Book Your Adventure 1-800-346-8747
Book Your Adventure 1-800-346-8747
Sign In
Worldwide Trophy Adventures
Book Your Adventure
1-800-346-8747

Mountain Goat in the Last Frontier

WTA Team
|  
  • WTA Team

Mountain Goat in the Last Frontier

 

For as long as I have been in the hunting industry, Alaska has always been a place that I have been infatuated with. That being said I never had the opportunity to go until this season when I drew a limited entry mountain goat tag through our WTA TAGS program. Now that a successful trip has come and gone, I can say with full certainty, that Alaska was everything I thought it would be – and more. Its vastness and beauty, accompanied by an incredibly strong sense of “wild”, will forever have a hold on me. I’ve always had a healthy respect for mountain goats, but after hunting them, my respect for the animal and where they call home has grown by leaps and bounds. I was fortunate to hunt with a terrific outfitter and learned a lot about these animals and the right way to prepare for one of these backpack style hunts. After completing the hunt, there are sure some things I would have done differently, and hopefully I can give you guys a little insight on what those things are. To assist you I’ve included my “actual” gear list and also my “new” gear list for comparison.

 

  • To begin, from a preparation perspective, my first piece of advice is an obvious one – get into the best shape possible. Not only will this help you from a hunting perspective, it will also help you in your mental game. Most importantly, you will benefit from a safety perspective as well. When you are training make sure you hike with a heavy pack for extended periods of time. There may be days where you have a 60 + pound pack on for four or five hours at-a-time. Cardiovascular stamina is important, but if you made me choose, I would say being strong in your core and leg muscles is far more important. I was not in great shape for this hunt by any stretch of the imagination yet I rarely felt out of breath, however; my legs and core did suffer from extreme fatigue during certain parts of the trip. I was on the golf swing and hookset training program this spring/summer and let me tell you, it’s not a good one to prepare you for an Alaskan goat hunt.

 

  • My second piece of advice is, once again, one that I feel is relatively obvious but should be touched on. Your mental game better be every bit as strong, or stronger, than your physical game. The weather and terrain in Alaskan goat country can be relentless. You may have a five hour walk up the mountain in the pouring rain. Not to be outdone by setting up a spike camp in the pouring rain upon which you will hop into a soaking wet tent with most of your gear soaked to the bone. Things could really get sporty if you were to catch stroke of bad luck and be weathered in for the next 48hrs with nothing to do but look at the inside of your tent. These are very real scenarios that often happen to anyone hunting coastal Alaska for mountain goats. I experienced these in particular firsthand. Keeping a positive mental attitude and not letting the weather and terrain get the best of you will go a long ways. Once that weather does break, and you make it to the top of that ridge, it will all be worth it. Words can’t describe what your eyes will see and all of those perils will quickly be forgotten.

 

  • Third on the list – lets talk about gear! This will be easier to understand once you look at the gear list. When it comes to gear less is more, bring the essentials! A great pack and a great pair of boots are paramount. As far as gear is concerned remember, “cheap meat the dogs eat” buy the absolute best gear you can afford. Every ounce you can shave is important, and gear that can take a beating is definitely the way to go. Even the best gear gets beat up pretty bad in this country. Two of my biggest mistakes where in my boot selection and pack selection. Another thing you should absolutely take with you is a book, a deck of playing cards, or something like an iPad. When you are weathered-in, these small, relatively lightweight items, go a long way for sure! I can promise you I wish I would have had any of the items listed.

 

  • The fourth thing we should discuss is the importance of trip insurance. We have beat that dead horse of the weather being unpredictable in coastal Alaska, but I’ll say it again, these trips into the north-country carry a high risk. I don’t care whether you are in AK, BC, the NWT or the Yukon. What happens, if you can’t boat into your area, or fly into your area? Well, unfortunately, you could be subject to lose all of the money that you have paid for that trip. By the time you arrive the outfitter has paid for permits, equipment, food, made charter arrangements, paid his guides, etc. These are hard cost that cannot be recouped. In the event that weather grounded you for an entire week, getting trip insurance would look like a small price to pay to protect your investment. Additionally, life happens and trip insurance protects you from any unforeseen personal situation that may arise as well.

Hunt Opportunity 

With this particular outfitter there are a couple of different hunt opportunities to call out. There will be a link to each hunt at the end of the article.

