Surprise goat encounter

[mdunc8]

I was tagging along with a buddy of mine who drew a moose tag here in Montana when we walked up on this guy. We were setup above a marshy area when he walked around the corner. He didn't seem too concerned that we were around until I crawled within about 25 yards. I've done a lot of backcountry snowboarding above treeline where I've seen plenty of goats. However, this guy was along a cliff band surrounded by thick timber at 7,5000 ft, which is about 2,000 ft below treeline around here, and no where near a ridge high enough to get out of the timber. Is this that rare or does it happen more frequently than I thought it did? He looked fat and happy so I don't think he was ill.

 

[ashersdad]

Great looking pictures. Neat experience.

 

[----]

I had something similar happen this year. Spotted this guy way down in a canyon at ~3500 feet. Treeline is around 6500 in this area. Must like to wander every now and then.

 

[Lawnboy]

The biggest goat I have seen on the Bridgers was laying on an open hillside by some sagebrush. I rode the horse right by him. I saw one lone goat 3 years in a row in the same general area. He was big.

 

[mdunc8]

He was one the ridge north of Buck Creek overlooking the Yellowstone Club. Probably Bill Gates' pet.