I Have Been To The Mountain….Goat

“Goat Watch.” I first heard those words some thirty years ago. Lynn Chamberlain was the Outreach Manager for the Southern Region of the Division of Wildlife Resources for the state of Utah. Lynn had come in to record his weekly “Wild Side” program. We were talking after the recording and he mentioned that it was time for the annual mountain goat watch event and that I should make plans to attend it.

Sure, Lynn, I'll get that right on my calendar. I mean, he seemed really excited to go see a bunch of goats. I was a little concerned. Needless to say, I didn't make the event that year, or for many subsequent years.

Fast forward several years, and as a part of that “Wild Side” program, Lynn had made arrangements for us to broadcast the show from Fish Lake, where we would fish while we broadcast. (I know, it's a great gig) Well, the boat decided not to start, so after a little shore fishing, we took off a lot earlier than we had planned, and void of fish.

On the way back, Lynn pulled off the interstate and now we are on this dirt road heading up a mountain in the middle of nowhere. “Want to tell me what we're doing?” I ask. We were off to go see the mountain goats. I was still concerned.

When we got to the top of the Tushar Mountains I quickly changed my tune. They were magnificent, just up there having a good time. While we did see several of the mountain goats, Lynn explained that this was the time of year that the goats were mostly inactive. He explained that they are the most active and enjoy life most during the winter.

Well, since we don't have a station helicopter, and since there is generally 15 to 20 feet of snow on the top of the Tushars, all the roads are closed, and temperatures fall significantly below zero up there in the winter I probably won't have the opportunity to watch the mountain goats in the snow.

However, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources still holds the annual “Goat Watch” now officially referred to as mountain goat viewing event. This year's event will be Saturday, July 30^th. The division will have spotting scopes available and have said that the generally can spot 50 to 100 goats. They will caravan up the mountain that morning at 7. I wouldn't recommend taking the Tesla up the mountain, but if you have a higher clearance vehicle it should be ok. Unless the weather turns wet, four wheel drive is not required.

I know, now I'm excited about the goats. You should be concerned. Get all the details and sign up to go (it's free) here.

And if you see me start a Go Fund Me account for a station helicopter, you'll know why.

If there's another unusual viewing event you think I should add to the list let me know on the KSUB app

Photos courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources