Colorado's Sheep, Moose and Goat Application Overview
The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goats that call Colorado home live in some of the most breathtaking scenery available anywhere. Although the trophy quality of these two species is purely representative, the rams and billies are still worthy of applying for. Colorado’s desert sheep are very limited in number; however, with no point system in place for desert sheep, it is comforting to know that you have the same odds as any other applicant. Colorado’s Shiras moose are among the biggest in the West and are not struggling to exist among rising wolf populations like other states.
The sheep, moose and mountain goat species of Colorado are drawn differently than the other species. After you have accumulated three preference points, there is a random chance for drawing a license for sheep, moose or mountain goat. For this reason, you are never too late to get in the game of applying for these species in Colorado.
Note: The application deadline for Colorado is midnight on April 5, 2016 MT. Nonresidents must apply using a paper application found within the regulations brochure while residents may apply online here. All paper applications must be postmarked by midnight on April 5, 2016 MT.
Why Colorado for Sheep, Moose, Goat
No Wolves
Colorado has a thriving Shiras moose population thanks to sound management and the absence of wolves.
Big Bull Moose
The bull moose harvested in Colorado are among the largest anywhere in the West.
Random Chance to Draw
All of the sheep, moose and goat species in Colorado can be drawn randomly with just a little bit of luck.
No Points System for Desert Sheep
The desert sheep of Colorado are limited in number, but have no point system in place so your odds are just as good as the next applicant.
Cater to Archery Hunters
The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat hunt choices include options for archery-only.
The odds of drawing the archery-only hunt choices are significantly easier than rifle.
New for 2016
Sheep Unit S2 is reopening to Rocky Mountain bighorn hunting after being closed since 2009.
Sheep Unit S77 is reopening to Rocky Mountain bighorn hunting after a relocation effort that has been in place for years and has finally created a huntable population.
A new boundary change has been created for sheep in Unit S13.
Sheep Units S44 and S8 are no longer available to nonresident hunters.
Sheep Units S1/S18, S13, S49, and S73 have been added to the list of available nonresident sheep units.
New moose Unit 43 is open for 2016.
Moose Units 49, 50, 500 and 501 have become a new hunt code and Units 39 and 46 have become another hunt code.
If you elect to forfeit your tag with the plan of redeeming your pre-draw preference points, you must now return your tag at least 30 days prior to the first day of the season unlike the previous 48 hour requirement.
There will be a $15 refund processing fee to cover administrative costs.
The application to turn your tag in for a license refund or points restoration can be found here.
Beginning in April, there is a test-out option available for hunters over 50 years old or U.S. military personnel for the hunter education certificate requirement.
The Impact of Wolves on Colorado’s Herds
Luckily, Colorado does not have any established wolf numbers, which means that predation is not an issue. For this reason, the moose seem to thrive in Colorado unlike the other Rocky Mountain states where wolf numbers are high. Although a few wolves have roamed into Colorado recently, luckily the state has a hard stance on wolves. Hopefully, this continues for the foreseeable future.
State Information
It is important to understand the way that the tags are drawn for Colorado bighorn sheep, moose and goats. The method of a calculating who is drawn for these species is different than how deer, elk, and antelope are drawn. We cover the method behind this calculation below in the “understanding the draw” section. Since nonresidents can apply for sheep, moose, and mountain goat via paper applications only, it is important that you gather these applications from the regulation handbook or request some to be mailed to you right away.
To view important information and an overview of Colorado’s rules/regulations, the draw system and preference points, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map, check out our State Profile. You can also view the Species Profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you identify trophy areas.
Important Dates and Information
The deadline to apply for Colorado sheep, moose and mountain goat is midnight on April 5, 2016 MT.
Residents may apply online here or by paper.
Nonresident applicants must apply on paper for these three species.
Only the original paper application found in the regulation handbook or ordered from the division offices may be used for the paper application submission.
If you apply by paper, then your application must be postmarked by midnight on April 5, 2016 MT.
