Colorado’s mountain goat population is doing great and was estimated at 1,400 individuals in 2025. Populations out have been higher over the last decade, and herds have been above objective across most units. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is stepping off the gas now that they have finally reduced herds to where they want them. This reduces competition with high priority bighorn sheep herds and protects sensitive alpine plants. After being introduced in the late 1940s, they have thrived in the rugged Rocky Mountains. The release of these Montana mountain goats into these untouched high mountain areas was one of the best calls Colorado ever made. Witnessing what a success this introduction was, the Colorado Wildlife Commission officially recognized the mountain goat as a native species in 1993. This gave mountain goats much needed protection, preventing them from being classified as invasive species and being eradicated as has been done in other states. Colorado has given some lucky hunters an opportunity to pursue one of the most challenging species in the West and will hopefully continue to do so for many years to come.
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Colorado has a good reputation for access into the high country, which is good news for mountain goat hunters. That said, Colorado isn’t known for its record-class mountain goats, with only twenty-four total qualifying entries in the B&C books to date—the most recent of these having been taken in 2023. Trophy potential is average throughout the state, with most mature billies topping out in the 8 to 9” range. For the 2026 season, non-residents have been allotted a total of twenty-one permits, broken down into seventeen either-sex rifle tags, two nanny tags, and two either-sex archery-only permits. This amounts to a total reduction of three permits from the year prior. Still, with the number of permits currently available, you owe it to yourself to be picking areas to apply for if you have three or more points. Draw that tag while the hunting is great!
This year, there will be a total reduction in licenses from 246 to 219; either-sex licenses were reduced by ten and nanny-only licenses were reduced by seventeen. Because of that, draw odds have taken a slight fall. Mountain Goats may again take off in the future as they have in the past, and CPW will again have to increase tags to maintain a healthy population. Although most populations are doing great and are objective, there is one herd that is below objective. The majority of the tag cuts are actually coming from areas occupied by that group, the Grays Peak herd, including G7, G10, G15 and G16. The either-sex archery permits for non-residents will again be in G1 and G5. G1/G14 is archery-only. G12, the Maroon Bells, still has two either-sex tags in 2026, but non-residents lost the two nanny tags. This unit has historically held one of the largest, above-objective mountain goat populations. After about a decade of increased tags, CPW finally has the herd just about where they want it and, as a result, have cut tags from eighty to twenty-seven in the last three years. This is still a solid hunt with good potential for a mature billy.
All in all, mountain goat hunting in Colorado is doing great and looks like it will continue doing so in the future. There will always be a few speed bumps along the way, but mountain goats have proven to be hardy, resilient animals that thrive in the toughest of times. Recreational activity may be having the biggest effect on mountain goats in Colorado. With more and more hikers and adventure seekers using the backcountry of Colorado to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, mountain goats are being displaced into different areas. Time will tell if this influx of humans into mountain goat habitat will have a negative effect on populations or not.
For information on specific units and dates, see the regulations brochure.
Like any other mountain goat permit in the Lower Forty-Eight, odds are steep, but, if you look at the state as a whole, Colorado has a lot of great options to hunt goats. Like moose and sheep, the downside to applying for a mountain goat is the cost. Colorado has a pay-to-play program for these top three species. If unsuccessful in the draw, building a point will still cost you $100. However, if hunting a mountain goat is something you dream of doing, Colorado is a must-apply-in state. With multiple tags and a variety of terrain options, there is opportunity for everyone—regardless of hunting style or ability.
Over the last 20+ years, we've collected hunting research and data, so join Huntin' Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting mountain goat in colorado, including Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
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The Colorado big game application deadline is April 7, 2026 at 8 p.m. MDT.
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| Annual Small Game Hunt License (required to apply) | $104.86 |
| Youth Annual Small Game Hunt License (under age 18, required to apply) | $2.53 |
| Habitat Stamp (required for adults to apply) | $12.76 |
| Draw Application (per species) | $11.49 |
| Youth Point Fee (all species) | NONE |
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| Mountian Goat | $2,823.53 |
Colorado Mountain Goat Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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