other animals

[TOU]

I have a question for those who use there pack goats for hunting, do you ever have problems with bears, Mtn. Lions, wolves, etc... while you are out and about either hunting or hiking? how do you handle this type of problem? do you just stake the goats out when overnight camping in the mountains?
Matt

I have not hunted with my goats but am planning to next year. Where I have been going there aren't much for wolves...yet...but there are LOTS of cougars and bears as well as coyotes and bobcats. If there were Northern wolves to the extent that they are in Alberta Canada where my family resides...my habits and responses would likely be quite different.

This past year I spent some time in the High Uinta's among other mountainous areas with 6 of my pack goats...moving camps every day. The first night I low-lined several of them but not all...what a pain in the neck, they hated it and so did I. The next night I was more careful and low lined only the two herd masters type goats...better, all stayed around no problem. By the 3rd & 4th nights they were more in the routine, tired, more relaxed, had shelter close by if it stormed...and so bonded to me...humans in general...that I can't imagine them going anywhere. (I couldn't even relieve myself without my peanut gallery of 7 looking on at all times...dog too. ) On the last two nights I didn't tie anyone. The last night there was a bit of a natural corral that they seemed to naturally stay in. There was lots of browse and they had learned to stay in "their camp"...not the "human camp". They wandered around the perimeter of our camp through the night a bit but basically stayed near my tent overall. All was perfect each morning. As noted above they are so bonded to me and seemed to be very concerned with going anywhere besides with me or one of my kids...human generally, that I can't imagine them going anywhere. As far as predators, I may be in error...but there is something in me that has concerns with tying my goats up with a sign that says "Dinner is served" with no ability to flee or defend themselves.

That all said, if I was in Western Montana etc. where wolves were much more prevalent...AND...was in a long term encampment (base camp), I would likely strongly consider the portable electric fence scenario much more seriously. (Kinda tough if moving every day several miles and up and down at 11,000+ feet.) That said, with out the power of a true "BEAR" fence I'm not sure it would make much difference to a determined and hungry alpha predator.

Just a couple of thoughts...

TOU