You can return your license (tag) for a refund or reinstatement of preference points, but must submit your application at least 30 days prior to opening day.
The application to turn your license in can be found here.
When you draw a nonresident license it also includes an annual fishing license that is valid through March 31 of the following year.
Application corrections and amendments are due by April 11, 2016 MT.
You can apply for a preference point only by submitting the code S-P-999-99-P for Rocky Mountain bighorn, G-P-999-99-P for mountain goat, or M-P-999-99-P for moose
There is no point system in place for desert sheep.
Preference points are usable on the first choice only.
Only certain units are available for nonresident applicants for sheep, moose, and mountain goat. Check the sheep and mountain goat regulations here and the moose regulations here.
You are required to submit the entire license fee at the time of application.
You will be refunded the entire amount less the application fee and preference point fee.
The Draw System
Understanding the Draw
These three species have a different draw system in place than other animals. It is critical for all applicants to understand that you must acquire three preference points before you are eligible to draw a license for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or moose. After you have accumulated three points, then you will be awarded a weighted point for each subsequent year that you are not drawn. These weighted points will be used as your divisor in your application calculation by the drawing computer. What this means is that the higher your number of weighted points, the greater your divisor and the greater your chance of getting a lower final number in the drawing. With these species, the lower final number is key to getting drawn because the applicant with the lowest final number is granted the first tag. For more information on how this works, visit our Colorado State Profile. This illustration will help to explain how this formula works.
How the Rocky Mountain bighorn, mountain goat, and moose draw works
| Preference points accumulated |
|---|---|
Applicant A | 3 |
Applicant B | 3 |
Applicant C | 3 |
Applicant D | 1 |
| Weighted points accumulated |
Applicant A | 12 |
Applicant B | 4 |
Applicant C | 2 |
Applicant D | 0 |
| Random number assigned |
Applicant A | 930 |
Applicant B | 1204 |
Applicant C | 81 |
Applicant D | N/A |
| Random number divided by weighted |
Applicant A | 77.5 |
Applicant B | 301 |
Applicant C | 20.25 |
Applicant D | N/A |
| Add one for current year |
Applicant A | 78.5 |
Applicant B | 302 |
Applicant C | 21.25 |
Applicant D | N/A |
| New priority number |
Applicant A | 78.5 |
Applicant B | 302 |
Applicant C | 21.25 |
Applicant D | N/A |
| Ranking of applicants |
Applicant A | 2 |
Applicant B | 3 |
Applicant C | 1 |
Applicant D | N/A |
| Applicant A | Applicant B | Applicant C | Applicant D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Preference points accumulated | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Weighted points accumulated | 12 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
Random number assigned | 930 | 1204 | 81 | N/A |
Random number divided by weighted | 77.5 | 301 | 20.25 | N/A |
Add one for current year | 78.5 | 302 | 21.25 | N/A |
New priority number | 78.5 | 302 | 21.25 | N/A |
Ranking of applicants | 2 | 3 | 1 | N/A |
Desert sheep are treated entirely different than the other three species mentioned above. Desert sheep are the only species that has no preference or bonus point system in place. What this means is that all nonresident applicants are on equal ground in the draw. This is the same for the resident applicant pool, too. The only catch is that you must select either Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or desert sheep when you apply. You cannot apply for both species in the same year.
Here's Why That Matters
Obviously, the key to drawing a tag with the weighted points system is to get beyond the three year probationary period so you can become eligible. Once you are eligible to draw, raw luck in getting assigned a low random number is as important as accumulating the weighted points for a divisor. You’re after a combination of luck, being assigned a super low random number and a high number of weighted points as your divisor. But, as you can see, there is a random chance at drawing after just three years of applying!
Unlocking Colorado’s System
The key to finding better draw odds with Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat is to be proficient with a bow and to apply for the archery-only Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep or mountain goat choices. The odds of drawing are still low, but significantly better than the rifle hunt choices.
