Off on another adventure

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Rick P

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Palmer Alaska
Archery mountian goat hunt this time. I'll be in the chugach range hunting the fleet footed masters of the cliffs. Taking the cheap camera to save on wieght but I can post the pics I get when I return if you guys would like. This is a very tough hunt and I will be solo, I am headed for haging glaciers well above tree line about 20 miles from the road system.
 

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Years ago I had this idea in my head that I would be pretty good at archery. Buddy took me to a indoor range and my first shot I almost busted a light out ;)
 
I use to do the archery gig way back when. Use to go to San Clemente Island to Boar Hunt. Flew in by small sea plane and then 8 wheeled it back into the hills. Avalon was the town we got the 8 wheeler. Got one big pig out of two year hunts.
Used a Bear Bow, no sights, Howard Hill broad head points. Fun, Fun, Fun. As I said that was many years ago. Longivity has me now, but still have my Bear Bow.
 
I would VERY MUCH like to see the photos when you return to civilization. By the way, is it safe to go out there alone? Also, one other urbanite question: Is this a sport type of hunt, or is mountain goat edible? I would think packing the beast out would be a real effort.
 
Good Luck Rick! I would love to be going on a hunt like that. Archery is my way of hunting also. Love my custom Mahaska recurve and self made arrows from my own turkey harvests. Never hunted sheep but have hunted mule deer in the rocky slopes of New Mexico and javelina in the red hills of Texas, both with my dad and friends. Some great times and memories. Be safe and shoot straight!
 
OOPS said:
I would VERY MUCH like to see the photos when you return to civilization. By the way, is it safe to go out there alone? Also, one other urbanite question: Is this a sport type of hunt, or is mountain goat edible? I would think packing the beast out would be a real effort.
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First let me say that good questions like these is what leads to a greater understanding.

Think I will take this in order of importance.......at least in my eyes. NO hunter kills something without using every part of the animal he can! That is not to say EVERY hunter has the skills or knowledge to use more than the meat but we all strive for two things. 1) a quick and humane kill. I am very proud that none of the harvests I made so far this year took more than a step! 2) Getting the meat and usable parts out in great shape. Mountain goat is EXCELLENT table fare one of my favorites! Also the hide is amazingly warm and makes excellent gear and blankets!

My freezer is nearly full. For me Goat, especially with a bow is a spiritual hunt. It would also be nice to round out the diet a bit and add some variety but that is not the primary goal in this case. Being an active part of nature and challenging myself are. For me alpine hunts are a sort of pilgrimage..........I know I dont expect you to understand it any more than I can what drives folks to risk it all to visit the holy land. Or why Tibetan buddhists would crawl up a mountain to walk around a lake. For lack of a better way of putting it Alpine hunts feed me spiritually because of the effort they take, the environment they are in and the constant risk of injury or death.

So.....no solo Mountain Goat hunting is not considered safe. Mountain goat hunting is not considered a safe hunt in a group, injuries are common and at least one fellow pilgrim falls to his death every year. Archery Mountain Goat is considered one of the most difficult and dangerous hunts in North America. The first year I did this hunt I was the only one to sign up! This year there was one other.........there has never been a year where all 10 slots were full! NEVER! I have till October 15th so I am waiting for a weather window. I'll take a bunch of pics next time, all you would have seen was a couple of rocks obscured by rain and clouds this time around.

The effort to get in is more than most would attempt, getting a Goat out once it is down is the most physically challenging thing I have ever experienced! A big billy can weigh 350 pounds! You do not pack them out whole or in one trip. All the meat is carefully removed from the bone and packed out. IF there is time (IE its colder than 50 and I dont have to beat the weather or sunset down the mountain) I even scrap the hide before packing it as you loose 5 pounds or so of fat from the hide in the process. It has to be done before tanning anyway.

Side note Mountain goat is not truly a goat. Recent DNA studies put it in the same family as the Musk Ox. Nice since the Musk Ox was thought to be the only living example of it's family.....no one wants to be that lonely.
 
Rob73 said:
Years ago I had this idea in my head that I would be pretty good at archery. Buddy took me to a indoor range and my first shot I almost busted a light out ;)
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So did I......in fact just about everyone lets one fly into the lights or the river, sky, neighbors car, the fence, Back window of the truck, or living room the first time they try to shoot a traditional bow. The wheel guys have similar, but not as sever experianaces. But once ya start getting close to the bulls eye its incredibly addicting!!!!! Dont tell but the guys I roomed with in college and I use to shoot in the house we rented!
 
You know Rick, I can honestly say that you are the very first 'hunter' that I admire and have respect for. You live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet and it is obvious from reading your great posts that you not only love your part of the world, but you care for it too.
 
Awesome! Good luck, Rick!
I haven't targeted mountain goat yet, (though I did apply for a hunt last year) but no matter what you hunt in AK, it's a lot of fun.
Gearing up for some moose and caribou hunting in the coming weeks.
 
AKPenturner

Havent herd form ya in a bit. Good luck on your hunts! Do give Goats a try when ya get the chance! Very unique and challanging hunt.
 
