Outfitter: Don Fowler, Columbia Valley Outfitters
Area: Golden, BC
Hunt Date: 10/30-11/6
Rifle: Blaser K95, 30.06
Species Taken: Mountain Goat
Species Seen: Elk, Whitetail, Mule Deer
Agent: Wade Derby


Looks can deceive.

The path up the mountain looked easy. Down from our spotting perch, across the stream, through some willows, up a slide, into some timber and reach the billy. From where we sat, it looked easy. Sure.

The hunt started from a chat with our own Wade Derby. He shares the passion, some might call a sickness, of mountain hunting. He told me of an outfit that has good goats, with an opportunity for some big bucks thrown in. After checking with my buddy John, we picked an early November hunt date. Late season weather was a concern, but you cannot discount the opportunity to harvest a long haired goat at this time. We decided to take the dates.

Our flight landed in Calgary. We set off on a 3 hour drive to Golden, BC. That has to be one of the most scenic drives in North America. The road leads through Banff Park, past Lake Louis, and through the heart of Rockies. The kilometers flew past while we gawked at the nature's splendor.



We arrived at Don's home, where the hunt was based. We were provided a clean and comfortable one bedroom house. Sheets, heat, and a shower are a luxury not often provided on a mountain hunt. We were prepared to camp in the field, but in Don's area that is not necessary. Goats are often spotted right from the front porch.

Day 1 brought clear, cold weather. We spotted a nanny and kid up a face. The rut was started, and there very well could be a billy nearby. It was worth checking out. That climb got us up to the goats. But there was no billy to be found.

Day 2 and 3 the weather moved in. We checked some local honey holes for bucks, but no luck.

The storm moved past us on day 4, leaving a 1-2 foot blanket of powder. The snow really made the hiking easier. The deeper snow grabbed our boots, keeping us from sliding down the steep parts


Day 5 afternoon found us looking into the third drainage of the day. Don spotted two goats on the ridge across from us. A nany and her kid. We continued to glass up and down the draw, for no luck. I happened to look back at the goats, and then there were three. We were in business.

We were concerned about daylight at this point. Don was not sure whether we could make the climb and get down before dark. "Don, this is what we came here for." "OK, let's get it done."

The hike was a brisk one. We needed to make almost a mile with 1500' of elevation gain to be in position. An hour and a half later, we spotted the billy resting on a ledge, His back was protected by a sheer cliff, his nose pointed into a bowl beneath. Nothing could get to him on his perch, except a .30 caliber launched from across the draw.

The closest we could get was 358 yards. Any closer we would break from the cover of the trees. Nick found a good rest, I set the crosshairs on his back. At the shot, the goat dropped his head. The next shot was aimed a bit higher, and the goat started to reel. The final shot anchored him where he stood.


My Billy was everything I wanted in this hunt. Long hair, big bases, and an ever so satisfying experience.





Thanks again to Wade and Don for putting on a great hunt!

Great write-up, great animal and just awesome scenery. Congrats and thanks for taking the time!

Nicely done Jack.

Stunning country.

I expected a little more snow, but, it is still pretty warm here in BC. What were your AM temps. like?

Is that the Beaverfoot "main" that you are standing on in your first photo? I would expect to see a number of Moose in that valley on a day like that as the rut should be in full swing there now.

Any Grizzly tracks?

Jack

CONGRATS!! It was awesome getting the "up to dates" from you while you where there via text and calls.

I cannot wait! I am following in Jack's footsteps almost a year to the day. I can only hope to take your billy's twin.

What a stunning goat in some spectacular country!

Were you able to wet a line while there?

Jack, congratulations on a hard earned trophy. See you in Sonora!! The deer hunters took a 170 mule deer today and a good whitetail. Thanks for your trust in me. Wade

Scott,

We had a half day to fish. A 1 hour drive up to a lake where Don has a lodge was the ticket. We fished an inlet where in about an hour, I caught 6 Dollys to about 4 pounds, and a char that went 10. My buddy did about as well. In all, I wish we made a full day of it. That time of year can be nothing short of awesome fishing. You can bring your own equipment, though not necessary. All the tackle you need is provided.

Cheers!

That is my dream hunt........

Just awesome!

You did not have to climb very high to get him, a month earlier and he would have been in the cliffs below the summits as those shown in your "victory" pose.

I have found them in both the BC and Alberta Rockies, in the weeks just before season opening, bedded out on talus slopes that no human could ever traverse with any mountaineering gear...and sound asleep like we do in our beds.

There is a valley, west of where you were, that a number of guides for some of BC's most famed and productive outfitters have told me they are certain holds the next B&C record RMG. It is a beautiful place and I was in it in 1970 backpack exploring, but, it is just brutal in terrain and forest cover and the GOs do not seem to hunt it.

I might have a whack at it next year, but, am getting a bit old for that country. My best buds and I lookouted, fought fire and guided in that area...and I go "home" to the Kootenays every chance I get, wish I was there now.

Bit of a change from SoCal, eh!

Way to go Jack D Bold! Beauty goat and a great experience! Thanks for taking the time to share the report and photos. Congrats!!

That is a beauty...coat doesn't get any better than that!

Congratulations.

Congrats Jack !

Jack,

Magnificent animal!!! The pictures you took are just as impressive. It sure makes it worth your time to take great photos when you can look back at the event with fond memories. Well Done....DAN