Moose does not offer a separate nonresident quota for archery or muzzleloader. As a nonresident, you will simply apply for the hunt choice (regardless of weapon type) and if you are selected early enough, you will draw whatever weapon type you applied for. This is how the moose draw differs from the others.
If you are fortunate to have drawn a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tag and harvested one in Colorado, then make sure you apply for the desert sheep in Colorado since it is completely random without a point system in place. The trophy quality for desert sheep in Colorado is not among the best in the West, but it is still a chance to draw a desert sheep tag.
Colorado Rocky Bighorn Sheep Breakdown
John Bielak's 2015 Colorado archery rocky bighorn sheep. Photo credit: Whale Tail Outdoors
While Colorado is not known for the highest scoring bighorns, it offers a lot of tags across the state. In total, there are 193 Rocky Mountain bighorn ram tags available for 2016. The resident hunters will get 173 tags while the nonresident hunters will get 20. This is slightly better than 10% for nonresidents. Listed below is a breakdown of the Rocky Mountain bighorn tags by weapon and season type.
Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep license allocations
Season type | Archery bighorn |
|---|---|
Residentquota | 56 |
Nonresidentquota | 6 |
Season type | Rifle bighorn |
Residentquota | 112 |
Nonresidentquota | 14 |
Season type | Private ranch access tags |
Residentquota | 5 |
Nonresidentquota | 0 |
Season type | Total tags by residency |
Residentquota | 173 |
Nonresidentquota | 20 |
Season type | Residentquota | Nonresidentquota |
|---|---|---|
Archery bighorn | 56 | 6 |
Rifle bighorn | 112 | 14 |
Private ranch access tags | 5 | 0 |
Total tags by residency | 173 | 20 |
The terrain in the bighorn units varies. While most of the rams will be hunted at high elevation with steep terrain, some of the rams can be found among timber in units with lower elevation. The terrain and vegetation can make for a challenging hunt to locate rams and the harvest success over the years in some units shows this. In order to determine the difficulty of a hunt, research historic harvest success that can be found on Filtering.
Current Rocky Bighorn Sheep Herd Condition
The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Colorado are in great shape. Overall numbers are up and so are tag numbers. There are no reported catastrophic die-offs reported at this time. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) asks that owners of pack goats leave their goats at home to eliminate the very low risk of contact with wild sheep and the extremely remote chance of a pack goat transmitting a disease to the fragile wild sheep herds.
The Seasons
Only two types of seasons are available for bighorns and 18 of the bighorn sheep units have an archery-only season.
Archery
Archery bighorn sheep seasons are unique to Colorado and is a great way to allow bowhunters a chance to hunt sheep without other tag holders carrying rifles at the same time. Archery hunters have a harder time harvesting a ram due to the limited range of the weapon and challenging terrain, but many hunters are successful. The odds are better of drawing an archery season if you are up for it!
The rifle seasons vary unit to unit. Most of the seasons take place throughout the month of September to allow better access into the high elevations before snowfall restrict access. A few of the rifle season dates will coincide with the peak of the rut, but most will take place pre-rut.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep Unit S12 rifle versus archery comparison
Hunt code | Rifle S-M-S12-O1R |
|---|---|
Residency | Resident |
Tagsavailable | 4 |
First choiceapplicants | 222 |
Hunt code | Nonresident |
Residency | 1 |
Tagsavailable | 204 |
Hunt code | Archery S-M-S12-O1A |
Residency | Resident |
Tagsavailable | 9 |
First choiceapplicants | 97 |
Hunt code | Nonresident |
Residency | 1 |
Tagsavailable | 102 |
Hunt code | Residency | Tagsavailable | First choiceapplicants |
|---|---|---|---|
Rifle S-M-S12-O1R | Resident | 4 | 222 |
Nonresident | 1 | 204 | |
Archery S-M-S12-O1A | Resident | 9 | 97 |
Nonresident | 1 | 102 |
Gohunt’s Hit List Units for Trophy Colorado Rocky Bighorn Sheep in 2016
Some of the best units for trophy sheep are listed below. Not all of the units are available for nonresident applicants. We have added a column on the right side to show nonresident availability. What we consider to be a top unit isn’t always driven solely by trophy potential. Harvest success year after year is also a major factor.
