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Kodiak Island – High Success Mountain Goat Hunt at a Great Value

Travis Baker
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  • Travis Baker

Mountain goat hunting is the ultimate mountain hunt in North America. These animals live in the most rugged yet spectacular terrain and deserve respect.  It’s not a hunt for the faint of heart, but a rewarding one for sure. For the second year in a row, Alaska was good to me. This would be my 6th time hunting The Last Frontier.  It gets in your blood. Last year I was fortunate enough to pull a very hard to draw caribou permit in the Alaska Range and came home with a great bull.  Earlier this year, I was lucky yet again. This time drawing a mountain goat permit on Kodiak Island. The best part about drawing the tag on Kodiak, besides the incredible hunting, is the great value hunt that we offer (30%-40% lower than most other goat hunts) with a long-time outfitter. The odds of drawing this permit are also quite good (about 1 in 3) as it’s a random draw (no point system) so everyone has a fair shake. 

The season on Kodiak takes place from late August through late October and we focus on the latter part of the season when the hair on these goats is at its best. I booked my hunt for the last week of the season.  This adventure begins with a quick float-plane from Kodiak City to a little lodge tucked away in a remote bay on the eastern side of the island. I was introduced to my guide (non-residents have to hunt guided for mountain goats) J.R., and we discussed the game plan for the next few days. We went over my gear and re-packed.  Mountain hunts require you to go as light as possible as you’ll be required to carry all of your personal gear as well as just enough food to survive for multiple days on the mountain. Good footwear, even better rain gear (leave the Gore-tex at home!), a good sturdy frame pack, and quality optics are your most important pieces of equipment on any Alaskan hunt.  Oh and be physically, yet more importantly, mentally tough.  

After checking the zero on my rifle and a quick bite to eat, we were shuttled out by skiff for a quick ride to the opposite end of the bay.  From there, it was all on foot. We had about a three mile hike along the creek before we began our climb. Now, the hardest part of the hunt begins.  It’s time to “bushwhack”. Fighting your way through the extremely dense Alaskan vegetation, the salmon berries and devils club, is the worst part. Some of the thickest brush you can ever imagine.  We fought our way through it, slowly gaining elevation, before it was time to set up camp for the night. We collected water off the mountainside to boil for a mountain house dinner and were fast asleep.  Our climb would continue the next morning.

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We broke camp just before sun up, enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and oatmeal to fuel up for the remainder of the climb.  Alaska goat hunts typically start at sea level, climbing upwards of around 2,000’. So, altitude isn’t a problem like it can be on other goat hunts in Canada or the Lower 48.  We climbed the remainder of the morning, setting up our final camp just below goat country. We were pretty spent after the morning hike, and after lunch, debated about hunting the afternoon or getting a fresh start in the morning.  But, the weather was cooperating (usually not the case in Alaska!) so we decided to take advantage.

We had a short hike into our bowl where the goats should be, and after topping out, we located several of them on the opposing side.  They were scattered about, all bedded. Some in very steep country and unapproachable.

The hardest part isn’t always getting into position for a shot, but making sure you can recover your goat. The terrain is steep and can be quite dangerous to navigate.  One goat, in particular, stood out to us. It was off on its own (typical of a mature billie) and was definitely the largest bodied goat of them all. Our dilemma was time.

It was already mid-afternoon and it would be dark in about six hours. It was going to take some time to make our way over there.  We debated about waiting and coming back the next morning when we had more time. We just weren’t sure where they’d be by then. They could be anywhere. We decided to make a move, dropping down into the bowl, crossing the boulder-filled bottom, and up the other side. We were careful not to bump the other goats.  They’re not too spooky to begin with anyway. After all, they virtually have no predators crazy enough to venture up where they live, except for the occasional grizzly. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally had made it to where we thought this lone goat was bedded. J.R. crawled up ahead of me to have a look and anxiously motioned for me to crawl up as well. I could tell that was a good sign.  The goat was still bedded in the same spot! I got into position for the shot. He was 350 yards and quartering to me. There was no time to wait for him to stand as the sun would be setting in a few short hours and we were well over a mile from our camp. I dialed up my scope and had a clear shot of his vitals. I could clearly see he was a mature billie with heavy bases.

I slowly squeezed the trigger.  The big billie never moved, expiring in the bed he’d been in most of the day.

We made our way over to him and admired this incredible animal. An old billie with exceptionally long hair, teeth worn down. He probably wouldn’t have survived another Alaskan winter. He had lived many years on this mountain. After a few quick photos we had our work cut out for us. We had to cape him out and load all of the meat into our packs.  The sun would soon be setting over the mountains and we had a grueling hike back to our tent with very heavy packs. A great feeling though.       

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We broke camp the following morning and packed all of our gear down to the creek.  Fighting the brush yet again as we headed back up the mountain to pack the goat down.  Somehow, I didn’t seem to mind it as much this time. We enjoyed the last couple of days at the lodge and even got to enjoy a little sea duck hunting, a much added bonus to another successful Alaskan adventure.

sea-ducks-al-15-002

NOW is the time to put in for this Alaska mountain goat permit.  The goats on Kodiak are doing great with a very healthy population of animals. Contact WTA TAGS to apply for this great tag.  The Alaska draw deadline is December 16th! 

