Two years ago I ran across an article on goat packing. My first thought was "what the heck?".
A few months later I had my wife talked into buying two goats ( to start with ; ). After scanning the internet and
the bigger metro papers, we found some for sale locally. The breeder has been in business for years and just
didn't advertise. They should! They were delighted that we were going to use them as pack animals
rather than for meat.

Flip was born in December of 04 and Yoda in January 05. Both are Whethers (neutered males). At 4 months both weigh about 40lbs.

When full grown, they'll be around 200lbs. I plan on posting more photos as the training progresses. Stay tuned!







This photo was taken at 5 1/2 months of age.
They're loaded up and ready for their first big adventure.
Regrettably, we didn't take a camera on this first outing. We should have. It went much smoother than we'd anticipated. We walked them on an old gravel road that meanders through a typical Northwest forest, comprised of Douglas fir, Maple and Hemlock trees. Both goats decided they were going to lead the way this time out.
We walked about a mile up the road with frequent rest stops. Both of them enjoyed tasting virtually everything along the way. Their favorite seemed to be Salmon Berries... Although the occasional Fox Glove was nothing to turn one's nose away.

This first outing lasted about 2 hrs and covered app. 2 miles. There were many rest stops along the way.

Note: A full grown Whether ( 4 years old ) can carry a load equal to 25% of it's body weight.



A day hike near our home



Now 2 years old, Yoda and Flip are ready to do some light packing. The first trip planned is a spring 2007 Bigfoot expedition in the Mt. Washington wilderness area here in Oregon.


2007 Mt. Washington Expedition
This area in the last 20 years has had several credible encounters with the hairy creature known as Bigfoot. The last encounter was in late summer 2006. The next most recent event was summer 2003. Just prior to the  B&B Complex  fire. We were concerned that the fire had consumed too much of their natural food sources, or the subsequent loss of cover might force them out of the area. After receiving word of the August 2006 encounter, our fears of its forced relocation have been dismissed.

Our small group plans to set base camp near Mt Washington. Using the goats as the muscle we will pack further into the wilderness to set up infrared cameras and sound recording equipment.


Baiting with food:

Several people going on this expedition are in agreement that being in the right place at the right time is the biggest factor. Not food.

Seeming to be nomadic and following their food source ( like bears ). It may be weeks or even a month before they cross the same path.  Unlike bears, these creatures seem to be very willing to investigate odd goings on in their own backyard.

Summary:

In our opinion baiting with food isn't necessary to spark their curiosity.


Calling:

We've never actually tried calling these creatures to us. Although we've heard of people doing it. We've found. If they're around, they'll let you know it sooner than later.


What makes them vocalize:

In my opinion it's territorial. Every encounter in this area has had nothing to do with suddenly startling one of them. They just come from no where and let there presence be known. In two of the instances they seemed to be a bit agitated over something.

It's been proven that mimicking them or other loud noises (gun fire) only raises their blood pressure. They don't like it when something tries to intimidate them. They have a very short fuse in this situation. It's probably best to let them believe they're
in control. Just sit back and enjoy their presence (nerves of steel required).












Both Yoda and Flip are now 2 years old. Flip weighs 190lbs and Yoda weighs in at 170lbs. Both goats will be able to pack in quite an amount of gear on this trip.






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