Top hit list hunt units to consider for 160" or better rocky bighorns(not in order of quality)
Unit | S32 |
|---|---|
Trophypotential | 170"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | Yes, archery and rifle |
Unit | S44 |
Trophypotential | 175"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | Yes, archery |
Unit | S54 |
Trophypotential | 165"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S41 |
Trophypotential | 160"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S36 |
Trophypotential | 160"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S50 |
Trophypotential | 175"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S12 |
Trophypotential | 170"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | Yes, archery and rifle |
Unit | S39 |
Trophypotential | 165"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S37 |
Trophypotential | 160"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S69 |
Trophypotential | 160"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S74 |
Trophypotential | 165"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | No |
Unit | S35 |
Trophypotential | 160"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | Yes, archery |
Unit | S49 |
Trophypotential | 165"+ |
Nonresident tagavailable? | Yes, archery and rifle |
Unit | Trophypotential | Nonresident tagavailable? |
|---|---|---|
S32 | 170"+ | Yes, archery and rifle |
S44 | 175"+ | Yes, archery |
S54 | 165"+ | No |
S41 | 160"+ | No |
S36 | 160"+ | No |
S50 | 175"+ | No |
S12 | 170"+ | Yes, archery and rifle |
S39 | 165"+ | No |
S37 | 160"+ | No |
S69 | 160"+ | No |
S74 | 165"+ | No |
S35 | 160"+ | Yes, archery |
S49 | 165"+ | Yes, archery and rifle |
How to Uncover Hidden Gem Rocky Bighorn Sheep Units
Rocky bighorn sheep taken with Rooster's Guide and Outfitting Adventures — A goHUNT Business Member
What makes a sheep unit a hidden gem is when you find a hunt that fits your limitations and capabilities. Sheep units are like hiking boots. If the unit is a good fit, then the experience will be enjoyable. If the unit is too strenuous or difficult, then it will only bring frustration and pain. For this reason, it is important to utilize our Filtering tool and focus on the harvest success trends as well as what the terrain and access for a given sheep unit is like. There are some sheep units that are far easier to draw in Colorado, but if the terrain is too strenuous and the sheep numbers are too low, then the odds of finding success on the hunt is minimal.
Archery choices are far easier to draw then the rifle choices. The illustration above on Unit S12 indicates this.
Colorado's top Boone & Crockett producingcounties since 2010 for rocky bighorn sheep
County | Huerfano |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 4 |
Units foundwithin county | S8 / S9 / S38 / S50 / S51 |
County | Eagle |
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units foundwithin county | S59 |
County | Larimer |
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units foundwithin county | S1 / S18 / S19 / S37 / S40 / S57 / S58 |
County | Las Animas |
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units foundwithin county | S38 / S48 / S51 / S61 |
County | No. ofentries | Units foundwithin county |
|---|---|---|
Huerfano | 4 | S8 / S9 / S38 / S50 / S51 |
Eagle | 2 | S59 |
Larimer | 2 | S1 / S18 / S19 / S37 / S40 / S57 / S58 |
Las Animas | 2 | S38 / S48 / S51 / S61 |
* Four other counties with one entry each
The Points System
The Preference Point Race
2016 maximum weighted preference points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep: 16
Managing Points and Expectations
Rocky bighorn sheep preference points
Points | 0 |
|---|---|
No. of residents | 1,545 |
No. of nonresidents | 294 |
Points | 1 |
No. of residents | 1,105 |
No. of nonresidents | 268 |
Points | 2 |
No. of residents | 991 |
No. of nonresidents | 228 |
Points | 3+ |
No. of residents | 7,545 |
No. of nonresidents | 2,628 |
Points | No. of residents | No. of nonresidents |
|---|---|---|
0 | 1,545 | 294 |
1 | 1,105 | 268 |
2 | 991 | 228 |
3+ | 7,545 | 2,628 |
I Have 0 Rocky Bighorn Sheep Preference Points. What Can I Expect?
