USA: Alaska Mt. Goat Sept. 22-28

[Fatback]

I got back this past Monday from a week of trying to get a mt. goat in Alaska. I was hunting out of Homer. The long and the short of it is no mt. goats were harmed during my hunt. We saw several, even a few nice billies, but they were is spots where we couldn’t get to or they were in spots that if shot, recovery would have been too dangerous to attempt.

We were hunting out a a large boat and when not staying on the mountain, staying on the boat was very comfortable. As is typical of an Alaskan hunt, we lost a few days to weather and saw some AWESOME scenery. I am not sure if I will attempt another mt. goat hunt or not. It was by far the most physically demanding hunt I’ve ever done. Here are a few pictures

 

[deewayne2003]

Beautiful pics.... May I ask what your rifle and ammo were?

 

[Fatback]

@deewayne2003, I took a 7PRC that I had built on a Winchester Model 70 action and it was in a McMillian stock. I was using 170 grain terminal ascent ammo loaded by Federal. If I would have gotten an opportunity, I had a lot of confidence in this set up.

 

[R eight]

Hunting in Alaska is hunting. Filling my tags has never been easy. 2 trips to get my ram and 3 trips to get my brownie.

Hunting there is an adventure. I really hope you go back for another crack at a billy.

Great photos too.

 

[Fatback]

@R eight, I knew it was going to be a difficult hunt going into it. This was my third hunt in Alaska. I had previously taken a moose and a brown bear on other hunts. This hunt and terrain was much more rugged than my sheep hunt in the NWT. Congrats to you on your bear and sheep. Those don’t come easy for sure.

 

[Green Chile]

I've been waiting to hear how it turned out. Sorry to hear you had no opportunity. That is almost certainly the most physical hunt in North America and would rival 99% anywhere else. The only hunts I've heard that top it are the Nepal hunts for blue sheep and the Caucus Mountains for tur.

 

[PARA45]

Wow, the scenery is just breath taking! Man, sorry you did not get your sheep. BTW, how did you train for such a difficult terrain and the elevation, especially coming out of GA where is flat. If you don't mind sharing with us more details, how did you train for this hunt, gear you used, what a day in mountain was like. Thanks and welcome back.

 

[Fatback]

@PARA45. As far as training goes, I jog 5 miles a day, lift weights 3-4 days a week as a matter of routine. For this trip I added lots of stair climbing on regular stairs and a stair master machine, while wearing a pack. In reality, I don’t think there is anything that I could have done to fully prepare for such an extreme environment.

As far as gear, I had Kuiu clothing, rain gear and pack. Kenetrek mountain boots and socks. I was using my 7PRC made on a left handed M70 action in a McMillan stock and a proof research carbon fiber wrapped barrel, topped with a Leupold VX5 3-15 firedot scope.

It took me the entirety of a day to climb up to where we camped. Then it’s just setting up camp, climbing in a sleeping bag and trying to get some rest. The next day was spent in the wind and rain looking for a mt. goat. We found a couple but they were either in a spot where we couldn’t get to them for a shot or in a spot that if shot, recovery would have been impossible. Then another night in the tent and the same the next day. We had to come off the mountain after that due to worsening weather. Spent a couple of days on the big boat not being able to get out due to weather. After that we spent another day climbing a mountain, set up camp and spent another night. The next day was spent glassing and peaking over ridges to no avail. Never saw another goat. Then back down to the boat and another weather day of no hunting. Then the float plane picked me up and it was back to Homer to for the trip home. Was able to hunt 3 days, spent two full 2 just climbing and a couple of days on the boat not able to get out due to the weather. Food on the mountain was freeze dried and granola bars.

 

[PARA45]

Thank you for the details! We all know how unpredictable the weather in Alaska is or can be, and I'm sure it was frustrating to have to climb down to the boat due to the weather, knowing you would have to go back up again, and knowing you were losing valuable hunting days due to the weather.

I envy you (in a good way) my friend. You were able to hunt and have these beautiful sceneries of God's country. Alaska in my humble opinion is the most beautiful, rugged country we could possibly hunt. Congratulations.

BTW, what was the weight of your rifle, and gear going up the mountain. Sorry for all the questions, just being curious.

 

[Fatback]

I didn’t weigh my pack but I’d guess it was 35-40 lbs. My rifle is right at 10 lbs. a bit heavier than most would want to take up the mountain to be sure but I like the fit and feel of the rifle and I’ll use it alot more than on a mountain hunt and I also seem to shoot better with a little bit of a heavier rifle.

 

[Betterinthebush]

I missed this report, shoot! I was wondering how it went. Dang, that area is just so rugged. I’ve never hunted it, but drive down that way (Homer,Seward) every year. It’s one of my favorite places on earth and I’ve always dreamt of going after goats in SE. My respect to you for making a run at one very tough to get to animal.