Nevada has a healthy mountain goat population in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt ranges. These goats have great genetics, as they were introduced in the mid-1960s from Washington. The state record is 54”, and many Nevada billies have been put into the Boone and Crockett record book.

The current population estimate for Nevada’s goat population is around 375 animals. Sixteen mountain goats were transplanted from Utah in November 2024, which helped to boost the population and genetic diversity in the East Humboldt range in unit 101. Unit 102 has the largest mountain goat population, and this is where the non-resident tag will be issued again for 2026. Just like any other mountain goat hunt, you can expect a physically tough hunt. Most goats are going to be found six or more miles from the trailheads. These goats live in some of the really rough country where most of the peaks are over 10,000 feet in elevation. There are old billies alive in this unit, but most hunters are shooting the first billy they come across. There is potential for a Boone and Crockett goat in this unit if a hunter is patient and knows what they are looking at. An outfitter can really help with finding a big billy as they are spread out throughout the unit.

Harvest success in 2025 was 67%, and 60% of the goats harvested were billies. Goats coming out of unit 102 averaged 4 years old with a score of 44 7/8”. There is always the outside chance at a Boone and Crockett goat in this unit. The best billy harvested in 2025 was 47 4/8”; the best in 2024 was 48 3/8”; the best in 2023 was 50 1/8”; the best in 2022 was 50 1/8”; the best in 2021 was 47 7/8”; and the best in 2020 was 47 6/8”. Hunter success is dependent on how much effort you put in on the hunt. Any hunter who draws the tag, hunts in shape, and hunts hard should be successful.

With only one non-resident tag available, you can expect lottery-style odds. The odds of drawing a tag in unit 102 in 2025 were 1 in 7,315 for non-residents in 580 for residents. The odds for the Silver State tag were better than the resident tag at 1 in 4,959. With such a cheap application fee, you can expect all of us at Huntin’ Fool will be applying. You can’t draw if you are not applying.

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