.

7mmremmag · #9 08-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLH

Get a guide??
What a joke!

Its not that big of an area and won't take that long to figure out. Get your ass out there and just do it. If you need some help get some freinds involved because it will likely be their only chance to hunt goats as well. The only way you can screw this up is to not go out. You are going to be in some wonderful country seeing some wonderful animals, enjoy the effort and everything that comes with it.

Woah, woah easy SLH, take your meds and relax. Not all of us have been to this area and nor do we pretend to be some sort of amazing mountain hunter. Everyone needs a little guidance once and a while. Thats not to say a guy wouldnt give it his all, but maybe just wants a little reassurance to not blow this tag of a lifetime.
And as for getting friends involved, most of my friends work 300+ days a year on rigs, no different than myself. Not all of us have a great work schedule to even the playing field.

7mmremmag · #10 08-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLH

Shawn get in touch with the bio in Blairemore he will have some good info for you. Also get your hands on the pertinent maps and figure out the trails and road closures and you will do fine.

Ohhh there we go, glad to see you came around a bit

Marko · #11 08-10-2012

Lucky man! Good luck, and hope to see some success photos!

SLH · #12 08-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mmremmag

Woah, woah easy SLH, take your meds and relax. Not all of us have been to this area and nor do we pretend to be some sort of amazing mountain hunter. Everyone needs a little guidance once and a while. Thats not to say a guy wouldnt give it his all, but maybe just wants a little reassurance to not blow this tag of a lifetime.
And as for getting friends involved, most of my friends work 300+ days a year on rigs, no different than myself. Not all of us have a great work schedule to even the playing field.

I get so crazy over this "I don't have time, but I have money". That to me is very sad. I am by no means some amazing mountain hunter but I know I can go any where in this province and have great hunt with as good a chance as anyone to get a critter without the need of an outfitter. Help is not hiing a guide.

OK I'm taking the meds now.

7mmremmag · #13 08-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLH

I get so crazy over this "I don't have time, but I have money". That to me is very sad. I am by no means some amazing mountain hunter but I know I can go any where in this province and have great hunt with as good a chance as anyone to get a critter without the need of an outfitter. Help is not hiing a guide.

OK I'm taking the meds now.

Well I truly appologize that your job allows you more vacation than mine. And yes I do have the money to hire the guide, but only because I think its money well spent.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience

Goodluck if you ever draw the tag SLH, ill be waiting for the front page cover shot on AO of you holding the new record billy.

SLH · #14 08-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mmremmag

Well I truly appologize that your job allows you more vacation than mine. And yes I do have the money to hire the guide, but only because I think its money well spent.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience

Goodluck if you ever draw the tag SLH, ill be waiting for the front page cover shot on AO of you holding the new record billy.

I guess my "idiot" answer to a once in a life time tag would be to do my homework on the animal, the area and my equipment. I'd start talking (like shawn is doing here) to people who could help and if it is that important to you to put in for this tag then perhaps I'd try and arrange some extra time off. Usually there is always a way.

Oh and sorry you work so hard that you don't even get weekends or breakup off. Must be hard to have such a strong work ethic and to have suchastrong passionfor hunting.

Oh and you need to come by the house to see my goat, I don't hunt to be in any publication or on any list.

Sorry shawn for the derailment here, again get the maps and you will find the way to where they are. You can make this happen with a little planning and some leg work.

Good luck.

sheep nut · #15 08-11-2012

Congrats on the tag.

Nothing wrong with looking for a little help.....especially when the difference between a very average goat and a great goat can be a 1/2".

However sometimes some people are just looking for a white one.

Look for a lone goat.
A little yellow in color.
The bases should appear to be touching.

My goat made the book and was only 9 1/4 inches. I have had hunters that shot 10" billies that didn't make it.

Biggest thing......enjoy the country up there.

trapshooter · #16 08-11-2012

Congrats on the tag, a tag that we would all like to get!
I am not much help to you, but if you talk to the right guys I am sure you will be
fine!

Drop_Tine · #17 08-11-2012

Go get him ... U will do fine , like stated use your local F&G !!
Good luck & have a great hunt .....

shawn · #18 08-11-2012

Thanx for the info so far everyone. I currently have a bushnell trophy spotting scope but think i will upgrade within the next week or 2. iam kinda leaning towards a vortex viper hd 20x60x80. If anyone has used one are they worth the money or is there something better for the $1000 range?

Ryry4 · #19 08-11-2012

If you don't have them yet get some good mountain boots and a good pack. Goats are big animals, bigger than sheep so there will be a lot of meat to pack off the mountain. Get yourself shooting out to 300 yards and get into shape. Hunting in the mountains is hard work.

elkhunter1234 · #20 08-11-2012

Congrats on that tag.. Once in a lifetime for sure, Vortex make a nice glass for the price, hard to beat their warranty, good optics are nice for goat hunting but not a must, sheep on the other hand is a whole differant story. Your bushnell should be all you need unless your looking for an excuse to buy a new sporter anyways... But like was mentioned above a high end pack and good boots are a must, I would be putting my money their first.. As far as area R there are some good goat numbers there. Don't be afraid to take a look in the back of north & south lost creek (hint hint).... Good luck and look forward to seeing picture of your BILLY...