other animals

[hihobaron]

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

Duck \-Slayer


Hello Duck-Slayer
While I do not have a lot of goat camping experience (YET) I do have years of Horse Camping.
I agree keep them close to your camp High Line is what I have used for years with horses would use the same with goats. Bells too.
Were I don't have to pack the whole camp site gear set up in (Truck Camping) I like and use Electric Fence from Horseguard.
The make a unique type called Bi-Polar, It is a web tape about 1 1/2 inches wide,. Unlike normal web tape systems it carries both the hot and ground side from your fence charger on the same tape. You do not have to drive a ground rod in. This makes for a VERY hot charge on the fence it even works well on thick hair coats like sheep and Angors. Also works in dry soils or snow much better than normal earth ground systems. Bi-Polar makes excellent main farm fence also. 

More little tricks I have used on containing livestock.
Under electric fence: Solar Powered yard lights zip tied to top of step in electric fences post pointed into pen for night lights. Also warns other campers were you have your fence set up.
Even though it is low level light it will let you see critters in the dark, also wildlife tends to stay away from light.
Something else for your stock you can use the little flashing led warning lights like bicyclers use when riding after dark.
Put one on the collar along with a bell. The battery's last a long time and you only run them at night.
I have had lots of fun with them on poll straps on horses at night, all you have to do is look for the flash of light. You know were critters are at a glance. 

Firearms:  I am a life long hunter and competitive shooter I always carry. Don't even consider a gun unless you know how and when to use it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moving  on:
There are more "Preditors " out there especially closer to city's with 2 legs you need to worry about than the 4 legged kind.
For a general use gun I like a 4" Ruger 357 revolver, I have a laser mounted in the grip for after dark shooting, put the dot were you want to hit and take your shot.. BTW: I keep a couple Snake loads first up then 3 rounds of defensive ammo.
I also carry some light target loads I can take game with for the dinner pot

If you feel a 357 Mag is to much for you drop down to a good 22 long rifle, revolver better to shoot accurately and hit then to shoot with a big gun and miss. There are some nice 22 single action revolvers on the market for around $200 that are good shooters.
A step up ( Price wise) is the Smith & Wesson 22 Kit gun, there are some others out there from Rossie/Taurus of similar design as the S&W.
Advantage of a 22 you can shoot to practices and be good with it.

Last gun if you are in a area that "Restricts" real guns. Go with a AIR Soft pistol. fires a plastic .20 round ball has a report similar to a 22 LR but will not kill, it dose sting like hell.  Good for repelling dogs, on the trail. Also they are made as exact replica copies of their big brother real pistols. The good ones use CO2 and are reliable. You can get one for around $100.

Bear Spray/ Mase/Pepper Spray USELESS

If you have a predator that big giving you a problem  Mag Pistol or Heavy Rifle is the only thing to use. Bigger is always Better.

Happy Trails
Good Shooting
hihobaron