The Hunt for the Feral Goat: A Sporting Challenge in the World’s Mountains
In the world of international hunting, few animals spark such heated debate as the feral goat.
Considered a target for wildlife management in some regions and a true game species with trophy status in others, the feral goat represents a fascinating challenge for those who enjoy hunting in rugged environments.
Feral goats are the result of the domesticated goat’s rewilding process. Over centuries, these animals have adapted to live in complete autonomy, often in harsh and inaccessible territories. Introduced to various regions by early explorers and settlers as a food source, many of these goats were abandoned and developed remarkable endurance and adaptability, making them fully wild.
A prime example is the Boc Balear, the feral goat of Palma de Mallorca, now officially recognized as a huntable species and highly sought after by mountain trophy hunters. Its distinctive features—massive symmetrical horns, reddish coat, and exceptional resilience—make it a coveted prize and a worthy challenge, even for the most experienced hunters.
In other areas, such as Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, feral goats are considered more of an accessible hunting option for those seeking a less demanding experience. Here, goats—descendants of escaped farm animals—have colonized the moorlands and are often culled for population control. It remains an authentic hunting experience, though certainly less challenging than pursuing their cousins in Mallorca, Croatia, New Zealand, and Argentina.
Top Destinations for Feral Goat Hunting
For those eager to take on this challenge, here are the top destinations where feral goat hunting offers a truly unique experience:
1. Palma de Mallorca – The Boc Balear
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains, with their rocky slopes and remote valleys, provide the perfect habitat for the Boc Balear, a true gem for those who love hunting in breathtaking landscapes. Hunting here is highly selective, and the best specimens are found in the island’s most rugged areas. The approach is a challenge: hunters must move silently through wind-swept rocks and tackle demanding climbs to successfully complete their hunt.
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Best Period: October – April
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Difficulty: High, rocky and demanding terrain
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Characteristics: Reddish coat, long and symmetrical horns
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Recommended Gear: Bolt-action rifle chambered in .270 Win, .308 Win, or 6.5 Creedmoor
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Main Challenge: Stalking in extremely steep terrain and sheer cliffs overlooking the sea
Hunting the Boc Balear is one of the most spectacular experiences in Europe. The best specimens are found in the most inaccessible areas of the island, requiring some planning and good physical preparation.
2. New Zealand – The Volcano Goats
In New Zealand, feral goat hunting takes place in some of the world’s most unique landscapes—ancient rainforests, extinct volcanoes, and rolling hills overlooking postcard-perfect scenery. These goats have developed exceptional endurance and remarkable agility on the most challenging terrains. Hunters must tackle extreme elevation changes and unpredictable weather conditions, making each hunt a true test of skill and physical stamina.
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Best Period: Year-round, with peak season from May to September
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Difficulty: Medium, highlands and rainforests
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Characteristics: Sturdy goats, black or white coats, often curved horns
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Recommended Gear: Bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in .308 Win or .243 Win
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Main Challenge: Hunting on volcanic terrain and dealing with sudden weather changes
New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for feral goat hunting, thanks to its large population and breathtaking landscapes. Here, hunting takes place both in volcanic mountain ranges and dense rainforests.
3. Argentina – Across the Patagonian Plains
Feral goats in Argentina primarily inhabit the mountainous regions of Patagonia and the drier northern areas. Hunting here unfolds in vast open landscapes, where binoculars become essential for spotting the perfect trophy across endless valleys and wind-swept cliffs.
Often, feral goat hunting in Argentina is combined with red stag or water buffalo hunting, making the trip a diverse and fully immersive hunting experience.
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Best Period: March – August
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Difficulty: Medium, highlands and windy hills
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Characteristics: Larger-bodied goats, often with highly developed horns
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Recommended Gear: .300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem Mag for long-range shooting
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Main Challenge: Long stalks and long-distance shooting
Feral goats in Argentina are primarily found in the mountainous regions of Patagonia, offering a hunt that demands both endurance and precision shooting.