You will need to apply for three consecutive years in order to earn the required three preference points to be considered eligible to draw. At this level you have no chance of drawing a bighorn sheep tag in Colorado.
What Can I Do with 3 Rocky Bighorn Sheep Preference Points?
Now that you have three accumulated preference points, you are considered eligible. At this point, you do not have any weighted points built up, but you are now eligible to draw. It will take great luck to draw a bighorn sheep license with zero weighted points, but it can be done. Remember that once you have earned the three preference points, the draw is random and the weighted points just improve your chances.
What Can I Expect with 10 or More Rocky Bighorn Sheep Weighted Points?
Your strategy should still be the same regardless of your level of weighted points. Just know that the higher your weighted point level, the better your odds are of having a lower final application number. Remember that your weighted point level is used as your divisor once the draw computer assigns your application a random number.
Colorado Desert Bighorn Sheep Breakdown
This is the true random species that Colorado offers. There are no bonus or preference points for any applicants, which means that everyone is equal. The residents have four units to select from while the nonresident applicants have just one unit (S62) to apply for. All desert sheep seasons are rifle licenses that run the entire month of November. Remember that you can only apply for desert sheep if you are not applying for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. You cannot apply for both sheep species in the same year.
The desert sheep units in Colorado have rough terrain that is typically along river drainages. The elevations are lower than the Rocky Mountain sheep, but still plan on a strenuous, rugged hunt if you are lucky enough to draw. Local outfitters in the area have proven track records of taking some great rams. A ram scoring 155-160” B&C is a trophy for Colorado. There are only ten total resident sheep licenses and one nonresident license so we do not suggest that you clear your calendar at the time of application. It will take a lot of luck to be drawn.
Current Desert Bighorn Sheep Herd Condition
The desert sheep in Colorado are doing fairly well. While there doesn’t appear to be major population growth, numbers are staying at levels that permit hunting. Predation from mountain lions occurs regularly by virtue of the terrain and the fact that the CPW banned mountain lion hunting for a period of time in portions of these areas to allow a study to take place. Now that the study is complete, mountain lions can once again be hunted in these areas.
The desert sheep in Colorado were originally transplanted from the Kofa units in Arizona back in 1979. Since then, other transplants have occurred, bringing additional sheep from Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Today, there is a total of roughly 515 sheep that live among the four desert sheep units in Colorado; the original management objective called for 1,200 total sheep.
Unit S56 has the highest population of sheep, while Unit S62 is second in total numbers. Unit S63 and Unit S64 are actually the same herd and have the lowest numbers.
The Seasons
The desert bighorn sheep seasons are all rifle and run the entire month of November. Unlike Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, there are no established archery-only seasons set aside for desert sheep. With a season that runs an entire month you will have plenty of time to locate sheep and harvest a ram.
Gohunt’s Hit List Units for Trophy Colorado Desert Bighorn Sheep in 2016
The current unit for nonresidents for 2016 is S62. This is a good unit for success on sheep, but the quality is a bit behind the former nonresident unit available, which is S56.
Top hit list hunt units to consider for 160" or better desert bighorn sheep(not in order of quality)
Unit | S56 |
|---|---|
Trophypotential | 165"+ |
Unit | S62 |
Trophypotential | 155"+ |
Unit | S64 |
Trophypotential | 165"+ |
Unit | S63 |
Trophypotential | 160"+ |
Unit | Trophypotential |
|---|---|
S56 | 165"+ |
S62 | 155"+ |
S64 | 165"+ |
S63 | 160"+ |
How to Uncover Hidden Gem Desert Bighorn Sheep Units
There is not a secret formula to use to select a special unit. Nonresident applicants do not have liberty to decide between units because there is only one annual tag offered and the unit is already selected for them. The resident applicants can select from four units. The key to narrowing the search is truly in the draw odds. For nonresidents, in 2015, there were 387 first choice applicants for the one tag available. In comparison, the resident average across the units available was one in 126 applicants were drawn.
