Billy goat bliss

[TSW]

Well, BCbillies, Gerrygoat and I headed out for a late August/early September alpine goat hunt. After spending the first day hiking in (and seeing my first 2 wolverines ever) we set up camp near a sweet little lake. It wasn’t long before we had spotted some goats on a mountain a couple kms away. We decided they looked decent from what we could see from that distance, and that they were worth looking into on our way back if need be since they were on some cliffs more towards the truck. After a little snack, we decided to go and have a look at what we could find something a little closer to camp the mountain we were camped beside was absolutely riddled with goat tracks. After heading out for an hour or so, the clouds rolled in thick and we were officially socked in. We decided our time would be better spent back at camp cooking up a little MH and crawling into the wrapper so we would be well rested for the next day, which we hoped would present us with better weather.
Day 2.
We got up nice and early and headed up the mountain. It didn’t take long to realize that although I was the youngest on the trip, I was clearly not in the best shape. After an hour or so of hiking I was hoping BCbillies and Gerrygoat would put their packs down momentarily so I could promptly fill them with rocks to even the playing field a little...no such luck. L
After hiking around to the backside of the mountain we located some goats but didn’t see anything real special, and besides that, they were in some pretty sketchy terrain...they were safe.
So we crossed a saddle and continued our ascent to the peak of another mountain so we could have a look in a few more bowls that looked promising on the map.
Once over the peak we located a group of 30+ goats a few kms away. No big billies were likely to be in that group, but down a little ways from the group were 2 goats apart from the herd. These 2 sparked our interest!! We contemplated if we should make the push for them today or go back to camp and head that way in the morning as the afternoon was getting away on us. I asked how long they figured it would take to get to the goats, expecting to hear “4 hours” and when they told me “2 hours” the choice was simple. “Let’s get ‘er done!” So we were off and after 1.5 hrs we popped out 260 yards away from them and set up. After some inspection we realized that they weren’t the Booners we had dreamt of, but were respectable animals. So now the decision was to be made...to shoot...or to hold out. Hmmmm. After about 10 minutes of contemplating my finger got so itchy...it was time. Besides, BCbillies still had a tag just in case we bumped into something really special. So, with Gerrygoat on the video camera, I loaded a 180 TSX into my 300wm and waited for my shot, which came shortly. One shot was all it took. Bang, flop. Well...actually, bang, flop, tumble tumble tumble etc. He rolled about 200yds down and ended up on a nifty little gravely step that was perfect for dressing the animal. Just like I planned it J. So after some pics and a snack, we took care of the billy and loaded up for the long hike back.
The hike back seemed A LOT longer than the hike in, and man, I don’t think I had ever been so happy to see the tent as I was that night. What a day full of memories with 2 great friends! That’s what these hunts are all about boys!!

[Tikka7mm]

sounds like a great trip...where are the pics?

[TSW]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_hunt_08_4_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10404&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_hunt_08_6_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10406&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_hunt_08_7_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10407&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

[TSW]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_hunt_08_8_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10408&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_hunt_08_9_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10409&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_08.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10410&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_08_2_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10411&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

[TSW]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_hunt_08_10_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10412&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Goat_hunt_08_11_.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10413&size=big&cat=500&ppuser=5879)

[The Dawg]

Amazing pics, congrats on a successful hunt!

[BCbillies]

Congrats TSW on a well earned billy and the quick kill at 262 yards.

The mountain where we set up camp yielded fewer goats than I had expected. The sign was plentiful but most of the goats had moved off to greener pastures.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2008_Goat_Hunt_-_Camp_1_at_Lake.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10416&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

By noon on day 2 we had spotted 51 goats in total, most of which were on the adjacent mountains, and meant that a little more effort would be required. The goats were lower than anticipated, but not suprising given the previous two weeks of crappy weather and some fresh snow hitting the peaks.

When TSW's goat went down at 4:30 pm on day 2 we knew we had our work cut out in order to make it back before dark.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Back_to_Camp_Scenic.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10417&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

An encounter with a single grizz at 70 yards slowed down our progress somewhat but after a short standoff he continued on towards the killsite. A little while later Gerrygoat ended up with his backside down in a creek (not by choice) but quickly shook it off and kept on going. By 10 pm we dropped our packs at camp.

