2017 Nevada Mule Deer Hunt (w/ Pack Goats)

[Duck-Slayer]

If you have not heard I drew a NV early season Mule Deer Tag. I'm super excited to hunt NV for a Velvet Mule Deer, I wish Idaho would have a few more earlier hunts. Hunting Mule Deer in the Velvet is probably my favorite type of hunting right next to Bowhunting Antelope! Anyway its been a busy summer trying to keep the goats in shape and myself (not going very well) so this might be a little of a struggle, But not to bad. I am taking my 2 biggest goats, Mr. Black (221 lbs) and
Mr. Buck (196 lbs). Had to get them tattoo's to go across state line's and a Health Certificate from the Vet, All is good and was able to get them both taken care of. Now it's about packing and continue getting in shape.
Matt
2nd - 2 miler today


1st - 2 miler today



Packing the gear


some DirtNapGear broadhead sharpening


Mr Black and Mr Buck on a 2 miler last week, These are the two that are going with.

 

[1_pointer]

Way cool! Though I do not see myself ever being able to live where I'd be able to make good use of them, I'd love to have some smaller pack animals. Goats and donkeys top my list. Interesting in following along.

 

[JLS]

You hunting the Rubies? Good luck!

 

[Crossbowguy]

Good Luck

 

[Duck-Slayer]

You hunting the Rubies? Good luck!

no sir,
Matt

 

[Duck-Slayer]

Way cool! Though I do not see myself ever being able to live where I'd be able to make good use of them, I'd love to have some smaller pack animals. Goats and donkeys top my list. Interesting in following along.

Yes the smaller pack animal are great, biggest thing I never have to bring food for them! Make's the trip alot more enjoyable since the goats are so easy to take care of, they pretty much take care of themselves. Not sure if you have seen my 2 pack goat trips for deer and elk last year.
Matt

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Looking forward to following along! Good luck!

 

[Grundy53]

Looks like fun. Good luck!

 

[Bambistew]

What measures do you take to prevent interaction with bighorn sheep?

Likelyhood of interaction is low, but goats escape, wander or do crazy things. I've seen sheep (bighorn and dall) very close to my campsites before, like less than 100 yards.

 

[Southern Elk]

I always enjoy following along on your hunts. How much weight do you put on goats that size?

 

[vanish]

When does the season open?

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Very cool!!!!

 

[jeremys4]

Season should open 8/10

 

[1_pointer]

Yes the smaller pack animal are great, biggest thing I never have to bring food for them! Make's the trip alot more enjoyable since the goats are so easy to take care of, they pretty much take care of themselves. Not sure if you have seen my 2 pack goat trips for deer and elk last year.
Matt

I have and they are a large part of the reason I like the idea. I've been on a few hunts with horses. While nice, they are a bit more work, in the hills and at home, than I think I'd want. It's mostly all moot as I do not see my wife moving to a state where it'd make sense to own them. I'll continue to live vicariously...

 

[ida homer]

What measures do you take to prevent interaction with bighorn sheep?

Likelyhood of interaction is low, but goats escape, wander or do crazy things. I've seen sheep (bighorn and dall) very close to my campsites before, like less than 100 yards.

That's been the bummer about my pack goats. If there is one sheep in the unit I'm going to hunt then I don't bring them. It's not worth the risk.

There are 2 new studies out supposedly debunking it, but I wouldn't consider taking them into sheep country until it's a well known consensus.

 

[Duck-Slayer]

A little snack packing, and on the road, here I come Nevada.
Matt

 

[vanish]

Good luck!

 

[teej89]

Awesome! Good luck!

 

[Duck-Slayer]

My view this morning!
Matt

 

[BlakeA]

Good luck Matt! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

I can't wait to be back archery hunting in Nevada again someday.