Colorado's top Boone & Crockett producingcounties since 2010 for desert bighorn sheep
County | Mesa |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units foundwithin county | S56 / S62 |
County | San Miguel |
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units foundwithin county | S63 / S64 |
County | No. ofentries | Units foundwithin county |
|---|---|---|
Mesa | 3 | S56 / S62 |
San Miguel | 2 | S63 / S64 |
The Points System
There are no points in place for desert sheep in Colorado.
Colorado Moose Breakdown
Bobby Hebert's 2015 195" World Record archery bull moose taken in Colorado.
If you are after big trophy Shiras moose, then you must be applying for Colorado moose. In 2015, Colorado was tied with Montana for the most B&C entries with seven, and we predict that Colorado will pull ahead as the leading state in the future. The lack of wolves is a huge benefit for Colorado compared to neighboring states with high wolf numbers. There is plenty of public land to allow for great access to hunt moose with only a few units that have private land restrictions. Heavy timbered areas and river drainages hold the majority of the moose. All serious moose hunters should apply for Colorado.
There are a few moose units to watch out for in Colorado. While they are capable of producing a great bull, the number of moose are low, which means hunters can have a low harvest success. Some of these units will also have private land limitations. Be cautious of the following units: Units 1, 20, 29, 38, 39, 46, 201, 500 and 501 have low numbers of moose and some moose habitat is on private land. Be sure to get landowner permission before hunting on private land.
It is also important to note that Units 48, 55, 56, 65, 68, 74, 75, 79, 481, 551, 561 and 681 have low density moose populations and are subject to modifications in coming years. Currently, there is very little harvest history for these hunts and information is very limited since these are experimental units.
Current Moose Herd Condition
Thanks to the lack of wolves, moose numbers are doing great across the state. Trophy quality is also holding steady thanks to stellar genetics. CPW is also doing a fantastic job of meeting population objectives in nearly all of the units thanks to their sound tag quotas.
The Seasons
Colorado offers an archery, muzzleloader, and a rifle season for moose hunting. The archery and muzzleloader seasons overlap and have the best chance to catch peak rut action. Expect bulls to be vocal and covering ground during September in search of cows. If you are fortunate enough to draw a tag and you select either of these two seasons, then you should plan on an exciting hunt. The rifle season takes place in early October and will still have rut behavior, but this will be the later part of the rut cycle. Bulls will still respond to calls, but may not be as vocal as in mid September. The rifle season is a great way to harvest a great bull, too.
2016 moose season dates
Weapon | Archery |
|---|---|
Dates | Sept. 10 to 25, 2016 |
Weapon | Muzzleloader |
Dates | Sept. 10 to 18, 2016 |
Weapon | Rifle |
Dates | Oct. 1 to 14, 2016 |
Weapon | Dates |
|---|---|
Archery | Sept. 10 to 25, 2016 |
Muzzleloader | Sept. 10 to 18, 2016 |
Rifle | Oct. 1 to 14, 2016 |
Gohunt’s Hit List Units for Trophy Colorado Moose in 2016
Access and success are the key factors in deciding a unit to apply for and, ultimately, hunt. Obviously, trophy quality should also be considered. Below is a list of units that we feel provides a good blend of the three criteria and a chance to harvest a bull with a spread of 45” to 50” or greater.
Top hit list hunt units to consider for 40" or better moose(not in order of quality)
Unit | |
|---|---|
Trophypotential | 45"+ |
Unit | |
Trophypotential | 45"+ |
Unit | |
Trophypotential | 45"+ |
Unit | |
Trophypotential | 40"+ |
Unit | |
Trophypotential | 40"+ |
Unit | |
Trophypotential | 40"+ |
Unit | |
Trophypotential | 40"+ |
Unit | |
Trophypotential | 40"+ |
How to Uncover Hidden Gem Moose Units
Your INSIDER membership and INSIDER tools are the key to discovering a great moose area to hunt. Use Filtering to find units that have a stable to rising harvest success. Once you locate these, study each of those unit profiles to see what the terrain and access is like. The five year trend of harvest success listed in the unit profile will also be helpful to get an idea of your chance at success. There are a lot of good moose units in Colorado.