On day 3 we decided to move our camp 10 km to another mountain where we had seen two goats of interest. Gerrygoat had to leave us for other committments and by dinner TSW and I made it to our destination. We crept up to the cliffs from above and I motioned to TSW that we were onto two goats and one one a hawg. We were less than 200 yards and in perfect position for a shot with very little by way of cliffs below them.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2008_Goat_Hunt_-_Two_Billies.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10414&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/2008_Goat_Hunt_-_Big_Billy.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10415&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

The big billy was the monarch of this mountain and dwarfed the other billy. He had a tank of a body and a big Roman nose and long snout. I have seen few goats of this size and he was all mine. For more than half an hour we watched these magnificant creatures. We took video and photos and ended the hunt with the memory of this billy... he will live perhaps to die of natural causes. We backed off the cliff edge and set up camp. I am 100% satisfied with the decision and we celibrated with double the helping of Mountain House (4 packs) and called it a night.

Thanks to my hunting partners for their determination and willingness to slog it over 40km on a mountain range I had looked at from a distance for the last 10 years. I don't know of many that compare!


http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/Grizzly_Scenic.JPG (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10418&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

Another grizzly siting on the way out (bottom left corner).

[Mik]

Congratulations, beautiful pictures.

[BCRiverBoater]

Curious on why you never went after the big Billy? No room to pack it out with the other goat already being taken?

[mark]

Incredible pics man! what part of BC? Why didnt ya plug the big billy?

[Brambles]

I feel this story isn't done, where's the pictures of the hog billy down?

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Great story and spectactular pics, many of which give that "achey" feeling!! :cool:


SSS

[Krico]

So there was another tag in hand, a smasher billy in range, and you didn't drop him because???

Congrats TSW on a nice billy, and thanks for the pics guys!

[Blainer]

Great story!Great pictures!Great goat!

[guest]

Strange you can't see the scent glands behind the horns on that ....Billy?
Congrats on your goat, man they take nerve and a ton of hard work.
C/T

[Avalanche123]

Well done with your goat. Incredible area you were hunting in too. Lots of sweat equity in that hunt!

[BCbillies]

Strange you can't see the scent glands behind the horns on that ....Billy?
Congrats on your goat, man they take nerve and a ton of hard work.
C/T

The scent glands don't often show until October.


So there was another tag in hand, a smasher billy in range, and you didn't drop him because???

Congrats TSW on a nice billy, and thanks for the pics guys!


I feel this story isn't done, where's the pictures of the hog billy down?


Incredible pics man! what part of BC? Why didnt ya plug the big billy?


Curious on why you never went after the big Billy? No room to pack it out with the other goat already being taken?

I was the second shooter and with an excellent LEH tag in hand for use in October/November I had no pressure. I was looking for the "wow" factor with regards to horn size....he definitely "wowed" me with his body size. If this was my only goat hunt this year things would have ended differently.

This hunt took place in Region 6 -Coastal.

[pitbell]

Awesome job guys. TSW, sweet story and great billy.
BCbillies, it takes a certain caliber of hunter to pass on a goat like that. I salute you!

[rifleman]

thats a great story & beautiful pictures. nice goat congrats on your hunt.

[guest]

Nice to have those late season tags for a nicer coat, I was unaware the scent glands don't show till later. All the billy hunts I have been have been Early Sept. and Early Oct. and they have all shown, large bulbiss like glands just behind the horns.
What was the age of the one harvested, he's got some nice horns.
Awesome pics of the country you hunted. Thanks for sharing.
C/T

[TSW]

According to the inspection sheet on the harvested goat, he was 3 1/2 years old.

That beautiful country sure keeps a guy dreaming for more! Maybe we'll have to go take a closer look at the one BCbillies passed up next year! My guess is Gerrygoat will be itchy by then!!

[ThinAir]

Beauty pics boys. Good shooting TSW. BCbillies will hammer a monster later this fall.... I have a feeling..