Skiprat;

Thanks man! But I am not alone, I can introduce you to thousands of hunters just like me. OK maybe not as crazy but definitely with the same take on hunting. And yes we all do care deeply for the woods and waters that make our way of life possible. Unfortunately it's sport killers who spend the most so media gets built around them. Often folks get the impression that horn porn is what it's all about. I have yet too see a hunting show that had much in common with what actually takes place on a hunt!They are also the cause of most of the black eyes hunters get. Remember that here in America most of the founders of the conservation movement were in fact avid hunters Adolpho Leupold for example. Ducks unlimited is responsible for more wet land preservation than any other organization here in the US. And without Teddy Roosevelt, a very avid hunter, we wouldn't have a public lands system.
 
MrWright said:
I use to do the archery gig way back when. Use to go to San Clemente Island to Boar Hunt. Flew in by small sea plane and then 8 wheeled it back into the hills. Avalon was the town we got the 8 wheeler. Got one big pig out of two year hunts.
Used a Bear Bow, no sights, Howard Hill broad head points. Fun, Fun, Fun. As I said that was many years ago. Longivity has me now, but still have my Bear Bow.
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Are you sure that was not Catalina Island?
 
Thanks for answering my questions, Rick. When I saw the photos you posted I thought, "How is it possible for a hunter to get up there?" That's why I wondered if it was safe to go alone. If you twist your ankle (or worse), it would be impossible to get help I would imagine. I was also surprised when you stated that they are about 350 pounds, as they look even larger in the photos. Perhaps their coat makes them appear even larger?

Anyway, thanks again, and now I REALLY look forward to learning more about this adventure!
 
Hmmmm..

Paladin said:
MrWright said:
I use to do the archery gig way back when. Use to go to San Clemente Island to Boar Hunt. Flew in by small sea plane and then 8 wheeled it back into the hills. Avalon was the town we got the 8 wheeler. Got one big pig out of two year hunts.
Used a Bear Bow, no sights, Howard Hill broad head points. Fun, Fun, Fun. As I said that was many years ago. Longivity has me now, but still have my Bear Bow.
Click to expand...

Are you sure that was not Catalina Island?
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I have to ask the same question. I've spent many week long trips to Santa Catalina Island and plenty of time in Avalon and at the Isthmus. We used to go there on our summer super activity in Boy Scouts. I was trained to scuba dive for these activities. The backyard of my parents old house in Las Vegas had 3-400 abalone shells in it when they sold it 9 years ago. All collected by myself, my older brother, and my Dad. (Yes, they were collected for the meat!) The new owner specifically requested they be left and actually paid extra to keep them....

I could tell you a very funny story about one trip, but it would only embarrass someone I haven't seen in a very long time, tho, I considered a very good friend.

I can tell you that the reason there are Javelina on Santa Catalina is because Mr. Wrigley (founder of Wrigley's Gum) was an avid hunter and when he built his mansion on top of the hill there, he imported around 100 breeding pairs. Since then, they have multiplied, and last I heard, there were almost 1300 individuals on the island! Of course, I haven't been back to Santa Catalina for almost 30 years.....

CdirtO
 
Rick,
I sure wish you luck on your hunt. I'm sure you considered the risk of a solo hunt, just be careful that son of yours needs a daddy. In my three years in Alaska I hunted and fished by myself only one time did I feel threatened, but that's a long story. Keep us posted and pics if possible.

Ben
 
OOPS said:
Thanks for answering my questions, Rick. When I saw the photos you posted I thought, "How is it possible for a hunter to get up there?" That's why I wondered if it was safe to go alone. If you twist your ankle (or worse), it would be impossible to get help I would imagine. I was also surprised when you stated that they are about 350 pounds, as they look even larger in the photos. Perhaps their coat makes them appear even larger?

Anyway, thanks again, and now I REALLY look forward to learning more about this adventure!
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Gunther starting school and the weather has me stuck for the next week, but I will keep everyone posted. Like I said fun hunt and lots of time so I may wait for a really good window.

"How is it possible for a hunter to get up there?" It often isn't! Many times I have climbed as far as possible only to watch them play on slopes I would need to rope off for. They are indeed much leaner than they look there coat is very thick and fluffy, much like there cousin the musk ox. Actually a lot of critters are heavier than they look. Anyway there coat is amazing long almost colorless guard hairs that transmit heat much like a polar bears and stunningly dense underfur for warmth. Over heating can be a real problem in the summer months.

Ya know Washington state is rather close, you ever make it up this way I'd be more than happy to take ya on a ability appropriate tag along hunt. Find out what it's really like for yourself.
 
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Ben and Ooops

I have actually gotten a lot more careful since Gunther joined our family. I dont push the safety envelope more than I am comfortable with and I often do more observing than chasing on hunts like this. I carry a cell with me and it sometimes even has service.........I do file a trip plan with two people and stick too it!

I think it might be wise if I pointed out that I train for these hunts for months, I have years of mountaineering experiance and I have folks who know what to do if I am late for back up. This is not hunt for the inexperienced, in fact the state requires a guide for non residents. IF an alpine hunt is in your dreams please be smart about it, no matter what state you live in. And go for it! Time above tree line can be life changing.
 
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Rick I wish I was back in Alaska with ya on that hunt, I use a long bow,and its not as hard as othes think,Killed many animals,and you have to get every part of meat edible you can in Alaska,use to be, I was in the military, got my bear first , moose, caribou,and many grouse,ptarmagan, I envy you but be carful on those clifts, i know you done it before ,its hard packing meat out of those places if your on a lone hunt,keep us informed love to see pic
carpblaster
 
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