Montana Mountain Goat

[Gerald Martin]

Randy, I think that's a pretty good billy. He's got some good bulk in his body and his face is not "cute" anymore.

 

[----]

You find Ol' Roy up there?

I did, she was being a good old nanny and even had two kids sleeping on her at one point.

Randy, I think that's a pretty good billy. He's got some good bulk in his body and his face is not "cute" anymore.

The bedded one? I think both him and the walking one I have three pictures of are both good sized billies, but the bedded one looked best.

The first picture in this set is looking in to the basin we were talking about setting up camp in. The lone goat I watched walked across the bottom of it and in to the basin to the right in the sunlight.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Looks like you have found some worthy opponents. Unfortunately, I think I might need to unsubcribe from this thread until the hunt is over, as my plans of being a guest sherpa/spotter have been cruely dashed by Uncle Sam, and I am not sure I can stand the disappointment.

I was really hoping to put a new spotting scope to work for you out there, if only for a few days. I guess it will have to wait until you draw your BH tag next year...

 

[----]

For you guys that have been on these hunts- what do you think about general shot distances?

Rifle #1 is 10 pounds and I'd feel pretty confident shooting at a goat out to 400 or so.

Rifle #2 is only 6 pounds, but I'd only want to be shooting at a goat out to maybe 200-250 with it.

Think it's ridiculous to pack that extra weight for the little extra yardage? Or is it pretty reasonable to expect to get within 200?

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Make Gerald carry the 10lb rifle.

 

[rmyoung1]

For you guys that have been on these hunts- what do you think about general shot distances?

Rifle #1 is 10 pounds and I'd feel pretty confident shooting at a goat out to 400 or so.

Rifle #2 is only 6 pounds, but I'd only want to be shooting at a goat out to maybe 200-250 with it.

Think it's ridiculous to pack that extra weight for the little extra yardage? Or is it pretty reasonable to expect to get within 200?

I'd be inclined to use the lighter rifle. In my (limited) experience with goats, getting within 250 yds is doable. Getting one to cooperate in a place where you can recover him is the trick. Usually, an extra 150 yds of rifle range doesn't help that part of the hunt very much. It's always tough climbing, though, and the lighter rifle might be appreciated. Just my two cents...

 

[HSi-ESi]

On the rifle choice - the pro's and con's make it a pretty even wash. The 10 lb gets to be a pain when you are 'cragging' around, but it's more than manageable. You can definitely work in a shot under 250 yards, but there might be a situation where you just can't get under 250 yards without spooking the goat.

I would take both and leave one in the rig. Although MH's suggestion is perfect, Gerald could have the 10 lber as a 'bear' gun.

 

[Missoulaz28]

Split the difference. Take my 270.

 

[MHMT]

Looks like it's going to be a fun hunt. I miss being up in that country.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Make Gerald carry the 10lb rifle

says the guy who was going to be Sherpa and carry us both up the mountain. Now he putzes out with some lame excuse when he sees the mountains are steep.
What calibers are your rifles Randy? I'd be inclined to take the lighter gun myself unless it was a lightweight caliber as well.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

says the guy who was going to be Sherpa and carry us both up the mountain. Now he putzes out with some lame excuse when he sees the mountains are steep.

Yes he does. I would have told him rifle 2 all day long, if there had been a chance I was going to have to carry it.

I am never going to live down not following you up that drainage, am I?

 

[----]

I am never going to live down not following you up that drainage, am I?

I won't give you a hard time, Ross. I think it's admirable for a guy to know his limitations like that. If you can't make it to the top, you can't make it to the top.

Gerald the lightweight's a .308, so not worried about knockdown power at the ranges I'm willing to shoot it. I just can't shoot it as accurately as I'd like from field positions.

 

[Big Fin]

I know of an ultra-light Howa 7mm-.08 with a great Leupold scope that would probably be a pleasure to carry up and down those ridges, if you are interested in shooting the first animal with such rifle. It even comes with many boxes of free ammo and CDS dials that you can adjust for your liking.

 

[Gerald Martin]

I am never going to live down not following you up that drainage, am I?

Given what your excuse is that one dig is all you'll hear from me. Too bad you can't make it.

Gerald the lightweight's a .308, so not worried about knockdown power at the ranges I'm willing to shoot it.

No I wouldn't be worried about it either.

However, can a guy pass up an opportunity like Big Fin just set on the table?

Rifle # 3 gets my vote! Better yet how 'bout we let Big Fin pack the rifle?

 

[Big Fin]

However, can a guy pass up an opportunity like Big Fin just set on the table?

Rifle # 3 gets my vote! Better yet how 'bout we let Big Fin pack the rifle?

Say when.

Hopefully "when" is a time I'm not on the road. I would really like to help with this one, bum wheel and all.

Heck, this is so close to my house, I could actually sleep in my own bed, assuming you guys are not planning on some sort of marathon backpack effort to get the full "ambiance and effect." I did that when I shot my goat. Highly over rated when I was 30 and even more over rated when I am less than three months away from turning 50.

Wonder what Randy11 thinks of my entourage of camera guys who are usually following me around on these endeavors?

 

[Gerald Martin]

Wonder what Randy11 thinks of my entourage of camera guys who are usually following me around on these endeavors?

This is Randy( Beardar) Hodges we are talking about here. Is the world of outdoor TV able to contain his persona? Those camera guys aren't prima donnas who are scared of throwing 30lbs of bloody goat meat in the same pack as their camera gear are they?

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Given what your excuse is that one dig is all you'll hear from me. Too bad you can't make it.

I am finding out our fearless leadership in DC isn't that concerned about my hunting habits.

The worst part of the whole deal is, I already had my wife convinced that a 4th trip out west to hunt this year was a good idea.

 

[jryoung]

I am finding out our fearless leadership in DC isn't that concerned about my hunting habits.

The worst part of the whole deal is, I already had my wife convinced that a 4th trip out west to hunt this year was a good idea.

Can you bank that amount in the "trip out west" account for next year?

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Can you bank that amount in the "trip out west" account for next year?

You know I am going to try...I might wait to broach that topic until after the dust settles from this hunting season though.

 

[jryoung]

You know I am going to try...I might wait to broach that topic until after the dust settles from this hunting season though.

Swaro spotters were meant for the west, don't keep that thoroughbred on the short track...let it run, stretch it's legs.