In order to be a successful hunter, you must understand the behavior of the animal you’re after. Spanish goats are not only beautiful animals thanks to their large horns, but they’re also very reactive to their environment. As such, it’s vital you have a general awareness of their habits to put you in the best position for Spanish goat hunting success.
Spanish Goats and Their Survival Instincts
Spanish goats are naturally wary animals that have developed strong survival instincts after centuries of living in rugged, wild environments. Originally brought to North America by Spanish explorers in the 1500s, they quickly adapted to feral conditions and learned how to avoid predators. Notably, they prefer to stay in groups, relying on the “many eyes” advantage to spot threats from a distance.
Feeding Habits of Spanish Goats
Feeding and movement habits are another key to predicting goat behavior. Spanish goats are primarily browsers rather than grazers, meaning they feed on shrubs, leaves, bark, and vines. They’re most active in the early morning and late afternoon, traveling between feeding zones and bedding areas. At midday, especially during warmer months, goats will seek shelter and become more sedentary. They favor rugged, elevated terrain where they can maintain a vantage point over their surroundings.
What’s more, they rely heavily on sight and smell to detect danger. While their eyesight isn’t quite as sharp as that of a deer, it’s still strong enough to pick up on subtle movement, but it’s really their sense of smell you have to be cognizant of. As such, consider investing in scent-free spray and washing your clothes with scent free detergent before going Spanish Goat hunting.
Spanish Goat Mating Behaviors
Another factor to consider is seasonal behavior changes, particularly during the mating season, also known as the rut. During the rut, male goats become more aggressive and territorial. They may isolate themselves from the herd, roam in search of females. This can be an opportunity for hunters to spot dominant males who are otherwise hard to track.
Tioga Ranch has helped countless hunters, including many novice ones, find success on a guided Spanish goat hunting trip in Pennsylvania. If you would like to learn more about our services, book a reservation or contact us at your convenience.