Mountain Goat in 313 - Crazy Mountains

BackcountryNimrod · Jun 22, 2011

Drew a mountain goat tag in the Crazies!

I would greatly appreciate any information/advice on the unit. I am planning to backpack, but may have the opportunity to use horses/mules. Are the trail/feed conditions suitable for stock?

I am planning to hunt later in the season (early November) and could use some information on snow patterns, which areas can be accessed under snow conditions, and what to expect as far as accessing the trailheads (I've been told some of the roads can drift-in fairly early). Are there any areas where the goats come down in elevation with heavier snowfall?

Any info is greatly appreciated - Thanks!

BuzzH · Jun 22, 2011

Had a friend draw it 3 years ago, he archery hunted only and never did get one. He saw lots and lots of goats, access wasnt much of an issue.

Your tag do what you want, but when I drew in 1998 in different Montana unit, I did the following:

I hunted the first part of the season for 2 big billies that I'd seen the previous year while hunting for elk. I decided not to shoot any other goats but one of those 2 early as I knew the hair wouldnt be as good. I saw and passed numerous goats the first ten days or so of the season. I continued to hunt for 3-4 day stretches throughout October and finally killed a good billy with great hair on November 1st.

My theory was to shoot only an exceptional billy the first part of the season, then later in the season, it was more about the condition of the hide for me.

I'd recommend if you're looking for the biggest possible goat you can find, I'd scout the unit early and hunt early. If its just the hide/hair you're after, and trophy quality isnt such a concern...then an early November hunt is good.

Those tags come around so rarely, I wanted to make damn sure I got one.

I'd watch the weather pretty closely if it were me, as once the snow starts piling up, it changes access big-time.

Good luck.

NONYAMT · Jun 22, 2011

If you plan to hunt late you may not hunt at all,snow pattern?This is Mt it could snow tomorrow.

montanamuley85 · Jun 24, 2011

Good luck to you.

If you do decide to chase them in November, watch that weather close. No goat is worth your life.

The Crazies are a trecherous range. If my memory serves correct, a guide fell to his death there hunting goats a few years back.

NONYAMT · Jun 25, 2011

.......fresh snow late june.....

BackcountryNimrod · Jun 25, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Jun-25-11 AT 11:38AM (MST)[p]Holy Crap! Should I bring my skis for the scouting trip?

Are the Crazies a popular area for backcountry skiing and winter recreation?

Elk375 · Jun 25, 2011

One thing to remember is that the Crazy Mountains have liminted access. I would have my goat down by Oct 15th.

NONYAMT · Jun 25, 2011

Dont dink around and blow your tag,get in as soon as you can,Id show up early and find your billy,be ready for the opening day,once the snow flys in the fall your access can disappear overnight.

Zigga · Jun 25, 2011

Opening day?? Who wants a bald goat?

Anytime after October 10th will be fine. Don't freak out over the weather. Just get it done without killing yourself and rent a plane the day before if you have to.

NONYAMT · Jun 25, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Jun-25-11 AT 09:26PM (MST)[p]Bald?Have you ever seen the goats in early sept here?End of August...

NONYAMT · Jun 29, 2011

Im assuming you have never even been in these mountains?You better make a scouting trip this summer to get familiar with the access and terrain,dont show up there without being in there once,it could be really tough.

"I actually agree with NONYA on this."
MTMuley

Edpre · Jun 29, 2011

I actually agree with NONYA on this! That's a great tag and I don't want to sound offensive, but I don't know where you're from, what your western experience is or what your age/shape/preparedness is and I'd hate to see you blow it for those reasons. So here goes: 6 or 8 years ago I took my buddy and two horses into the foothills for an end of season (late November) elk hunt. The first day was beautiful, 40's. Got cold that night- REALLY cold. Water, soda and food froze like bricks. Snow the next day. Then warm, rain, cold and freeze. Then snow. Pulled an empty stock trailer out and BARELY made it. Packed camp out on the horses in two feet of snow, with a layer of hard ice in the middle and more snow falling and temps dropping. So cold that the diesel just about didn't crank over. That was all at the bottoms, WWWAAAAYYYYY below goat country, on the northwest end where the Crazy's are small. Scary, and we were close enough to walk to an occupied house in only 4 or 5 hours. I would DEFINITELY plan either a summer scouting trip or better food for thought - a mid-september bowhunt (or rifle) - You will get the added benefit of running into elk archers who can help with access and sightings info and hunt for goat while you're doing it. Just don't head up there in November un-prepared for weather, or end up wasting 2, 3 or 4 days figuring out where to go, how to get in, or at the worst, how to get out. Just my $0.02 - especially if you're an easterner nimrod like me.
Good luck on the tag and keep us all posted - some of us live out our goat hunts thru those who are lucky and draw!

Edpre

Stubaby · May 9, 2012

Hey, Nimrod.....did you have any luck on your goat hunt? This is the tag I keep putting in for and was just wondering if you had any success and pictures, stories you would like to share.....

Thanks,

Stuart

"That's a special feeling, Lloyd"