speedgoats

mnhuntr_82 · 08-10-2006, 09:01 PM

im going bowhunting in western north dakota at the end of the month for speedgoats. i was wondering if anyone has been to this part of the state with success and if anyone has tips for bowhunting these animals

game4lunch · 08-10-2006, 10:17 PM

Not familiar with Western SD, you might contact a local game warden for that info. Or even a nearby sporting goods store.
As far as bowhunting goats, bring all your lucky medalions, charms, and such. (lol) Two very popular strategies are sitting in a blind on a water hole, and spot and stalk using a decoy.
The first works best if you have the opportunity to put the blind up a week or so before hunting it so the goats get used to seeing it there. Not neccessary, just helps. Also, blinds on water work throughout the season, (not neccessarily opening day), and they can make you successful from dawn to dusk. That's how long you should plan to sit in one. A blind can be a hole you dig out of a cut bank with some brush stacked in front of you. doesn't have to be a Double Bull or anything.
I prefer the spot and stalk with a decoy. It's just more fun than sitting on your can all day. There are a few decent decoys out there that are light enough to carry around. I even made one from some thin insulation board a couple years ago, but you'd have to be able to paint a goat on the cutout.
Now, if by some chance you get to hunt on private land like a pivot or stubble field. locate an obvious crossing point through (under) the fence and hide yourself nearby.
One last thing, if you don't have one, get and practice with a 50 yard pin!
Good luck . . . and good eating.

BareBack Jack · 08-11-2006, 11:04 AM

I have been over to the Northern half of ND.Been to Beuhla,Sakkawea,Garrison,Dickenson mostly fishing.Did see some goats,the country is mostly rolling plains and UGLY

(sorry you guys),compared to what I'm used to.As you get closer to Montana it takes shape of Eastern MT like around Glendive and Glassgow.The wind blew ALOT,and there were not many trees,lots and lots of farm ground.
I would say best bet would be spot and stalk with a decoy.
BBJ

RoyalWapiti · 08-13-2006, 09:55 AM

OK Guys, what gun for antelope?

I'm in a state where we haven't been able to use rifles for deer hunting, thus, I don't own a rifle. But, will need to buy one if I draw my tag. Only other thing I have hunted with rifle is hogs in Texas, I took my muzzleoader. So I don't plan on using the rifle much. My state just started to allow rifles now for late season (January doe hunts). I was thinking .270. That way I could use it for hogs if I go back to Texas and deer and antelope.

Am I on right track?

Also I plan to buy a basic bolt action like Rem 700 synthetic or Win 70 synthetic (Wal-Mart Specials) any suggestions? Also I plan on spending $200-250 for a scope, any suggestions? My wal-mart still has the guns, at least until further notice. (Employee said they are only store in my area with them, and within the month they will be yanked from the store. They already quit selling them online)

My research has led me to the Nosler Partition 130gr bullet for the 270.

My preference is bowhunting, I've hunted elk in 4 different state with bow. but my son want to hunt something and he hates archery. Be in western SD on private land.

Thanks

game4lunch · 08-13-2006, 11:00 AM

.270 would be a great caliber. Zero it in for 200 yards though. Many reasons, but goats like to be a long ways away. Zero'd at 200, the .270 130 grain will be in the kill zone for anything 250 and under. Even at 300 yards only drops 6.4" So you hold it 3-4 inches high on the hide and BAM! You got meat in the freezer. Also, it is a very popular and common caliber and would be easy to find in the remote areas you may end up in. It also loads up to 150 grains which can be used for close (100 - 200 yards) Elk hunting. Also, easier on the shoulder (kids, females) than the .06 or 7mm Mag.

As far as gun/scope . . . I personally would spend $100.00 on the gun, and $400.00 on the scope! Good optics my frriend will make or break your hunt. Does Walmart even sell a bad gun? I don't think so. I lean towards the Savage models. Very close tolerances and very affordable. Don't go cheap on the scope. A variable up to 12 power is highly recommended for long range goat shooting. Nothing worse than having that 14+" goat out so far that your crosshairs cover up the target! It happens.

turkeyward · 08-13-2006, 12:07 PM

Hey bud:
For an affordable accurate gun you really should check out the Savage packages gun and scope togethter. I dont have one but hear tons good and nothing really to speak of bad. Only bad reputation for Savage is ugly guns and the bigger calibres kick. They are winning all the factory gun shootouts in all the magazines for accuracy.
I would stay away from the Winchester brand until they either go belly up or get on track

cherokee_outfitters · 08-13-2006, 02:08 PM

I hate to say it be turkeyward is correct savage is making a big comeback on accuracy in the standard gun right off the shelf. I've shot a couple small bore shoot's this year and the savage was right in the top three. I say good for them, but now focus on making the gun look good and put some nice wood on it.

RoyalWapiti · 08-13-2006, 02:40 PM

Thanks guys, that's what I was wanting to know. I saw the savages at walmart, they are ugly. I guessI wasn't worried about the win deal, my understanding is they are just closing the US plant, and guns will be made in ***an.

Now I need to get drawn, last year it would have been a sure thing, fewer applicants than tags, but who knows what will happen this year.