To learn more about this hunt, which can also be combined with Sitka blacktail deer hunting, check out:

Kodiak Island Mountain Goat Hunt

Our toll free number is 1-800-755-8247 

See All WTA TAGS Hunts

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Building a Quail Hunter’s Paradise: Habitat Improvements and Day Hunts at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters

Building a Quail Hunter’s Paradise: Habitat Improvements and Day Hunts at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters

Expanding into quail hunting was a natural fit to complement Salt River Outfitters’ already thriving deer hunting operation. With a clear vision and a commitment to quality, we set out to create a quail program that could stand among the best in the region. Drawing on the expertise of skilled dog handlers, seasoned habitat specialists, and our experienced guides and habitat managers, we’ve built something special.

Over the last few years, we’ve been steadily transforming Stonewall Plantation’s land from cattle pasture to high-quality bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible, and unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. That transformation hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. A huge part of that effort has focused on the removal of invasive fescue which had taken over much of the pasture. Fescue chokes out native grasses and eliminates the natural cover and food sources that the quail depend on. Through persistent spraying and management, we’ve brought back the native species and laid the groundwork for wildlife to thrive.

In addition to native grasses, we’ve planted food plots throughout the property—carefully selected mixes of grain sorghum, millet, sunflowers, corn, and Korean lespedeza. These plots not only support healthy quail populations, but they’ve also created a boom in other wildlife. Watching our dogs lock up on a big covey of birds is a rewarding moment, and those moments are coming more frequently each year.

Our last season proved that the work is paying off. Hunters enjoyed productive days in the field, with strong bird numbers and multiple coveys flushed during most outings. Many visitors left with full game bags, big smiles, and stories they’ll tell for years. Based on the success of a limited trial last year, we’re also excited to expand access with guided day hunts this upcoming season. In October and December, we’ll offer morning and afternoon hunts for up to three hunters at a time. Each hunter will have the opportunity to harvest up to 30 birds, with lunch included in the hunt package. It’s a new way to experience Salt River, whether you’re a first-time guest or a returning visitor.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: “My dad and I hunted quail when I was younger, but with quail numbers down, we haven’t hunted them in years.” Last season, a gentleman booked a hunt for his father, his son, and himself—three generations in the field. The stories they shared around the dinner table that night were moving and unforgettable. The joy in their eyes and the bond they rekindled through the hunt reminded me why we do this.

Being part of such an experience—where a grandfather and father can introduce a young man to something they’ve cherished for decades—is priceless. Our goal at Stonewall Plantation Outfitters is to continue creating new memories for many seasons to come.

The habitat is stronger. The lodge is more comfortable. The birds are flying better. And our program now has a proven track record of delivering exceptional hunts. Whether you’re coming for a full three-day experience or joining us for a day hunt, we can’t wait to share this quail hunting heaven with you.

Single Day Hunt Muli-Day Hunt with Lodging Watch…
Authentic Quail Hunting in Kentucky’s Heartland

Authentic Quail Hunting in Kentucky’s Heartland

If you’re looking for a genuine quail hunting experience paired with southern hospitality, our Kentucky operation delivers. Nestled in Bourbon Country in partnership with Worldwide Trophy Adventures, we’ve built an experience that honors upland hunting traditions while showcasing our stunning landscape.

Our historic property, once a cattle farm, has been carefully transformed into prime Bobwhite quail habitat. We aimed to create hunts that feel as close to wild as possible. The centerpiece is a fully restored pre-Civil War farmhouse, now a comfortable lodge accommodating up to 6 hunters.

Unlike confined shooting preserves, our hunting grounds span diverse terrain including ridges, hollows, and rolling hills. We’ve designed multiple routes across the property, ensuring each hunt feels unique and exciting. Guests often tell us that it’s the closest they’ve come to wild quail hunting in years.

We don’t impose bag limits. Arrivals are typically on Wednesdays, with two and a half days of hunting concluding on Saturday afternoon. Our philosophy is simple: create an authentic and enjoyable experience for all skill levels, free from the pressure of quotas.

Days begin with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. By mid-morning, you’re in the field with our skilled dog handlers and guides. We hunt until lunchtime, break for a meal, then head out for an afternoon session. Evenings bring cocktails, appetizers, and a delicious dinner followed by relaxation and camaraderie at the lodge.

We keep our group sizes intentionally small, usually two or three hunters, each paired with a handler and a guide. This ensures personalized attention and ample shooting opportunities. Our guides also will try to get some photos and videos for you to take home.

We take immense pride in our birds. Through an exclusive partnership with an experienced breeder, we offer mature, strong-flying quail that truly challenge hunters. Our dogs and handlers are also top-notch, crucial elements in creating memorable hunts.