The first hunt is the backpack style hunt that I personally did. This hunt is a great value, this hunt runs $8,000 and we are seeing draw odds for these tags as good as 1 in 3. This is incredible for an elite species like mountain goat. Good draw odds, and great pricing, it’s a no brainer for the guy that is physically able to do this hunt.

The second hunt will be tailored for the guy who may not be able to handle the physicality of the backpack hunt. We call this the high alpine lake hunt. This outfitter is taking a specialized airplane and landing it on a high alpine lake essentially in goat country. This is as friendly of a mountain goat hunt that you could possibly go on. Remember friendly is a relative term in regards to mountain goat hunting. If you are worried about your conditioning this is the hunt for you. You bypass the long hike up the mountain and drop straight into basecamp by the lake. This outfitter has had many clients shoot their goat VERY close to basecamp. Draw odds on this hunt are still very good, as good as 1 in 2 in some years. The price on this hunt is $9,000 but the charter is a little more specialized and expensive and comes in at $2,000.

 

In closing, as I reflect back on my trip personally, it was as tough of a hunt that I have ever done from a physical standpoint. At the same time it was one of my most favorite hunts and without question one of my most rewarding. To be successful on a bucket list animal for me personally and to go through what we went through to make it happen, makes it one of my most cherished trophies. This is an awesome venue and an awesome value for anyone who has mountain goat on their bucket list. Call WTA TAGS today and get applied for this world class adventure – 1-800-755-TAGS (8247).

 

http://worldwidetrophyadventures.com/tags/tags-outfitter?hunt_id=1679

 

http://worldwidetrophyadventures.com/tags/tags-outfitter?hunt_id=1680

 

GEAR LIST

My List

  • Cabela’s Prestige 85L pack
  • Cabela’s Meindl Ultralight Hunter Boots
  • Cabela’s XPG 30 degree mummy bag
  • Big Agnes blow up sleeping pad
  • 2 Sea to summit lightweight dry bags 20L
  • 1 Sea to summit lightweight dry bag 13L
  • 3 pairs Cabela’s merino socks
  • 2 pairs extra underwear
  • 1 pair Sitka merino core long underwear
  • Sitka Merino Beanie
  • Sitka Stormfront Gaiter
  • 1 Pair Sitka timberline pant
  • Sitka Redline Performance shirt LS
  • Sitka Redline Performance Shirt SS
  • Sitka Core Heavyweight Hoody
  • Sitka Core Midweight Zip T
  • Sitka Core Lightweight Crew LS
  • Sitka Core Heavyweight Balaclava
  • Sitka Delta Deek Glove
  • Generic Leather Gloves
  • Sitka Cloudburst Rain Pant
  • Sitka Cloudburst Rain Jacket
  • Jetboil Flash
  • 4 230 gram Jetboil fuel canister
  • Cabela’s Alaskan guide series QUL Headlamp
  • Extra batteries
  • DSLR Camera with extra Lenses
  • DSLR Spotting scope adapter
  • Cell Phone
  • Phone/Camera charging pack (Goal Zero)
  • Vortex razor HD 20-65×85 Spotter
  • Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binos
  • Vanguard Veo Tripod
  • Stone Glacier Skyscraper Tent
  • Gunwerks LR1000 6.5 X 284
  • G7 Rangefinder
  • 1 Box ammo
  • 1 Mountain House meal for everyday afield
  • 1 Bag of assorted snacks for each day afield ( trail mix, jerky, cliff bars, high energy gummies, candy bars, drink packets)
  • 4 liters of water
  • MSR Water Bladder
  • Nalgene Bottle with LifeStraw adapter
  • Superfeet insoles
  • Plastic cup and spoon
  • Small first aid kit
  • Blister kit
  • Lighter
  • Outdoor edge interchangeable blade knife
  • Gerber mulit-tool
  • Game bags
  • Black Diamond Trail Pro Trekking Poles

 

NEW LIST – Anything highlighted in red is an addition or a change. The list are pretty similar

 

