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BlakDeth
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
364 Posts |
 Posted - 11/02/2011 : 05:55:52
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Sorry I've been out for awhile. Last few weeks have been a blur and the pups are frustrated. Finally got a chance to provide an update on the mtn goat hunt my friend drew. We headed back out a couple weeks ago trying to take advantage of the lingering warm weather and beat the high country winter. We made it in and were greeted by goats with gorgeous, flowing coats. We pitched camp and glassed goats high above and then hit the sack. Up early the next morning and we climbed 2600 vertical feet within a mile of camp. Long story short, we spotted goats and thought one of them may be a billy and mature enough to try to take this late in the season. After a technical stalk with a wolf howling in the next drainage to add to the experience, my friend got set up for a shot and explained to me in a hushed voice "you judge, I shoot. You're here to judge the goat, I don't really even enjoy your company". Understood. The goat came out from behind a tree, I looked carefully, thought he would meet the 8-inch criteria my friend wished for, and gave the thumbs up. Within 2 seconds the goat collapsed after the shot, a perfect hit on a difficult shot. 122 yards almost vertically straight downhill, us on top of a cliff, the goat bedded beneath it. No small amount of difficulty for a shooter with vertigo issues.
The goat as he lay. He never took a step.
I was releived to see that he was the size I had judged him to be. These things are incredibly difficult to accurately size up.
My friend was extremely pleased. So was I. A great day.
Headed down the hill with the payload.
Overall, the two trips we made were extemely satisfying for me. I feel fortunate to have taken part in it especially since it's very likely I will never draw one myself. The country, scenery, and wildlife were incredible.
Now it's on to birds. Headed out today with IdahoNavy |
"Blakdeth is flat out wrong."
-harold |
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wingnut
Supporting Memeber - Boulder Roller
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2011 : 12:18:42
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| Great post Aaron, beautiful billy congradulations to you and your buddy.. |
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brymoore
Sage-grouse>150 posts
199 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2011 : 14:34:30
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| Good stuff. My sons and I ran into some mountain goats while deer hunting this year. Cool animals. |
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situk
Supporting Member
USA
533 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2011 : 14:39:17
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| Wow, spectacular country, hunt, and adventure. Very nice PE and thanks for sharing. I am already jealous that you went from hunting goat to chukar in a day. Way cool. |
Todd Petersen
Supporting Member |
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Tuckota
Supporting Member - The Legend!
1372 Posts |
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Tuckota
Supporting Member - The Legend!
1372 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2011 : 18:03:12
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| I keep coming back to look at the pictures of your hunt. Thanks for sharing. It brings back many fond memories of intimidating country where each step can be a journey in itself. |
http://tuckerschukars.blogspot.com |
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goat
Blue Grouse>50 posts
108 Posts |
Posted - 11/21/2011 : 22:50:01
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Wow! I missed this earlier. Great photos and congrats to both of you on the successful hunt. I love the high country as well.
So no more Idaho snowcock sightings on the 2nd trip...?  |
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Spot n Stalk
Hungarian Partridge>300 Posts
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2011 : 18:18:01
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Those are simply incredible photos! I can hear the silence and smell the fresh air that is Montana high country! No pressure on judging 8" horns on a Mountain Goat...unless you're a regular at the various Cabelas and S.Warehouses it's tough to get experience judging such an animal.
Thanks for sharing,
SnS |
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High Country