A really cool added perk of our location is its proximity to Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail. Many of our guests combine their hunt with distillery visits. It’s the quintessential Kentucky experience. That’s also a great backup plan if weather disrupts hunting.

As another season approaches, we’re eager to share our creation with more bird hunters. With limited availability, now is the time to secure your spot. For details and bookings, contact us! Come experience Kentucky’s finest Bobwhite quail hunting!

Learn about this Hunt Watch Video
Quail Hunting in Sonora Mexico - The Journey Within, A Bird Hunter’s Diary

Quail Hunting in Sonora Mexico - The Journey Within, A Bird Hunter’s Diary

The last stop of my Upland Slam journey was in Mexico’s northern state of Sonora. Sonora is just across the border from Arizona and a bit of New Mexico. For the slam, we would be seeking Elegant quail and doves. In a later blog, I will cover our amazing dove hunting in Sonora. Sonora has always been one of my favorite hunting destinations as the people, culture, terrain and plentiful game ensure that my hunts there are always memorable. In February, leaving the snow in Michigan for Sonora’s warm desert, is another plus.

The main reason we chose Sonora for the Upland Slam was that the state is home to Elegant Quail. Elegant Quail are a New World species of quail that is only found in northern Mexico. Their range reaches from Sonora and Chihuahua into Jalisco, but the majority of the birds are in Sonora. They are commonly found in thorny scrub brush areas inter-mixed with open ground and are usually near cultivated fields. Because these birds are in northern Mexico, which makes them harder to hunt for US hunters, they are not as well-known as the other northern species of quail. Elegant Quail are also the least hunted species of quail. This is not because of low population numbers, which are stable and growing. It is solely because it is more difficult for bird hunters to get to them, especially if the upland hunters want to use their own dogs. Adding to the difficulty is that you need to hunt on private ground and only a small handful of outfitters offer Elegant Quail hunting.

WTA works with great outfitters from all over the world and we have some great ones in Sonora, where our team has personally hunted and vetted the operations. One outfitter, in particular, specializes in dove, quail, and waterfowl hunting. This team knows what they are doing and have numerous areas to hunt. This past spring, while seeking my World Turkey Slam in a single season, I was with this outfitter and hunted with them for Gould’s turkeys. I took two big toms while enjoying some great Mexican cuisine along the way. It was during this spring trip that I started to make plans for my February return trip for doves and quail.

The process for bringing dogs into Mexico is extremely simple, as is the process for returning your dog back to the US. In late 2019, the Mexican laws were changed, starting in 2020, so that no formal documentation was required to bring your dog from the US into Mexico. However, having travelled to Mexico numerous times in the past, I always want to be prepared, just in case there is a snag with customs while crossing the border. As a result, to avoid any potential problem, I obtained a veterinary certificate for each of the dogs. These certificates identified each of my dogs and showed that they were each up to date on all of their shots and vaccinations. I was asked, at customs in Hermosillo, to see the veterinary certificates and I was happy to have the documentation, so we cleared customs without a problem. Our outfitter did all of the necessary gun paperwork, in advance, and met us at the airport to assist in the process. Within an hour of landing, we were on the road to the lodge. The lodge is located on the outskirts of Hermosillo, which is perfect as it allows for easy travel to the different hunting areas scattered in different directions in surrounding Sonora.

There are two species of quail that are open to hunting in the areas around Hermosillo. These are Elegant Quail, the main reason for this trip, and Gambels Quail, which we had earlier hunted in Arizona. We would split our time in Sonora and hunt for both quail on this trip. Our main focus was Elegant Quail and we decided to target them first. From Hermosillo, we headed by vehicle about two hours northeast, which brought us into a rural agricultural/cattle grazing area. There were both Elegant Quail and some Gambels in the area, but the area was preferred by Elegant Quail. When hunting quail, it is not good to start early in the morning as the quail need time to get off the roost and start moving around. We targeted to be at our hunting areas around 9:30 in the morning and to have the dogs down and hunting by 10 am. This would give us a couple of good hours of hunting before the afternoon temperatures would get high enough to cause heat troubles for our dogs. We would take the mid-afternoons off to rest, as the temperatures were just too hot for the dogs to run. Later in the afternoon, when the temperatures started to drop, we could again hunt the last couple of hours before sunset.

After the long travel from Michigan to Sonora, our dogs were excited to be back in the field. It didn’t take long for the dogs to get birdy and, just like all of the other quail species, Elegant Quail like to show off their legs and run like crazy. After a bit of teamwork, we got our first covey cornered and got them in the air. As the cover was fairly thick, I didn’t have a shot on the initial break up of our first Elegant Quail covey. We then set out after singles, which tended to hold tighter and not run as much as the large covey. Both Arrow and Shooter locked up in front of me. I slowly walked up and two quail were in the air. I raised my Benelli Ethos and covered the first bird. After a quick trigger pull, I watched the bird fall. My first Elegant Quail was a gorgeous male. The pressure was now off for the trip as my last quail for the Upland Slam was in hand.

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