goat hunting gear

Rifles, Ammunition, and Bows

Bring a rifle you are comfortable with and can shoot well. Goats are tough animals and can survive with poor hits from any caliber. They also have a habit of dying in terrain too steep to recover. Anchoring a goat in place is important. However, they are not large animals and good shooting is much more important than caliber. Anything from 243 up is sufficient with decent bullets. A 270 is perfect. Long-range shooting is not necessary for any of our hunting but the ability to take longer shots can be useful on goats. Remember we also take bow clients and are used to sneaking in close. A rifle you are familiar and competent with will go a long way towards having a successful and ethical hunt.

Bring ammunition that shoots well in your rifle. Bullet construction is not nearly as important as on larger species but bullets should not be of the varmint type. Two boxes are plenty. If you have left over ammunition and wish to leave it, it is always appreciated in the bush. Stainless steel bolt actions are the most practical and popular, but not necessary.

If you are a bow hunter you will most likely already have an idea of what weaponry you will bring. Make sure to check the Alaska Hunting Regulations for legal requirements. Generally, we have had better luck with heavy arrows instead of higher velocity. I have recently had good reports of Grizzlystik.

Gun Case and Suitcases

Oversized luggage cases will not fit in small bush planes. Multiple small soft bags are better than one large, hard one. Generally you will leave your large suitcase and/or rifle case with the air taxi before heading into the field.

Binoculars

You will spend plenty of time behind your glass, but nothing like bear or moose hunting. Goats are not particularly difficult to spot, and by nature you will do a decent bit of walking on this hunt. Weight is critical on goat hunts. I prefer 8×30 binoculars and a small spotting scope instead of large binoculars. Your guide will have a spotting scope but if you have a favorite, by all means bring it.

Backpack

These ARE backpack hunts and you will need to carry your gear, some camping gear, and part of your trophy out. If you are not capable of carrying at least an 80lb pack in rough terrain, we can arrange to have a third person (packer) who can help shoulder the load. On most hunts we have a packer with us. Full-sized internal framed packs made by Stone Glacier, Eberlestock, Tenzing, and Mystery Ranch are popular.

Sleeping Bag and Pad

No one can enjoy their hunt, nor hunt for long, without a good night’s sleep. Bring a quality synthetic filled bag rated to zero degrees F or colder. Down bags are warmer for their weight but do not handle wet conditions as well. Get the lightest and best bag you can find. I don’t really keep up on sleeping bags, I have an old North Face one that does the job. Also bring a flyweight inflatable sleeping pad. REI has some great, lightweight air mattresses.

Clothing

Most hunters wear the same clothing for the duration of the trip with a spare set in case they get wet. Bring loose fitting clothing that allows for layering. Bright colors and noisy fabrics don’t do you any favors in the mountains.

Alaskan mountain weather can be extreme and ever changing. It might be raining sideways with howling winds one day and then be 60F and sunny the next.  For that reason, it is important to bring and dress in layers. Expect lots of wind and rain, maybe snow and possibly heat and sunshine.

• Quality Raingear

Good rain gear is a must! It must be large enough to fit over your warm clothing. Although rubberized raingear is better, they are too heavy for these hunts. High-quality breathable rain jacket and pants are the ticket. NO FROGGTOGGS FROM WALMART.

• Boots

Bring well broken-in heavy duty hiking or mountaineering boots. If you don’t know the difference, try some on or ask a mountain climber. Mountaineering boots are less flexible and provide more support. It is a personal preference, but either way make sure to bring quality boots that fit well. They can literally make or break your hunt.

• Camp Shoes

It is convenient to have a light pair of slip-ons to get out of your boots at times. I use crocs, they are tough and weigh nothing. Flip-flops are an option too.

• Hat

One brimmed hat and one warm stocking cap. Balaclavas are also handy.

• Socks – high quality wool.

Three pairs are sufficient. I generally only take 2 into the field. You may consider liner socks under your wool ones.

• Tops

Layers are important. Bring 2 light or mid weight merino wool or polypropylene long underwear tops and 2 heavier layers. No Cotton – you WILL be wet and uncomfortable in it.

• Bottoms

Bring 2 light-mid weight merino wool or polypropylene long underwear and a decent set of synthetic hunting pants. Again, some of the best quality stuff is made for mountaineers, not hunters. Don’t rule out REI or Marmot. Camouflage is unnecessary but avoid bright colors and black. Tan or olive are great mountain hunting colors. No Cotton – you WILL be wet and uncomfortable in it.

• Jacket

Bring a warm, synthetic filled coat. I prefer a puffy jacket and a light pullover.

• Gloves

Bring 1-2 pair. Wool or synthetic are best.

License

You can purchase licenses and tags from https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/

We will be in contact before your hunt to coordinate the proper license and tags. Ask if you have any questions, this is one thing you can’t really do without.

Other Gear

• Camera
• Headlamp
• Batteries or external battery pack – keep it light
• Toiletry kit
• Any necessary medication – PACK IN CARRY-ON, DON’T RISK THE AIRLINES LOSING IT

We can provide you with almost any replacement gear if your bag is lost, but prescription meds could stop your hunt if they are misplaced!

• A paperback book for days when the weather won’t cooperate
• Water bottle