Colorado’s mountain goat population is doing great and staying consistent at 1,500-2,000 goats estimated throughout the state in the last decade. After being introduced in the late 1940s or, as some claim, reintroduced, 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 the protection they needed from crazy biologists claiming them an invasive species and eradicating them like has been done in other states. The Colorado mountain goat 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 a good thing for a mountain goat hunt. Colorado isn’t known for its record class mountain goats, with around 20 total qualifying entries in the B&C books to date. Trophy potential is average throughout the state, with most mature billies topping out in the 8-9” range. Fortunately, the tag cuts that occurred in 2024 will not continue this year. As a matter of fact, two additional mountain goat permits will be issued for 2025, making it a total of 246 permits available throughout the state. We were hopeful that the increase would be higher than two permits, but CPW is being cautious and is planning on increasing permit numbers in the future as mountain goats rebound in the hardest-hit areas. For the 2025 season, non-residents have been allotted a total of 24 permits, broken down with 18 rifle either-sex, 4 nanny, and 2 archery-only either-sex permits. With the number of permits currently available, if you have more than 3 points, you owe it to yourself to be picking areas to apply for and draw that tag while the hunting is great.
This year, unit G18 has a rifle tag for non-residents and G12 has had one of the two permits removed that were available in 2024. Unit G1/G14 has one non-resident permit again this year and is only archery hunted. The other archery permit for non-residents is in unit G05. G6 in the Gore Range picked up an additional five permits for 2025, but they are all going into the resident draw. G12, the Maroon Bells, will once again have the most non-resident permits of any unit in the state with four permits available. Even though it does not have the number of goats it had a few years ago, it 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 to continue into 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 48, odds are steep, but in the end, if you look at the state as a whole, Colorado has a lot of great options to hunt goats. Like moose and sheep, if you are applying for a mountain goat, the downside is the cost. Colorado has a pay-to-play program for these top three species. If you elect to build a point if unsuccessful in the draw, it will cost you $100. However, if hunting a mountain goat is something you dream of doing, Colorado is a must-apply-for state. With multiple tags and a variety of terrain type hunt options, there is opportunity for everyone, regardless of your hunting style or ability.
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The Colorado big game application deadline is April 1, 2025 at 8 p.m. MDT.
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| Annual Small Game Hunt License (required to apply) | $101.54 |
| Youth Annual Small Game Hunt License (under age 18, required to apply) | $1.50 |
| Habitat Stamp (required for adults to apply) | $12.47 |
| Draw Application (per species) | $11.00 |
| Youth Point Fee (all species) | NONE |
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| Mountian Goat | $2,758.49 |
Colorado Mountain Goat Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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