Pope and Young Crowns New Record Holder

by
posted on December 29, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mainkaleb-baird-world-record-mountain-goat.jpg
On the fifth of this month, the Pope and Young Club convened a Special Panel of Judges in Prescott, AZ for a potential P&Y World Record Mountain Goat. Kaleb Baird’s mountain goat scored 53 4/8-inches, and is now the largest bow-harvested Mountain Goat in North America. The amazing goat was shot in Alaska, on September 11, 2020.

Measurers present at the Special Panel were Milo Durfee, Brian Rimsza, Roy E. Grace (Records Chairman), and Marvin Zieser. With a final score of 53 4/8-inches Baird’s mountain goat was confirmed as the new P&Y World Record. This goat surpasses the previous largest in the records program by 2/8 of an inch, which was taken just 10 short months ago.   

“Leading up to this hunt I’d known there was the potential for a truly special billy. I joked with some friends over the summer that the plan was to take a record goat in hopes of enticing a hunting partner”, said Kaleb Baird. However, with a highly unpredictable work schedule and the travel complications 2020 presented I wasn’t able to get any commitments, so I headed up the mountain solo during the second week of September. It just so happened to be the best stretch of weather we had for the entire year in Southeast Alaska. I found this billy on day four and spent the first half of the day ascending to his perch. By the time I got there he’d moved, and I thought I’d lost him for the day. One last pass through his previous hangout and I stumbled right into him and a smaller partner. He stood for a great 31-yard shot but managed to make the edge of the mountain and drop into a nasty avalanche chute for his final dash. When I finally got to him his right horn was buried in some gravel and I thought it was shattered. Lifting up his head I could see he’d only chipped about an inch and, while not an expert, I could tell his left horn was absolutely world class. I think it’s truly awesome to add this billy to the class of 2019 Ketchikan goats taken by Rosey Roseland and Bryan Moody. I hope all three are on display in Reno to showcase how impressive the goat herd currently is in Southeast Alaska!”

For more on the story, check out pope-young.org.

Latest

LEDE USFWS Proposes
LEDE USFWS Proposes

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Cartridge Legacies: The .30-06 Springfield Family Tree

At this point in time, 120 years after its introduction, we hunters should be very familiar with the .30-06 Springfield. But the .30-06 Springfield is also a great dad, having a lineup of famous sons which have earned great reputations for themselves. Let’s dig deeper into the family tree.

First Look: Daisy Red Ryder 250th Anniversary Editions

Daisy Outdoor Products has released three special Red Ryders commemorating our county's 250th Anniversary.

NRA YHEC Nationals Happening in Arkansas

The NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) Nationals are currently in Bentonville, Ark., running from July 19 to 26, 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.