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 is located in the Madison Mountains and the heart of the goat country lies within the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. This is remote and steep mountainous country, accessible only by backpacking or horses.
This district has the potential to produce good mature billies in the 9” range. Goat numbers are down from historic highs, but are at a stable population. This is a physically demanding hunt and is located in remote country, so be prepared. This is also a known grizzly bear district.
Terrain
From the trailheads to the peaks can be in excess of 5,000 feet in elevation, and it takes from three to five miles on forest service trails to get into the heart of the goat country. From here it is on foot and a steep climb up to goat country. Goats are typically found at and above tree line. This part of the mountain is mostly granite rock ridges, cliffs and sheer faces.
Roughly 327 square miles
40.3% public land
Elevations from 6,000-11,000 feet
Vegetation
The creek bottoms up halfway on the mountains are heavily timbered with spruce, pine and fir trees. At mid slope and up to around 8,500 feet is made up of scattered timber pockets and subalpine grasses and forbs. Above this to the tops of the peaks it is alpine with mostly lichens and moss growing on the granite rocks.
Access
There are several Forest Service access points available from the west side of the district off of Highway 287, south of Ennis. The Bear Creek trailhead is a very popular access to get you into some of the best goat habitat. All travel is backpack or horseback. There are numerous Forest Service trails throughout the district. Hunting is on foot and 3,000 foot vertical gains can be a daily occurrence.
Camping and Lodging
Ennis is only a few miles to the north and has motels, gas stations and restaurants. When hunting, most of time will be camping in the wilderness in the goat country. There are great camping spots adjacent to a stream, with trees for firewood and some shelter from the elements throughout the district.
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