Wild Goats

emcor

Spent some time in New Zeland a while back and shot some goats with friends there - great meat. overe there some guys do it for the restraunt trade to make a few bob extra. Does anyone know is the wild goats here are OK for eating?

meditraitor

I dont think you can shoot wild goats, the ones on the burren have been protected for a while now. Were abouts are you planning to hunt them?

Jonty

I honestly thought there was no season on them and could be shot on sight. Thanks for that meditraitor.

emcor

in south mayo & north connemara; you sure about protected status? thought they were just normal goats that had gone wild - they look like that.

meathstevie

Another one John Griffin can shed a bit of clarity on..John ?

I don't think you can do any hunting at all in the Burren anyway, it's a national park as far as I know. As for shooting feral goats because at the end of the day that's what they are I don't think there's anything stopping you if you wish to do so.

emcor

Yes tought so - esp on own land, but does anybody know about the meat?

meathstevie

In short. Kit goat is a great bit of meat. Old goat, especially rams smell a bit too strong for my liking and the meat would be rather strong too.

John Griffin

meathstevie wrote: »

Another one John Griffin can shed a bit of clarity on..John ?

I don't think you can do any hunting at all in the Burren anyway, it's a national park as far as I know. As for shooting feral goats because at the end of the day that's what they are I don't think there's anything stopping you if you wish to do so.

Feral goats are not protected under the wildlife act. They can be shot at anytime of year provided you have permission to shoot on the land.

Keelan

John Griffin wrote: »

Feral goats are not protected under the wildlife act. They can be shot at anytime of year provided you have permission to shoot on the land.

This is very true. But, be very sure, that their on the land owners permission you have and are actually feral.
I also found, the best rifle for the job, was my .223, with American eagle 50gr hallow points, they droped them, as all the energy, was left in the goat, as goats, have slab sided chests.
I shot a few, when i had my .223 rifle, 3 years ago, pics below.

emcor

couldent agree more keelan - did you put the meat on the hook, how was it? nannies & kids I reckon . I'd imagine simlar to to prep for a lamb;a week on the hook then ready for table. Any any hunter-butcher there with suggestions?

Keelan

emcor wrote: »

couldent agree more keelan - did you put the meat on the hook, how was it? nannies & kids I reckon . I'd imagine simlar to to prep for a lamb;a week on the hook then ready for table. Any any hunter-butcher there with suggestions?

I did hang it yes emcor, for 4 days. It was lovely, i would not recomend though, eating the big Billys, i used them for dog food instead, the dogs loved it.

Keelan.

emcor

good stuff keelan - ill get one or two over the weekend so. looking forward to trying them.

Keelan

emcor wrote: »

good stuff keelan - ill get one or two over the weekend so. looking forward to trying them.

Good luck and happy eating.

BigAl>>

Some good shooting there Keelan


Will have to have a got at the goats sometime soon.

Tackleberry.

Would the wild goat breed somewhat like the sheep do... i.e. spring lamb equals spring goat and that being the best time to shoot for the table??

ivanthehunter

John Griffin wrote: »

Feral goats are not protected under the wildlife act. They can be shot at anytime of year provided you have permission to shoot on the land.

Thanks Griff,
But is it not agricultural law or reg's that all live stock (inc goats 'n' sheep) should be fitted with ear tags of ID reasons ???

It wasn't me!

ivanthehunter wrote: »

Thanks Griff,
But is it not agricultural law or reg's that all live stock (inc goats 'n' sheep) should be fitted with ear tags of ID reasons ???

IF they're feral, they're not livestock.

riflehunter77

John Griffin wrote: »

Feral goats are not protected under the wildlife act. They can be shot at anytime of year provided you have permission to shoot on the land.

Nice bit of info there john... Hope to get out after a few soon. Have seen quite a few about some with great horns..

emcor

I reckon now or november. Before males reach sexual maturity; spring lambs can be killed for easter but its really early. We killed this time of year when I was a child with a bit of meat & condiiton on them.

Tackleberry.

and what does Goat taste is like? lambe?? gamey taste??