GENERAL PACK GOAT INFORMATION FOR OTHER TRAIL USERS WHAT ARE PACK GOATS? A pack goat is generally a whether (neutered male goat). The breed of goat can be any variety of dairy goat, either purebred or crossbred. A pack goat is a hiking partner that is experienced in the back country, in tune with its instincts, strong, hard working, intelligent, loyal, and disciplined. As pack goats are pack stock they use pack and riding stock trails and camps. PACK GOATS ON THE TRAIL Generally, goats are easy to handle even by the most inexperienced hiker. Goats can negotiate rough and high terrain. Goats are friendly and willing to work for you. Goats are not easily spooked. Because pack goats are generally easygoing, they are the ones who safely step off the trail for other pack stock and other trail users. This also limits the impact by large hooved pack stock and other trail users with more impact than the goats on the sides of the trails. You will see pack goats either on a lead or under positive control of their hiking partner. Some pack goats have horns. Horns are natural radiators for the goats as well as being a protection device for them. They will drop their horns to loose dogs on the trail. Horned pack goats generally do not like their horns touched. PACK GOATS AT CAMP In camp, pack goats are high lined or otherwise tethered. This keeps the goats in a safe area in case a predator comes into camp at night, and also keeps them away from poisonous plants or sensitive areas. A Prusik knot is used to keep pack goats in their area on the high line so as to keep them away from vulnerable trees. As with other stock, we keep pack goats 200 feet away from water sources. Pack goats are taught to drink from lakes, streams, and waterfalls. The small/light hooves of the pack goats have negligible impact on trail and water source surroundings. WHERE CAN PACK GOATS GO-TERRAIN/ELEVATION Pack goats can easily climb most any terrain/trail. Pack goats do not mind snow and they do not mind "blow-downs" on the trail. So, when you have a trail with blow-downs, pack goats easily cross the obstruction without creating impact on trail sides. LEAVE NO TRACE ETHICS AND TREAD LIGHTLY GUIDELINES FOR PACK GOATS We advise all pack goat users to abide by general leave no trace ethics and TREAD lightly guidelines. |
| Photos by Donna R |
Camping and trails are open to pack goat use May 1 - November 30 For more information please see the following resources: Evergreen Pack goat Club North American Pack goat Association |
| Pack goats |
| Photo by Derek Pearson |
