ozhunter,
Here, in Oriental-Pyrenean (département des Pyrénées-Orientales - 66), we hunt isard from mid September to end of January, the best time being end of October to the first week of December.
Indeed we have also big mountain wild boars (sangliers) and when we meet them we have to take care of the weight before to shoot !
Usually we walk and climb at least ten hours a day and with a heavy backpack the comeback could be very hard.
Notice also that we have many great red stags, roe deers and muflons.

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com