  • Sitka Mountain Hauler 6200 – The Cabela’s packet was a great pack but this lightweight internal frame pack would have been much more forgiving and easier to haul.
  • Crispi Guide GTX – I love my Meindl boots but out of what the guys had on around me I was most impressed by these. Lightweight and more than enough backbone to handle that terrain.
  • Cabela’s XPG 30 degree mummy bag
  • Thermarest Z Lite – Just a much more compact and lightweight option
  • 2 Sea to summit lightweight dry bags 20L
  • 1 Sea to summit lightweight dry bag 13L
  • 3 pairs Cabela’s merino socks
  • 2 pairs extra underwear
  • 1 pair Sitka merino core long underwear
  • Sitka Merino Beanie
  • Sitka Stormfront Gaiter
  • 1 Pair Sitka timberline pant
  • Sitka Redline Performance shirt LS
  • Sitka Redline Performance Shirt SS
  • Sitka Core Heavyweight Hoody
  • Sitka Kelvin Down WS Hoody – I would keep this in a dry bag and put it on in the evening after taking your wet top off to dry off and warm up. These are nice because they pack down very small
  • Sitka Core Midweight Zip T
  • Sitka Core Lightweight Crew LS
  • Sitka Core Heavyweight Balaclava
  • Sitka Delta Deek Glove
  • Generic Leather Gloves
  • Sitka Cloudburst Rain Pant
  • Sitka Cloudburst Rain Jacket
  • Jetboil Flash
  • 4 230 gram Jetboil fuel canister
  • Cabela’s Alaskan guide series QUL Headlamp
  • Extra batteries
  • DSLR Camera with extra Lenses
  • DSLR Spotting scope adapter
  • Cell Phone
  • Phone/Camera charging pack (Goal Zero)
  • Vortex razor HD 20-65×85 Spotter
  • Vortex Razor HD 10×42 Binos
  • Vanguard Veo Tripod
  • Stone Glacier Skyscraper Tent
  • Weapon of your choice
  • G7 Rangefinder
  • 1 Box ammo
  • 1 Mountain House meal for everyday afield
  • 1 Bag of assorted snacks for each day afield ( trail mix, jerky, cliff bars, high energy gummies, candy bars, drink packets)
  • 4 liters of water
  • MSR Water Bladder
  • Nalgene Bottle with LifeStraw adapter
  • Superfeet insoles
  • Plastic cup and spoon
  • Small first aid kit
  • Blister kit
  • Lighter
  • Outdoor edge interchangeable blade knife
  • Gerber mulit-tool
  • Game bags
  • Black Diamond Trail Pro Trekking Poles
  • iPad
  • Camp Shoes like crocs or flip flops

caleb-1caleb-2 caleb-3 caleb-4

Recent Articles

Related Articles

Kansas
Whitetail Deer
Kansas – A Whitetail Hunter’s Paradise
March 16, 2026
Read More »
Croatia
Chamois
Europe Awaits! Hosted Hunting + A European Vacation
March 10, 2026
Read More »
Idaho
Shiras Moose
Second Year, Second Chance: My Idaho Shiras Moose Success
March 3, 2026
Read More »
In the Jungle for Ocellated Turkeys: A Hunt Like No Other

In the Jungle for Ocellated Turkeys: A Hunt Like No Other

Everything about the ocellated turkey is different from what hunters expect when they think about turkeys—from where they live, to what they look like, to where you hunt them. Even if they may not look or act like a conventional turkey, they are still a coveted species for anyone wanting to complete their World Turkey Slam. Often, they are the last turkey that hunters tackle when shooting for a slam, but there’s no reason to wait. Go now and experience a turkey-hunting adventure like no other!

Adventure is the keyword here. A hunt for ocellated turkeys takes you into the wild jungles of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, amid the ruins of the Mayan civilization and a world where jaguars still roam. Even though the camp is remote, getting there isn’t particularly difficult, dangerous, or challenging. It does take some time, but a flight from your nearest airport will have you in Merida, Mexico in just a few hours. Your representative will meet you there and transport you to Campeche, a beautiful, safe, and historic city set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After a comfortable night’s rest at one of the hotels hand-selected by WTA’s professional staff of consultants, you’ll be picked up the next morning for a journey into the jungle via a modern, air-conditioned van, followed by an open-air Jeep ride for the final few miles.

Nearly hidden under the jungle’s canopy, the camp is a curious mix of modern and traditional. The heavy-duty, screened wall tents are lifted off the jungle floor on wooden platforms. A generator provides ample energy to power electronics, including overhead lighting and the welcome relief of air conditioning. And yes, there is Starlink, although I suggest unplugging completely to fully experience life off-grid and away from the hustle of modern life. Camp is set along a meandering stream, complete with a swimming hole where you can spend the hot, humid midday hours cooling in the creek.

