Guided Goat Hikes

Life with Goats: Stories & Wisdom with Robyn Gamble

In this episode of Guided Goat Hikes, Tara sits down with Robin Gamble, owner of Rugged Range Goat Ranch, to talk about building a life and a business around pack goats. Robin shares how she started her ranch in 1992, what it was like renting goats to hunters and backpackers, and how the pack goat industry has evolved over the years.

Stella Thurbon - Pack Goats Australia

In this episode, we sit down with Stella of Pack Goats Australia to talk about her most recent backcountry adventure, an unforgettable 270-kilometer trek through Australia’s National Trail with a team of nine pack goats. This was not her first 100+km trip. Listen in for details! Stella and her goats traveled a remote section of the Australia National Trail throughout the month. We dive into what it takes to train goats for multi-week expeditions, how they carried essential gear, and what daily life looked like moving through rugged terrain with a goat string. Stella also shares the challenges, quiet moments, and unexpected joys of traveling with goats. Whether you’re into pack goats, long-distance hiking, or unconventional adventure, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of goat talk.

High Uinta Pack Goats - Charlotte & Clay Zimmerman

Clay and Charlotte Zimmerman - owners of High Uinta Pack Goats - share how they launched their first string, the real benefits of pack goats on the trail, and what it takes to run a professional pack goat business. As founding members of NAPgA, they've helped set standards and grow the community.

Understanding Urinary Calculi: Insights from Chris Gifford on Groundbreaking Research

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Gifford, the President of the North American Pack Goat Association, to explore groundbreaking research on Urinary Calculi (UC) in wethers, or castrated male goats. Chris discusses the collaboration with the University of California - Davis and the significance of this study for goat owners and others in the community. Join us as we dive into the challenges of UC in goats, the implications of this research, and how it aims to enhance the health and well-being of pack goats across North America. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on an important topic in the world of goat husbandry!

John Mionczynski - The Grandfather of Goat Packing

We are honored to feature John Mionczynski, the grandfather of pack goats. Join us as John shares invaluable insights from decades of working with these remarkable animals in the great outdoors. Throughout the episode, John reflects on the joys and challenges of training and utilizing pack goats, offering practical tips for listeners who may be interested in incorporating goats into their own outdoor adventures. John also candidly discusses why he no longer owns pack goats. He shares his personal insights about the changes in his lifestyle and the medical difficulties he has faced.