Quick Tips
- You need to be in good physical condition
- Bring good optics and good quality clothing that can withstand the elements
- Always pack bear spray as you are in grizzly country
- Some of the mountain lakes provide good fishing opportunities
On The Ground
This district lies north of Yellowstone National Park and Cooke City. It is almost entirely in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This is steep, alpine mountainous country, but also very spectacular scenery. There is no better place when the weather is good than the high country.
This district has the potential to produce a billy in the 9” range or larger. Goats are associated with all of the high country peaks along the divide between Slough Creek and the Stillwater River. Goat populations are down from historic highs, but are stable and there are still a lot of goats in this district. Billies typically range from 8-9”
Terrain
This district is made up of a lot of subalpine and alpine country, the area has plenty of steep and rocky peaks up to 10,800 feet. Most of the goat hunting will be done at and above timberline. Elevation gains of 3,000 feet can be a daily experience. Some of the mountain peaks are sheer rock faces that are unhuntable. The creek bottoms have timber and water.
Roughly 121 square miles
98.1% public land
Elevations from 7,000-10,800 feet
Vegetation
The creek bottoms have spruce, fir and pine trees. Most of the timber is getting scarce by mid elevation and it turns to sub-alpine grasses and forbs with a mix of sub alpine fir and Whitebark pine. The upper elevations are mostly rocky ridges and rocky mountain faces, with pockets of alpine plants, moss and lichens.
Access
The main access into this district is through Cooke City and up the Lake Abundance Road to the trailhead. This is a high elevation access. Access can also be through Yellowstone National Park up Slough Creek or up the Boulder River Road south of Big Timber. The rest is backpacking or horseback into the wilderness area. These are relatively good maintained Forest Service trails. Late season snow can make it difficult to access this district. This district can be day hunted from the Lake Abundance trailhead if you are in excellent condition or using horses.
ATVs are not allowed in the wilderness areas
Camping and Lodging
There are excellent camping spots that have water, firewood and protection. Most spots provide glassing of goats from camp. There are several lakes that have fish in them in the vicinity of your goat country, so throw your pole in. If day hunting, Cooke City is only a few miles away and has gas, restaurants and motels.
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