[BCbillies]

Beauty pics boys. Good shooting TSW. BCbillies will hammer a monster later this fall.... I have a feeling..

It would have been a bonus had TSW been onto the big billy with an uncut tag...but decisions had to be made and there are not regrets. The moment I stepped away from that billy I decided to forgo the bighorn hunt and focus on the grizz and that elusive billy hiding someone out there! I like your feeling. :smile:

[6 K]

Good job boys! Wish I could have been with you. Nice goat, and good shooting T.S.W. Wat did you think of the Mountian House? B.C.billies You know what you are looking for and you'll know when you find him, good on ya for holding out. Hopefully I'll find one this fall too. Hey boys, how was "The Sheraton" tent :mrgreen:?

[BCbillies]

Good job boys! Hey boys, how was "The Sheraton" tent :mrgreen:?

The Hilleberg Kaitum 3 was good for 3 guys and a dream for 2. The extra length was nice for storage of goods inside the tent. I like the venting system especially when humidity was at 100% and you have a full house. By using the footprint the vestibule area works good to house the guy who can't control his gas! :-P

The weather never allowed us to really test the tent in regards to high winds, rain, snow, etc ...perhaps this fall!

[Orangethunder]

Great pics and a great story. Thanks for sharing. Sadlly I am without an LEH for goat this year. To top it off I have been glassing some at work (when I am out of the office:sad:) and they are in a pretty approachable spot. Good luck to all you guys with a draw and those close to a GOS!!!

Cheers

[guest]

Just got back last night from 5 days in reg. 3 for goat. I went with the intention to only shoot a billy, hopefully my biggest to date. Well, after an ATV ride in with a good friend who busted his _ss ! Helping me out, His first goat hunt, and long hikes everyday, straight up and straight down, finding and stalking 2 nice bills to with in shooting range ..... 3 times, all for not. I could not pull the trigger knowing full well that either goat could roll, tumble, crash for up to 1000 feet or more. Some areas were for sure no retrieval. I just could not get either stay out of those danger zones. Getting ourselves into spots we should not have been in. The family would not be happy.
What incredible creatures those Mountain goats ! What incredible scenery ! They live in the most inhospitable landscape man could attempt to inhabit. I again give these critters ultimate respect, we could not get above either billy. There spots of chosen residence was unapproachable to everything but Birds. To cool where they reside, were tired, but inspired, If I ever get the ball rolling on posting pics I do have a few good ones.
Congrats to all those hard working goat hunters, not many come easy.
C/T

[guest]

p9010042.jpg
Sorry folks, can't figure this mac out from my iphoto

[gerrygoat]

I found the goat trip with TSW and BCBillies to be quite enjoyable as well. Both are good guys to go into the mountains with. The country was beautiful and we saw lots of game. Next year there will probably be a Goat/Grizzly hunt on the same mountain range and if the big bodied billy is still alive he had better avoid me! Both BCBillies and I have good LEH goat tags and plan to hunt hard in October and November. Knowing that we were going on this Labor Day weekend trip I applied for a hard to get area thinking I wouldn't get it but ended up beating the odds anyway so on the trip we just made I made sure I didn't have a tag so I wouldn't be tempted. Congrats to TSW for a well earned goat it was a long way out there and you did well.

More goat hunting stories and photos to come.......

[TSW]

Here are a few of the pics that Curly Top took on his trip this past week. Looks like he was in some fine country as well!
TSW

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P9010042.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10429&size=big&cat=500)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P9030064_2.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10431&size=big&cat=500)

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/medium/P9020055_2.jpg (http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10430&size=big&cat=500)

[guest]

Thanks TSW for posting for me,
What a great hunt, although I did not fire a shot, I learned a great deal on what not to do ...... just about met my maker. For the 3 chances I had (the 2 billies shown) they were well within range, but I simply refused to try to harvest the Bills where I could not retrieve them. Lessons learned, I'm looking for another spot now with higher mountains so the billies aren't always right in the top.
I wish good luck to all goat hunters with safety first....urg!
C/T

[TSW]

Decided to make a photobucket account finally so I could upload a couple little video clips I took with the digital through the spotting scope of the 2 goats BCbillies passed on. Would you pull the trigger?
http://s383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/tswhunting/?action=view&current=IMGP1531.flv

http://s383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/tswhunting/?action=view&current=IMGP1530.flv

[BCrams]

Great story to read guys.

