The first goat meat that I ate was from a big billy, not mine. It was far from good, whether the size, the shooting or the care was a factor I do not know. No comparison to subsequent goat that I've eaten. I've only killed one myself, a young billy, which was definitely in the gourmet class. Meat from two other goats that I've eaten was also excellent. Dall, to us, is a close second.
My first Dall was on a solo hunt, 18 miles backpacking from the truck. It took me two 14 hour days to get it out, and a day's drive back to Fairbanks. My nephews and niece were adamant that they weren't going to eat any of that nasty liver I fixed. I insisted they take one bite each, just to try it.
I think I got just one piece of it myself, barely.
I also had to replace the back band and both straps on my backpack. 160 # plus load wasn't good to them.
Sometimes I'm glad I'm not young anymore, especially since the foolishness hasn't abated much.
Then I think back to some of the mistakes I'd like to repeat!
