Gents,

I've heard stories of some good Mt. Goat hunting in those areas, but know little else about the subject. Well, except that the hunts are usually based off of large boats and the Goats come down in elevation due to the weather.

There may be other spots, like Port Snettisham, or maybe farther south, way south?

Anyone have any hints?

Hmmm, I knew this might be a tough one. I've posted this question on three sites, and no hits yet.

Maybe I should have put Craig Boddingtons name in the title.

Brian,

Not to much action in Tracy Arm, I think it is one of those well kept secrets. But yes there are goats there and they are very huntable. Weather and Sea are your main problems...
Here is a lead for you on a very nice couple that can take care of your needs for a goat hunt. Ocean Point Alaskan Adventures, They specialize in unguided hunting trips for Alaskan residents (discount for residents also) as I said they don't guide but provide transportaion and accommodations. E-mail ocanpoint@gci.net Web site www.oceanpointalaska.com Phone toll free 866 367 7614 They are life long Alaskans and know their stuff. Located in Juneau. Hope this helps.

John

Brian,

I also wanted to tell you about Berners Bay (north of Juneau) area, just as good as Tracy Arm and accessible from Juneau as well. I believe all you need are registration permits for the hunts.

John

John,

Thanks for the help! I was starting to think nobody had any information.

Berners Bay is so close to Juneau I would have thought there would be a lot of pressure? We were in Juneau a couple weeks ago, and drove the road out to the boat ramp.

I've got the charts, but was wondering if you had a suggestion for anchoring up?

About Tracy Arm...

Are the goat's all they way down towards the head of the bay (the glaciers?) Or, are the just 'anywhere' depending on the day?

Thanks for the lead on the transporters from Juneau. I'll have to give them a call and find out their price. It could be close to what it would cost me to put my boat on the ferry to Juneau, gas to Tracy Arm, and back, etc. Even if it's a little more, it's much more relaxing when it's someone elses boat!

Brian,

There are some fine goats just north of Berners Bay, not to much pressure, from what I can gather. Keep in mind it's a tough hunt late in the season. I'll let you know later on Tracy Arm, I will be there Thursday the 4th. I'd go with the transporters, your point is on the mark. The weather can turn really snotty and you could be stuck for some time, better to go with a larger boat and someone who knows the water etc.

Give me a call next time you are in Juneau.

John

Thanks John! I look forward to hearing about your trip.

One problem with that area, boating wise, is the lack of large scale charts. Of course large scale means 'more detailed' the opposite of what most folks think, me included.

Then again, the underwater topography doesn't really call for it, as it's either really deep or sheer cliff in most spots. Not a lot of 'nuggets' to run into at low tide.

Please take notes of likely anchorages, or if you folks anchor up, the lat/long would be most appreciated.

I've taken several long (relatively) trips in my boat here in S.E. Alaska. The longest was from Petersberg to Craig going through Wrangell Narrows, across Sumner Straight, then down the west coast of Prince of Wales. I put about 500 miles on her that week. She's a gas engine boat with a nearly new Volvo-Penta 5.7GS and Duo-Prop outdrive.

Fuel is the biggest concern, as 200 miles is about the limit between refueling. I can't be running up and down both Arms everyday.

I plan on buying an older diesel troller or tri-cabin in the next year, but for now I'm running what I got.

I'll be checking the topos and the charts around Berners Bay again, as that sounds good too!

Again, thanks for your help...

Brian,

The trip to Tracy Arm was incredible. I was on a large cat with a group that I was escorting. Just spent the day, saw a few goats, at the entrance and mid way into the Arm. Altitude was about mid way up the hilsides, in the bushes munching on the greens. Still to early for them to work they way down. There are some good anchorages in the area, once you get into the arm you are out of any of the prevailing winds thus its a good anchorage most places where it's shallow enough or just tie up to shore with enough scope. Just take your time and look for the goats and find a good climb. Man that's some steep stuff! As many times as I have been there it never ceases to amaze me, some of the most incredible country in SE.

John

John,

Thanks for the update!

From what I understand, this is a hunt best done around November. Guess I'll have to wait and see how the weather treats me.