4. Scotland – Dumfries and Galloway, Between Moors and Forests
For those seeking a more accessible hunting experience, Scotland offers feral goat hunting in wild landscapes of heather-covered moors, rivers, and misty forests. This is a great option for hunters looking for an adventure without the extreme challenges of the world’s most rugged mountain ranges.
Here, goats move in large groups, and hunting is primarily long-range, requiring precise shooting in Scotland’s unpredictable winds.
- Best Period: September – February
- Difficulty: Low, hilly and wooded terrain
- Characteristics: Goats with long, spiraled horns, often found in large herds
- Recommended Gear: .243 Win or .270 Win
- Main Challenge: Stalking in strong winds and shooting in open landscapesScotland is ideal for hunters seeking a less demanding yet exciting experience. The goats live in large herds and move across open moorlands, making long-range shooting a crucial part of the hunt.
5. Croatia – The Adriatic Cliffs Challenge
Feral goats in Croatia are found in stunning landscapes, often on uninhabited islands or along the dramatic cliffs of the Adriatic coast. Hunting here resembles high-altitude mountain stalking, requiring challenging shots and careful terrain navigation.
One of the greatest challenges is getting close enough for an ethical shot without being detected, as the wind shifts unpredictably, adding an extra level of difficulty to the hunt.
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Best Period: October – March
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Difficulty: High, rocky terrain and rugged coastlines
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Characteristics: Light, agile goats with curved horns
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Recommended Gear: Lightweight rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor or .270 Win
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Main Challenge: Steep climbs and stalking on rough terrain
In Croatia, feral goat hunting is a true test of physical endurance, with intense pursuits along sheer coastal cliffs and extremely rugged terrain.
Essential Gear for Feral Goat Hunting
No matter the destination, some gear is essential for a successful hunt:
- High-quality optics: For long-range shots, a variable magnification scope (3-12x or higher) is crucial.
- Technical clothing: Mountain boots, a waterproof jacket, and thermal layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.
- Hunting backpack: Lightweight yet spacious, with room for water, ammunition, and emergency gear.
- Powerful binoculars: At least 10×42 to spot animals at a distance.
Feral Goat Hunting in Croatia: Luca Bogarelli’s Experience
Croatia is a well-regarded hunting destination for feral goat hunting, offering stunning landscapes and challenging terrains. Among the hunters who have taken on this challenge is Luca Bogarelli, a Professional Hunter with over 60 safaris to his name and extensive experience in some of the world’s most demanding hunts, including those for Asian mountain goats and sheep.
Feral goat hunting in Croatia takes place in particularly demanding environments: steep cliffs, rocky slopes, and unpredictable weather conditions. For Luca Bogarelli, who is well-versed in mountain hunting, the key factor was the approach, made difficult by the rugged terrain and shifting winds.
After carefully observing the terrain through his optics, he identified a specimen with well-developed horns and excellent structure. The distance required a cautious stalking strategy, utilizing the landscape to remain concealed and avoid exposure to the wind.
At 280 meters, with a crosswind, the shot required precise scope adjustments and a stable shooting position. Drawing on his vast experience in mountain hunting, Luca executed a clean shot, ensuring a quick and ethical harvest. The recovery process was challenging, navigating through rugged terrain to reach the trophy.The Croatian feral goat presents an exciting challenge for hunters seeking a technical hunt in a wild setting. With a stable population and diverse landscapes, Croatia offers a well-rounded hunting experience, especially suited for those with mountain hunting expertise.
For professionals like Luca Bogarelli, who have faced the most difficult hunts in Asia and other remote regions, this hunt was another testament to the unique challenges and rewards that feral goat hunting can offer.
Why Hunt the Feral Goat?
Hunting the feral goat is not just a sporting challenge; it is also an opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and test one’s endurance and precision. Each destination offers a unique adventure, with varying hunting conditions and spectacular scenery.
In the end, the true value of a game animal is not just in its official classification but in the experience it provides to the hunter. It’s not just about the trophy—it’s about the hunt that leads to it.
If you’re looking for a demanding hunt that pushes your physical and shooting skills to the limit, then feral goat hunting is the perfect challenge for you.