Camp and country aside, the real reason to travel deep into the Yucatan is to experience a turkey hunt like no other. In addition to checking off the species to complete a Slam, the ocellated sports some of the most beautiful plumage in the bird world. Looking more like a peacock than a traditional turkey, the male ocellated is plumed in a gorgeous array of purple and blue feathers that seem to change colors at different angles in the sun’s rays. In strut, the tips of the fan show what look like a series of eyes, lending the bird its name, which is derived from the Latin word for “little eye.” Its head is also like no other bird, with a sky blue color punctuated by orange warts and, in large toms, crowned by a pronounced crest. The ocellated turkey makes a striking mount, and the camp staff works to ensure the best care and transport of your turkey.

While the ocellated turkey does have a distinct call, it’s not like the deep gobble turkey hunters are most familiar with. Instead, the male ocellated, known locally as the macho, sends out a rolling chorus of notes that increase in both speed and volume, not unlike the sound of a two-stroke motorcycle struggling to start somewhere deep in the jungle.

Hunters used to calling turkeys into shotgun range will also be surprised to know that’s not common practice here. It can happen, but most ocellated turkeys are taken from the roost, after following a local guide on a hike through the pitch-black just before sunrise. No matter how far into the thick cover you go, your guide will walk you to the exact tree where the macho resides, and, before the turkey flushes, instruct you about when and where to shoot. If the hunter does his or her job, the ocellated tag is notched and a bucket-list bird hunt is achieved before the sun even rises for the day.

Once the World Slam celebration wears off, many other activities keep hunters busy in the jungle. First and foremost, there are several exotic bird species available to hunt on a trophy-fee basis. Great currasow and crested guan are the top two birds that hunters target after taking their ocellated turkey. Like the ocellated, both birds are sought after for their beautiful and unique plumage, making distinctive additions to your trophy room. Other hunting opportunities include the coatimundi, lowland paca, and collard peccary.

While Mexico may not be on the minds of all hunters, for that certain adventurous kind of person, a hunt in the jungle is a must-do trip. The brightly plumed ocellated turkey is much more than just a checked box on the way to a World Slam. It provides a unique reason to get with the professionals at WTA and plan a hunt at their exclusive camp deep in the Yucatan. They manage the details and make traveling to Mexico a safe, easy, and memorable event.

Ocellated Turkey Hunt Info
Spring Thunder on the Plains: Kansas Turkey Hunting Made Simple

Spring Thunder on the Plains: Kansas Turkey Hunting Made Simple

Few Spring experiences rival the sound of a hard-gobbling tom echoing across the Kansas prairie. As winter gives way to warming mornings and longer days, Kansas comes alive with opportunity for turkey hunters who are willing to plan ahead. With strong Rio Grande turkey populations, abundant private land, and a well-managed season structure, Kansas remains one of the most reliable Spring turkey destinations in the country.

Kansas offers a straightforward, yet thoughtfully designed Spring turkey season. For 2026, Youth/Disabled Season runs from April 1–14, followed by Archery-Only Season from April 6–14, which is an exciting window for close-range encounters when gobblers are aggressive and responsive. The Regular Season, which allows both firearms and archery, opens April 15 and runs through May 31.

While the hunting itself is accessible, the permitting process requires attention, especially for nonresidents. Kansas turkey draw applications for nonresidents must be submitted by February 13, 2026.

Missing the February deadline is the most common reason hunters lose the opportunity to hunt Kansas in the Spring. Between busy schedules and multiple state regulations, it’s easy to overlook the application. This is where WTA TAGS plays a critical role.

WTA TAGS simplifies the application process and removes the guesswork. We handle the Kansas turkey application on your behalf—tracking deadlines, submitting applications correctly, and communicating results clearly. Instead of navigating state systems and regulations, you can focus on planning your hunt and enjoying the season ahead, confident that the logistics are handled professionally.

For hunters looking to elevate the experience, WTA TAGS also offers excellent outfitted turkey hunts on private land. These opportunities feature thousands of acres of exclusive ground, true Rio Grande turkeys, and flexible hunting styles ranging from ground-blind ambushes to classic run-and-gun tactics. Lodging is often first class, with comfortable rooms, hot showers, and hearty meals waiting at the end of the day. Group sizes are kept small, creating a more personal and high-quality hunt.

