The Montana Mountain Goat Is A Rare Hunt

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The mountain goat is the least common, and among the most difficult to study, big game species in North America.   Opportunities to hunt mountain goats are rare, making it a small pool of persistent hunters who have this experience.  

"In Montana , for fall 2006, only two and one-half percent of all applicants, with and without bonus points, were successful in drawing one of the 298 licenses available," said Quentin Kujala, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife management bureau chief.

This year there were 11,821 applicants, 440 more than applied for the license in 2005.

Mountain goat hunting season generally opens Sept. 15 and closes Nov. 26.

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.

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

  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 the chin and neck and the "pantaloons" on the back legs. 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. For more help, watch FWP’s streaming video Identifying Mountain Goats.

What are my chances of harvesting a "record book" mountain goat in Montana?

Montana is not known for record-book goats.   Habitat, population genetics, and growing season length all play a role in horn growth.   Fewer 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.