The Elusive Mountain Goat

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The mountain goat is the least common, and among the most difficult to study, big game species in North America.   As difficult as it is to draw a mountain goat license, even mountain goat hunters could be considered a rare breed.  

"In Montana, for fall 2005, only three percent of all applicants, with and without bonus points, were successful in drawing one of the 319 licenses available," said Jeff Herbert, FWP Wildlife Division assistant administrator. Mountain goat hunting season generally opens Sept. 15 and closes Nov. 27. Applicants for a mountain goat license totaled 11,381 up from 10,503 in 2004.

Most mountain goats are found in southwestern Montana.   About 65 percent of the licenses issued are for hunting in this area and, in recent years, about 65-70 percent of the statewide harvest has occurred here.

In 2004, 250 mountain goats were harvested in Montana, 232 by residents and 18 by nonresidents. About seventy-five percent of those who drew a goat permit brought home a goat.

Goats are the only mountain big game species that does not typically winter at lower elevations.   Mountain goats stay in the mountains or may even gain elevation in the winter.

Goat hunters know first-hand that goats can climb. They out-climb bighorn sheep hands down.   Goat’s unique hooves with soft pads surrounded by hard hoof  "walls" give them the advantage. They also have very large dew-claws, massive shoulder and chest muscles for pulling the entire body upward, and short legs that provide a low center of gravity for better balance.

For those interested in learning more about mountain goat hunting, here are some answers to frequently asked questions. 

When is the mountain goat hunting season?

Season dates vary by hunting district, beginning Sept. 1 in a few hunting districts, with others beginning Sept. 15. All mountain goat hunting closes Nov. 27.   Hunters apply before May 1 for a license that is distributed through a special drawing.  

How do I judge a "record book" quality goat?

Mountain goats are tough to judge in the field. The mass of the horn is key. Mature billys have horns with heavier bases and with the mass going far out along the length of the horn. Another big factor is hair length, including the long hair on chin, neck and "pantaloons." Most hunters only take one mountain goat in a lifetime and that makes the allure of lush hair strong.

Unfortunately, waiting for winter hair can cost dearly if it snows heavily before the hunt.   Goat country can be inaccessible or very dangerous with snow on the ground.   Check with local biologists for local condition and tips. 

What are my chances of harvesting a "record book" mountain goat in Montana? Montana is not known for record book goats.   Even very old goats from Montana do not score high.   Habitat, population genetics, and growing season length all play a role in horn growth.   Less than 40 Montana goats have scored high enough to make the Boone & Crockett record book.     

I’m in "pretty good" shape, but what does it take to hunt goats? Mountain goat hunting is a fair amount of work. You need to be able to hike a minimum of 5-6 miles one way, uphill at high elevation, with at least some of that distance off-trail in rugged, steep terrain.  

Very little goat hunting is day-trip hunting. Hunters need to be able to carry a backpack and stay over night in the mountains. Like most activities, it takes a combination of physical conditioning and mental attitude.   The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable the experience will be. 

If I draw a mountain goat license, how long do I have to wait before I can apply again?

After a hunter draws a license there is a mandatory seven-year waiting period before applying again.   If you get a license, savor each and every day of hunting.   Simply pursuing goats above timberline is a "trophy hunting experience" in itself.