Video clip billies - I'd pass. Nice goats but not quite 'up' there in the wow factor for me.

[BCbillies]

Video clip billies - I'd pass. Nice goats but not quite 'up' there in the wow factor for me.

I'm in agreement! As much as I like a good supply of goat meat I love to see a solid set of pipes coming out of the skull! The season is young....:smile:

Curly Top - That goat in the centre photo looks like he is in a decent position. I can only assume it's what we can't see behind him that made you decide otherwise or perhaps that goat simply isn't a shooter?

[guest]

I'm in agreement! As much as I like a good supply of goat meat I love to see a solid set of pipes coming out of the skull! The season is young....:smile:

Curly Top - That goat in the centre photo looks like he is in a decent position. I can only assume it's what we can't see behind him that made you decide otherwise or perhaps that goat simply isn't a shooter?

He's in a spot, where he see's everything, last year he spotted me going across the basin when I thought he was feeding on the other side. Then went straight to the Real Knarly mnt. top. Where he is ya can't get above him. The other side is open slope steep terrain, and even see's all that. Man he's in the best place he could be, exact same beds as last year. Late afternoon, doable but .... take an hr. to get to him, if he falls on the other slope it's an overnighter, next day clouds socked right in.
Other places I've successfully have been in for billys is higher and they seem to have more bedding selection without being right on the top. In areas where you CAN get above them.
The slope angle does not allow for one slip of the foot, one change of momentum, your done.
If he hung up on an outcrop mid slope ........ Uhhh ..... helllp!
I just don't want to make burger or smash and crash one of these things up, the way you hear and see some times .
I don't think it's right, to loose the animal in a non retrievable area would make me sick, and bottom line ..... some of the area's these things live is not worth my life, I have a great family and it's not time to go yet! kind of LOL ...kind a.
I respect any and all you or we successful goat hunters that have busted their @!@%$$$! for there goat. It truly is my feeling that They the Bills should be held in highest regard for the challenge they take rather then a Ram. Not Saying Rams are not a big challenge they are, and I too have hunted them successfully, But Billys are in the worst of the worst stuff, most of the time.

TSW, thanks for sharing the great video footage, your hunting party was privileged to experience the animals up close.
C/T

[gerrygoat]

curly top I too would be sick to my stomach too if I lost a goat in an inaccessable spot so far it hasn't happened to me or my partners and hopefully it never will. We too have passed up lots of goats for the same reasons you have and never regretted doing so. Good call on not shooting next time things may work out better for you.

[The 'Hummer']

Excellent and excellent pictures!!! Great looking country and definately a hunt to remember. Congrats, big time!! I just recieved a picture from my daughter about success on another Goat hunt. The animal in question was taken with what appears to be a traditional bow.

[ThinAir]

Love the video TSW. Defiantly a good call on the "passing" of the billie.
He's got the the big body and roman nose- but just doesn't have the horns to go with it. You guys can do better!

[ohno]

That looks like amazing country and an amazing hunt.

[kennyj]

Great stories and photos guys.Thanks for sharing.I'm goatless after several goat hunts and lots of goat tags where they were open.I've drawn a goat tag in a nasty area several times but couldn't find the right one in the right spot.Saw some monsters but not worth dieing for.I'll keep trying.I love that country.
kenny

[kennyj]

TSW Congrats on that Billy.He has huge horns for 3 1/2 ?
kenny

[gerrygoat]

I was visitng BCbillies last night, talking, looking at HBC, groping the new 375 Ruger and we both commented on how much we enjoyed this trip. We saw no other people, lots of animals and were in beautiful country. We definitely want to go back next year and I'm sure TSW will want to go there again too. I had some of the sausage from your goat TSW on Saturday, man was it good it also brought back good memories. You need to pick up the deer meat from BCbillies.