Hi everybody,

I have been offered a late Oct mountain goat hunt with SMO. Any references on this oufitter/area? I don't know if it is too late considering the weather, if it is a good area...

Any help would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

I guess that if, after more than 100 views, no one has answered, that's an answer itself...lol

I can't comment on the outfitter or hunt I wish you all the best no matter what! The mtn goat is on my bucket list but I don't know if I'll get it done. Got to beat the "C" first!

While I do not have any personal experience I can comment I must say that the communication I had with them has been quite friendly and knowledgable so it might be worth pursuing a hunt here and ask them for references.

I know this outfitter's area very well as I was born there into one of the pioneer families of the region and worked for the government forestry and wildlife agency there. I am very familiar with the terrain and hunting conditions.

This, is among the most beautiful parts of BC, but, it is very rugged, wet, can be quite cold and the ground is very slippery. Hunting is hard, much harder than in most parts of BC and you will work for your trophy.

If, you do hunt here, be in VERY GOOD physical condition and capable of shooting very well under difficult field conditions. For RM Goats, a tough and hardy animal, I would suggest a .300 Magnum-180 premium bullet and even a .338WM or 9.3x64B. is not out of place.

There are a LOT of Grizzlies here and encounters are frequent and sometimes result in injury or even death. I usually carry one of my .338WM-250 Nosler rifles in that area and do not consider myself to be "over-gunned", whatever that means.

Do not forget your camera and bring a spare pair of broken-in climbing boots.

I would be nervous about the weather that time of year but that is just my two cents. I have hunted northern BC a few times and they want to be done and out of there no later than the first week of October. I shot a goat with Kawdy Outfitters (Bart & Stan Lancaster). Always had great times with them. Good luck.

The weather CAN be warm, gorgeous and the changing leaves and azure skies are beyond description in their beauty. Nights will go down to about 10*F and days will hit about 70*F.

However, SOMETIMES we get severe rain/snow storms at opening day in Sept. and the conditions in early-mid Oct. CAN be pretty miserable. We used to prefer hunting in December because we were/are primarily meat hunters and prefer cold weather and tracking snow. However, we were/are used to the cold and snow and dress for it.

I would hunt goats in mid-October in this area and very probably will this coming autumn. Ask your outfitter about what clothing-gear to bring for whatever time period you are hunting.

Many thanks for this, guys. Very useful indeed.

SMO runs 2 areas which one is the hunt planned with the one in the east or west kootenay.

I was just about to post the same thing on this outfitter..
I have done lots of research on them, and there doesnt appear to be any negative information on them. It all appears to be positive.
They are also part of the BC guide association.
I will shortly call references and see what they say.
Keep the info coming.
Thanks,
W.

Found this.
http://outfittersrating.com/pr...php?id=4&species=141
I also know that the owner of Shoshone has personally hunted with them and took a nice goat.
I have booked trips where the booking agent has never hunted with the outfitter, and that makes me uncomftorable. I hope this helps.
W.

Update.
I have been dealing with Shadow Mountain outfitters, and it has been going smoothly, and a list of references will be emailed to me today.
Will hopefully be booked within the next couple of days.
Thanks,
W.

If, you do go, you will find this to be the most beautiful region you have ever seen and you will never forget the experience. BUT, GET IN SHAPE, this country is almost perpendicular and very bushy, wet, slippery and tough to traverse.

If, you need help with a gear list and suggestions for specific brands/types of gear for this hunt, PM me and I can/will help. Do not "cheap out" on gear as this country wrecks crappy gear and even the best wears out quickly.

Checked References, checked internet, checked with a couple people who I have great confidence in>>>>
My hunt is Booked for Mt. Goat with Shadow Mt. Outfitters. Not for a while, but cant wait.
W.

I hunted mountain goat in Southern BC last October 16-26 and the weather was never an issue. I encountered flurries once. Other than that, it was pretty mild. Lows of 20 in the morning and low 40s by the afternoon.

In my opinion, you're better off in late October because the goat's fur will be much thicker than late September.

Best of luck. Post some pics when you get back.