So what's a packgoat? A packgoat is one of the best hiking companions you can have, especially if you're looking for a buddy to carry the load for you. Packgoats can be any breed or mixture of breeds, and are usually wethers (castrated males). My wether kids are bottle raised so they are very friendly and well bonded to people. They follow willingly without a lead rope, and can carry up to 50 lbs. of gear when they're in shape. Goats are very agile and athletic, personable, and make good hiking buddies. A calm packgoat can also carry a small child, which is a blessing when toddlers get tired of walking. It is an adjustment getting used to camping with livestock, but after 5 knee surgeries, for me it was either get a pack animal or quit hiking. Goats are cheaper than other pack animals, easy to train, easy to keep, and easy to load and haul. And you get so darned attached to the critters. Because they are intelligent, they can sometimes be a challenge. Like any intelligent creature, they will sometimes test your limits. Proper training and handling, especially when they are young, will eliminate most problem behavior.
I have been packing with goats since 1991. My current goat string consists of Roger (Alpine x Nubian x ??), Lucifer (LaMancha), Cocoa (Saanan x mutt), George (Saanan/Boer), Hercules (LaMancha), Cosmo (Alpine), Buster (Saanen/Boer/LaMancha) and Blue (Sable). They range in age from 2 - 14 years old. I also breed and raise packgoat kids and have some for sale each spring. My favorite crosses are LaMancha/Saanan/Boer. My 2008 kids are all gone, and I have no adult wethers for sale at this time. Contact me at jhuffaker@rmi.net if you are interested in a 2009 kid.
