Is that Goat Following Me?

Here is an interesting idea: goats for packing out game in the backcountry.

Seriously! While hunting in the backcountry last year, we ran into a dude who mentioned this idea. We were discussing the problems with worrying / caring for pack mules or horses and he proceeded to tell us how some people utilize goats to carry out their meat. Although he was totally serious, we joked about how funny it would be roaming around the mountains with a herd of goats following us. (I secretly stored the idea in the recesses of my brain.)

You may be saying things like, "yah, right! I'm not falling for that" or "you're crazy. I'm not taking no darn goats hunting with me." (Some of these reactions sound vaguely familiar since I think they spewed from my husband's mouth.) Before forming your own opinion, let me explain why you may want to give it a second thought...

Reason #1: Goats are cute

Okay, while that isn't really a good reason. But I figure if you are going to have to put up with take care of them all year, they might as well be cute. And cute they are!

Although a word of caution - they can jump. Okay - leap. My friend, Garnie, who previously owned goats can attest to this. Big Al didn't see the humor in little leaping goats on the hood of his truck. They no longer own goats. But maybe if he saw the value in how they could help in packing out an elk, he may reconsider their worthiness.

See for yourself how cute these little boogers are...

Reason #2: They will follow

I've been told that your little herd of goats will simply follow you around in the woods. Apparently, they are very loyal. There is no need for pack trail or tying them up. There is probably some training involved in this, and it would be wise to test it out before venturing out on a week long hunt.

How fun would this be though? I would probably be yelling something like "come along my little goatsies!" And in goat-like fashion, straight up the mountain we would go!

Reason #3: Concealment

There has to be some validity into the fact that animals don't get as spooked if they think a herd of non-threatening animals is grazing nearby. I figure - if cow decoys work for antelope hunting, why not live goats for stalking up on deer /elk?

I realize these critters are short, so there would still have to be some type of stalking involved. On the upside - this could make for some interesting video footage. I can see it now. Crawling up in the middle of my goat herd upon an unsuspecting mule deer. Then standing up arrow nocked and loaded to take my trophy deer. Yep, in my dreams. I would then have to change my name to something like "Heidi" or "Hunts with Goats"

Reason #4: I'm tired

I've often been referred to as the mountain goat in our hunting group. This is probably due to the fact I don't mind climbing straight up the mountain. To me it makes perfectly good sense. It is the shortest way to the top. However, if we start venturing any further into the backcountry I would gladly welcome the option to lighten my pack. My legs are tired.

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While I seriously doubt that I'll be able to convince my husband on the whole goat thing, if you are interested here are a few websites that may help:

• Northwest Pack Goats
• North American Packgoat Association (above photo taken from gallery on this site)

Oh, and one final word of caution before purchasing goats: Research your goats. You wouldn't want to end up with a kid that does THIS. (Could make for an interesting trip out of the backcountry!)