Buddy Got a Goat Tag

onstep · 06-20-2003, 12:41 PM

I've got a buddy who has drawn a Goat tag for the hurricane hunt in NE oregon. ( He's playing the lottery tonight the lucky SOB) My question is do we need to hire a guide? We have hunted in this area for deer and elk for years but niether of us can remember if a guide is required by the ODFW. Any help would be great.

Gun Rod Bow · 06-20-2003, 01:08 PM

I don't know if it is required, but I put in for the same tag, and I would hire a local guide that had very good knowledge of those mountains. I've been in a lot of the Eagle Caps but wouldn't want to miss a once in a lifetime chance.

MarlinMark · 06-20-2003, 01:14 PM

No doubt. Hire a guide. Why wouldn't you? Unless there is an ego thing where your buddy just has to do it all by himself, I would do it. A friend of a friend drew a sheep tag in Hells Canyon. He didn't regret his hiring a guide one bit. He says that looking back on it he is very glad he did. He said it made it a little less stressful and therefore more enjoyable.

Mark

Artwo · 06-20-2003, 01:20 PM

Once in a lifetime tag....................No brainer.

JK

onstep · 06-20-2003, 01:23 PM

We have a great relationship with the area biologist and no doubt he will be their with us. I believe we will end up with a guide it's just a matter of finding out if we have to. I'm so pumped for this hunt what an opprotunity!

[ 06-20-2003, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: onstep ]

Gun Rod Bow · 06-20-2003, 02:15 PM

In Montana as I recall there was a mandatory class for goat hunters to reduce taking of the Matriarch ewes who are so important in raising of the herd's lambs.

Apparetly they are often the largest goat in a group, lead it, and have horns and were being harvested misstakenly.

Good luck, what a great hunt. That Hurricane Divide area is the top of the world over there.

GRB

Scar Face · 06-20-2003, 04:36 PM

What a great surprise......

Bring lots of film. Hopefully a digital so you know you got a good shot.

No guide required but once in a lifetime hunt would mean spend the money. Better start collecting cans now. They have pack animals too.

Only requirement is that you check out through a local district ODFW office within 72 hrs so they can pin one of the horns.

I thought there was a minimum curl too. The guide would know if it was a record book or not. Then boom.

Better start getting in shape now too. Its a lot of walking, that's why it's once in a lifetime.

Big Willie · 06-21-2003, 06:59 AM

Onstep...first, tell your buddy congrats!

I've packed into the Eagle Cap with Matt and Mark McDowell from Joseph. They are brothers and really know thier stuff but really just a couple of great guys. I would HIGHLY recommend these guys. They used to own High Country Outfitters, but got bought out (or something like that) and the new owner ruined the company. They are on thier own now. I'll find the number and give it to ya.
Gary

[ 06-21-2003, 08:00 AM: Message edited by: Big Willie ]

onstep · 06-21-2003, 07:55 AM

Big Willie,
Thank you for getting that info. We are in the process of finding a guide who is qualified for this trip. Since we have only been able to hunt goats since 97 there aren't alot of expieranced guides in oregon for these critters. Any help would be most apreciated

GutshotApe · 06-22-2003, 07:18 AM

onstep - of course its just my opinion, but if my huntin' buddy or I drew a goat tag we'd rely on our own resources, and consultation with the district ODFW game biologist, to find a big billie. There are very few experienced Oregon mtn goat guides...and anyway, the best source of info will be the local ODFW bio...most of whom can and will take extra time to assist you. But hiring a guide (as distinct from a packer), to me, is almost a form of cheating...for me it would eliminate the sense of accomplishment to be gained by doing it yourself. If its a once-in-a-lifetime thing, why not expend the time & effort do it the "right" way...and leave the guides for the tourists?

Are you and your buddy hunters or just shooters? :whazzup:

Big Willie · 06-23-2003, 07:46 AM

Onstep...still looking for the info and will post it tomorrow...or today!

I believe the new (Oregon) record goat was guided by the McDowells a couple years ago. There is a Wallowa area paper online that might have some info still.

I think a guide is the only way to go. You are DEEP in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the only real way to spend a week is packing in with horses. Your friend will be hiking on 8000-9000ft ridges and getting the first 6000ft done on horseback would be great.

[ 06-23-2003, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: Big Willie ]

Big Willie · 06-23-2003, 08:16 AM

Here you go...

Marlene, Matt and Marc McDowell
(800)681-6222 or (541)432-4145
Email:eagle@oregontrail.net
Web: www.eaglecapwildernesspackstation.com