There are five areas that offer mountain goat hunts in Wyoming. Areas 4 and 5 were added last year and are part of what the state is calling a Type A license. The intent is to rid those areas of all mountain goats. Under the Type A license, hunters can and are encouraged to harvest any mountain goat. If you harvest on a Type A, it does not count as your once-in-a-lifetime mountain goat. If you have already drawn another area and harvested a mountain goat in Wyoming, you can still apply and hunt the Type A mountain goat hunt in Areas 4 or 5.

Any of the five areas has the opportunity for a great experience and an opportunity to harvest a representative billy. Unlike the other species in Wyoming, mountain goat tags are drawn without a points system. First time applicants have the same chance at drawing a tag as an applicant who has applied for years. Hunter success is good, and being in shape can help improve success chances.

Most seasons are two months long and give you an opportunity to hunt late in the season for a goat with a long cape. Wilderness areas are found in the goat areas, so nonresidents should plan on hiring an outfitter or have a Wyoming resident go with them if they are hunting in a designated wilderness area.

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Highlights

Wyoming Rocky Mountain Goat herd conditions

Area 1

Area 1 is located along the Montana border in the northwest part of the state. A portion of the herd occurs within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, but there are also mountain goats outside of the wilderness area. This area could be successfully hunted DIY-style without a guide, but will require some research and effort to do so. The terrain is rugged. Be prepared physically if you plan to hunt this area. This is the second largest herd in the state.

Area 2

Area 2 encompasses the Palisades herd, which is an extension of the Idaho Palisades mountain goat population. Mountain goats continue to expand and populations appear to be stable. This area is a good option for a DIY hunter. Trophy potential has historically been good and is the best option for a record book billy. The terrain is typical of mountain goat country: steep, rocky and physically demanding.

Area 3

Area 3 has the largest herd in Wyoming. Wyoming uses a two hunt structure in Area 3 in order to reduce single season hunting pressure. The first hunt occurs Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 while the second hunt occurs Oct. 1 to 31. The bulk of the herd inhabits the high country of the North Absaroka Wilderness Area. Without an outfitter or resident guide, this area will be a tough undertaking for a nonresident DIY hunter. The trophy potential is average, but the remote and rugged nature of the terrain will always allow a number of billies to mature and grow. The terrain is remote, rough and will require pack stock or hunters to be in good physical shape.

Area 4

Area 4 sits between the Idaho border and Grand Teton National Park. Most of the herd inhabits the rocky, high mountain terrain on the border of the park. The park estimates that there could be close to 100 mountain goats near the park boundary. The bulk of this area is within DWA and would require a guide/outfitter or a resident to accompany you. We currently do not know how many licenses will be allocated.

Area 5

Area 5 covers a tremendous amount of country and the number of mountain goats is relatively low. This hunt is going to be difficult and would require preseason scouting to be successful. The terrain is extremely rugged and the mountain goats are almost assuredly going to be found in pockets in remote wilderness areas. A guide would likely be required to have a chance to be successful for a nonresident.

Boone and Crockett entries

** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.