Colorado's top Boone & Crockett producingcounties since 2010 for moose
County | Grand |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 10 |
Units foundwithin county | |
County | Jackson |
No. ofentries | 9 |
Units foundwithin county | |
County | Larimer |
No. ofentries | 7 |
Units foundwithin county | |
County | Mesa |
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units foundwithin county | |
County | Park |
No. ofentries | 3 |
Units foundwithin county |
The Points System
The Preference Point Race
2016 maximum weighted preference points for moose: 14
Managing Points and Expectations
Moose preference points
Points | 0 |
|---|---|
No. of residents | 2,943 |
No. of nonresidents | 174 |
Points | 1 |
No. of residents | 2,139 |
No. of nonresidents | 167 |
Points | 2 |
No. of residents | 1,800 |
No. of nonresidents | 145 |
Points | 3+ |
No. of residents | 11,955 |
No. of nonresidents | 1,097 |
Points | No. of residents | No. of nonresidents |
|---|---|---|
0 | 2,943 | 174 |
1 | 2,139 | 167 |
2 | 1,800 | 145 |
3+ | 11,955 | 1,097 |
I Have 0 Moose Preference Points. What Can I Expect?
You are just beginning. Remember that you need to accumulate three base preference points before you are eligible to draw any moose tag in Colorado. Apply now and get in the game as soon as you can before wolves move into Colorado and become a problem!
What Can I Do with 3 Moose Preference Points?
Now, you are eligible to draw a tag, but it will take luck because weighted points are needed to greatly improve your chances. The weapon type that you apply for will not matter for moose and will not increase your odds of drawing. This is where Colorado moose is unique since they draw applicants by the unit and then assign the weapon/season type based on which season was applied for. It is possible for all hunters drawn for a unit to hunt with the same weapon type and season dates.
What Can I Expect with 10 or More Weighted Moose Points?
Your chances have now greatly improved, but luck is still needed. Make sure you select the weapon type and season dates that fit your time availability and weapon preference. Look to our hit list for options.
Colorado Rocky Mountain Goat Breakdown
John Bielak with his Colorado mountain goat. Photo credit: Whale Tail Outdoors
Colorado is a great destination for mountain goat hunters and some of the most extreme and physical terrain is waiting for you there. Mountain goats live in the worst areas and at the highest elevations, but the harvest success rates are good considering the physicality of the hunts. Similar to the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, there are also archery-only hunt choices available in some units.
Colorado is also home to many 14,000’ plus peaks studded throughout the Rockies. Tourists come from all over to hike as many of the “Fourteeners” as possible. Most of these hikers are out there on weekends and, for this reason, Colorado separates some of the mountain goat units as “weekday only” hunting. This helps to avoid the potential conflict between hiker and hunter. Some of the mountain goats are very docile because they are used to people recreating regularly. This can make the hunt very easy.
Current Mountain Goat Herd Condition
Overall numbers are on an extreme downward trend in Colorado. A mature goat in Colorado is a trophy, although Colorado has only had 18 total mountain goats entered into the B&C record book.
The Seasons
The archery-only seasons are by far the easiest to draw, but they are also the most difficult to find success due to the fact that the terrain is very rugged and challenging. Mountain goats will bed in sheer cliffs that make stalking to within bow range an impossibility.
Regardless of the weapon type, the seasons are generally in the month of September except for a few options available in October. The longer you can wait to harvest your goat, the longer the hair will be and the more impressive the mount. Yet, the more tricky the terrain could be.
