Weather
Fog 60's
Goats Seen
0
Wednesday :We ran a little late getting packed up and making sure that the camp was exactly how we found it. Both Johnnie and I are strong advocates of no-trace camping.
The plane was due at the lake by 9:00 AM and it was already Eight so it would be a sprint. I was not too worried about my knee as much but with the heavy pack and the steep descent through the jungle it would be interesting.
The trip down was fun through the wet jungle. We both wiped out a couple times but shook it off and kept on going. Shortly after 9:00 AM we were at the lake and getting our gear organized on the landing. About 9:40 AM the plane landed and we were on our way home.
I spent a couple days in Ketchikan before heading home. We saw some of the local Totem Pole Carvers in action, did some shopping and took in some great dinners. The weather turned absolutely sour and had we not got out of there when we did we might have been stuck there for a couple days.
I said goodbye to my new friend Johnnie and as with many hunts felt a bit of sorrow that it was over. A hunt like this enriches your life in so many ways that its hard to comprehend until you do it. I will never forget the goats of the Misty Fiords and look forward to coming back here again and doing it all over with Johnnie. Next time I'll bring a knee brace.
Hunt Notes This goat hunt was incredible. While many goat hunters see a dozen or so animals and may get lucky to have a shot, we saw hundreds of goats, had two close shots at mature billies and passed up many shots at lessor billies and nannies. I can not emphasize how important physical conditioning is on a hunt like this - if you do not work out and get your lungs and legs in shape you will not have an enjoyable hunt and could get yourself and the guide in trouble.
Guide
I highly recommend Johnnie Laird of Muskeg Excursions for Goat or his specialty of Blacktails and Black Bear. He is everything an Alaskan guide should be and more. I plan on hunting with him again soon for all three species. Johnnie can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] by mail at PO Box 9513, Ketchikan, AK 99901, or by telephone at (907) 225-9513.
Gear used on this hunt:
Bow - Homemade Recurve
Arrows - Homemade Cedar
Broadheads - Magnus II blade 125
Rainwear - 10x Gore Tex suit (not recommend), Peter Storm Raingear (highly recommend)
Clothing - Hidden Wolf Woolens on cold days, Cabelas Thermax T-Shirt (non camo) and skyline cotton pants on warm days. For socks I used Cabelas Thermax expedition socks.
Pack - Camp Trails Moose Bag and Freighter Frame
Food - Mountain House (get 20 oz servings)
Tent - North Face Tadpole - 1 man ultralight
Footwear - Caulks all rubber logging boot. Don't leave home without them. Can be purchased in Ketchikan for about $120.