Because nonresident tags must be drawn, these hunts require planning. WTA TAGS can assist with both the application process and connect you with the right outfitter once a tag is secured. It’s a seamless path from paperwork to the field.

Kansas turkey hunting rewards preparation. With clearly defined seasons and a firm February 13 application deadline, the hunters who plan early are the ones listening to gobbles come April. WTA TAGS is here to make sure you’re one of them—applied, prepared, and ready when Spring thunder rolls across the Plains. If you would like to book a well-vetted Rio turkey hunt in Kansas for this Spring, call us ASAP at 1-800-755-8247.

TAGS Turkey Hunts in Kansas
Gould’s Turkey Hunting in Mexico’s Sierra Madres with Muy Grande Outfitters

Gould’s Turkey Hunting in Mexico’s Sierra Madres with Muy Grande Outfitters

Few places compare to Muy Grande’s ranch in Mexico’s Sierra Madres for chasing Gould’s turkey, the biggest of all wild turkeys, marked by the striking white tips on its tail fan. As a WTA consultant, I’ve seen their guides deliver consistently, making it a top destination for hunters working toward the World Turkey Slam. Add in rugged country and a proven outfitter, and it becomes an experience every turkey hunter should have.

Turkey season runs from early April through early May. You’ll typically fly into Phoenix, then catch a morning hop to Hermosillo, Mexico, arriving around 11:30 a.m. After customs, Sergio or Pedro will greet you with a cold drink and a van stocked with sandwiches for the scenic ride ahead. From Hermosillo’s 700 feet, you’ll climb through 5 hours of winding Sierra Madre roads to the ranch at 3,000 feet. The journey is half the fun—curves, vistas, and glimpses of the country you’ll be hunting. By about 7 p.m., you’ll be unpacking in your room. Open your window to the cool mountain air and let it lull you into one of the best nights of sleep you’ll ever experience.

The food is reason enough to make the trip. Muy Grande’s French chef has 20 years of experience with serving up everything from ribs to authentic Mexican dishes, hearty breakfasts, and appetizers. You’ll need the delicious calories for the long days in the open country chasing Toms. Mornings start early and you may spend up to two hours on ranch roads before reaching your spot. Dry mountains, steep valleys, and big country define the day. Want to call birds from a pop-up blind? They’ve got you covered. Prefer run-and-gun? This is prime terrain for it. With one-on-one guides, the hunt is tailored to your style.

The Gould’s turkey is the largest subspecies in North America, and in the field, they stand out as they strut down dusty trails, flashing their tall frames and bright white fan tips. They’re plentiful here. On my last trip, the group of five tagged six birds by the end of day one—some from blinds, others by stalking ridges. Gobbles echo through the canyons all morning, and the guides know every fold of the landscape and the flocks that roam it. The hunt package includes in-field transport, trophy care, lodging, meals, guide service, and a license waiting for you at camp—everything dialed in so you can focus solely on finding your big ol’ Tom.

Getting your bird back home is simple. The outfitter freezes it—whole or just the fan—and handles the paperwork. Flying back through Phoenix is smooth—customs deals with turkeys regularly. Just bring the address of a USDA-certified taxidermist and a sturdy suitcase big enough for your trophy.

The gear list for this trip is straightforward: good hiking boots, lightweight shirts, face mask, hat, gloves, and a jacket for the cool mornings. Days can hit 90° F in April, but the temp drops quickly at night, so pack for variety. After tagging out, you’ll head back to Hermosillo for a final night at the Fiesta Americana, a top-notch hotel, before flying home—though early successes can open the door to earlier flights.

Muy Grande is a place of raw beauty, from stone-fenced corrals to mountain views stretching for miles. Hermosillo itself might surprise you—not a rough frontier town, but a safe, vibrant city where families are out and about. If you’re looking for an authentic Gould’s turkey adventure in a spectacular setting with unmatched hospitality, this hunt should be on your wish list. Book through WTA and come chase the turkey that towers above the rest.

Learn about this Hunt Watch Hunt Video

Get Trip Specials & Cancellations,
Right Where You Want It.

No spam. Just the good stuff. Opt-out anytime.