The rifle seasons are far more difficult to draw, but have a much higher chance at success. It is important for rifle hunters to be very careful when they select a goat to shoot. A ram that is lying in a location where humans cannot access due to the terrain can be very dangerous to retrieve after you shoot it.
Gohunt’s Hit List Units for Colorado Mountain Goat in 2016
The top units for mountain goats are listed below. When determining what we consider to be a top unit, we look for units that have consistent harvest success and mature goats. Colorado is not known for high scoring mountain goats, but the majestic scenery found throughout the unit choices is second to none.
Top hit list hunt units to consider for 9" or better mountain goat(not in order of quality)
Unit | G5 |
|---|---|
Trophypotential | 9" |
Unit | G7 |
Trophypotential | 9" |
Unit | G16 |
Trophypotential | 9" |
Unit | G4 |
Trophypotential | 9" |
Unit | G12 |
Trophypotential | 9" |
Unit | G2 |
Trophypotential | 9" |
Unit | Trophypotential |
|---|---|
G5 | 9" |
G7 | 9" |
G16 | 9" |
G4 | 9" |
G12 | 9" |
G2 | 9" |
How to Uncover Hidden Gem Mountain Goat Units
A trophy goat is truly in the eye of the beholder or hunter. What separates a high scoring goat from a goat that doesn’t “make book” is very minimal. What is more important is success and experience. Utilize Filtering to search by harvest success. Read the Unit Profiles to better understand the terrain that you will deal with.
Colorado's top Boone & Crockett producingcounties since 2010 for mountain goat
County | Clear Creek |
|---|---|
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units foundwithin county | G4 / G7 / G15 / G16 |
County | Summit |
No. ofentries | 2 |
Units foundwithin county | G6 / G7 / G10 / G15 / G16 / G18 |
County | Chaffee |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units foundwithin county | G1 / G2 / G3 / G13 / G14 |
County | Grand |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units foundwithin county | G6 / G15 |
County | Park |
No. ofentries | 1 |
Units foundwithin county | G4 / G16 |
County | No. ofentries | Units foundwithin county |
|---|---|---|
Clear Creek | 2 | G4 / G7 / G15 / G16 |
Summit | 2 | G6 / G7 / G10 / G15 / G16 / G18 |
Chaffee | 1 | G1 / G2 / G3 / G13 / G14 |
Grand | 1 | G6 / G15 |
Park | 1 | G4 / G16 |
The Points System
The Preference Point Race
2016 maximum weighted preference points for mountain goat: 14
Managing Points and Expectations
Mountain goat preference points
Points | 0 |
|---|---|
No. of residents | 1,268 |
No. of nonresidents | 165 |
Points | 1 |
No. of residents | 918 |
No. of nonresidents | 160 |
Points | 2 |
No. of residents | 803 |
No. of nonresidents | 156 |
Points | 3+ |
No. of residents | 5,041 |
No. of nonresidents | 1,234 |
Points | No. of residents | No. of nonresidents |
|---|---|---|
0 | 1,268 | 165 |
1 | 918 | 160 |
2 | 803 | 156 |
3+ | 5,041 | 1,234 |
I Have 0 Mountain Goat Preference Points. What Can I Expect?
Just like with Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and moose, you will need to get to three preference points before you are eligible to draw a mountain goat license and begin to earn weighted points. Start applying and get three preference points so you can have a shot!
What Can I Do with 3 Mountain Goat Preference Points?
Now you have a chance, albeit a slim chance. If you are a bowhunter — and are very fit, very tough, and very skilled — apply for archery seasons. Your odds are a lot better to draw an archery license than a rifle license. If archery is not your preferred hunt, then apply for a rifle hunt choice that meets your physical abilities and limitations and cross your fingers.
What Can I Expect with 10 or More Weighted Mountain Goat Points?
If you have accumulated this many points, then you are bound to get some luck soon! You are never guaranteed to draw with more weighted points, but your odds do mathematically increase. Look to the units and hunt choices that you can physically hunt, and apply. This just may be your year!