Everyone is always pumped up about their first hunt of the year. Having “Pump Up the Jam” on repeat in my head seems to occur often as I gear up to head out in search of antelope, elk, deer, or whatever else we may be chasing for the first hunt of the year. But this year will be a little different as I won’t be actually be the hunter, and yet, I think I’m more excited than ever. Being able to sit back, glass, spot, stalk, spook and help out my good friend Phil and his quest for a Montana mountain goat is something that not many people get to do.
Getting dirty (Sophia Photography)
Having someone you know draw a Montana Mountain Goat tag in itself is nearly impossible, and having that person being a good friend that asks you to come along is another rarity. He drew a tag in south Central Montana in the highest mountain ranges that Montana can provide, and it’ll be nothing short of an extremely tough and grueling hunt. After all, they are the largest high altitude mammals in their habitat. According to our maps, we’ll be constantly hunting and hiking between 9,000-11,000 feet elevation. To make it even more difficult, Phil has decided that a bow will be his weapon of choice for the first week or so of the hunt, unless that once in a lifetime billy shows up, then all bets may be off and the boomstick may have to come out.
Being prepared for this type of backcountry, DIY, self-guided public land hunt is vital, and I thank my friends who have shared ideas and equipment with me as we head off into this unknown land near the so-called “Roof of Montana.” My friends Josh and Matt hunted this same area a few years earlier when Matt from onXmaps was lucky enough to draw and harvest an awesome mature billy. Josh gave me some great tips on this hunt and I’m sure they’ll come in handy. So much to get ready still…optics, tent, sleeping bag, water purifier, knives, lighter, mountain house meals, my onXmaps GPS, warm and cold weather clothing, rain gear, boots, socks, Dora the Explorer pillow pet, etc. etc. and all have to be carefully planned out and placed into my pack with weight in mind as we head up into the unknown…I can’t wait! Only a few more days and we’re out of here. Wish us luck, we’ll need it. Time to Stalk and Spook us some Mountain Goats! Here’s to the beginning of fall, the first hunt of the year and hoping for as few as possible Stalk and Spook successes and at least one epic Stalk and Spook Failure. Yeehaaaw!
Montana backcountry
