Colorado Mountain Goat Hunting 2025

Application Deadlines Non-Resident Fees Resident Fees Big Game Season Dates Draw Result Dates State Contact Information

Primary Draw: April 1, 2025
Secondary Draw: June 30, 2025
Unlimited/Leftover Licenses: August 5, 2025
Reissued Licenses Begin: August 13, 2025

UP-FRONT FEES
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 to Apply, Adults Only)	$12.47
Draw Application (Per Species)	$11.00
Preference Point Fee (Per Species for Sheep, Moose, and Mtn Goat)	$100.00
Preference Point Fee (Per Species for Deer, Elk, and Antelope)	$0.00
Youth Preference Point Fee (All Species)	$0.00
All non-resident licenses include an annual fishing license valid through March 31
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Rocky / Desert Bighorn Sheep	$2,758.49
Shiras Moose	$2,758.49
Mountain Goat	$2,758.49
Elk (Bull, Cow, or Either Sex)	$825.03
Deer	$494.47
Antelope	$494.47
Black Bear	$294.75
Mountain Lion	$825.03
Turkey	$188.86
Youth Big Game (Deer, Elk, and Antelope)	$126.18
Youth Black Bear	$61.51
Youth Turkey	$126.49

UP-FRONT FEES
Annual Small Game Hunt License (Required to Apply)	$36.68
Youth Annual Small Game Hunt License (Under Age 18, Required to Apply)	$1.50
Habitat Stamp (Required to Apply, Adults Only)	$12.47
Draw Application (Per Species)	$8.00
Preference Point Fee (Per Species for Sheep, Moose, and Mtn Goat)	$50.00
Preference Point Fee (Per Species for Deer, Elk, and Antelope)	$0.00
Youth Preference Point Fee (All Species)	$0.00
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Rocky / Desert Bighorn Sheep	$375.97
Shiras Moose	$375.97
Mountain Goat	$375.97
Elk (Bull, Cow, or Either Sex)	$67.86
Deer	$49.15
Antelope	$49.15
Black Bear	$61.62
Mountain Lion	$61.62
Turkey (Spring)	$36.68
Turkey (Fall)	$30.44
Youth Big Game (Deer, Elk, and Antelope)	$18.90
Youth Black Bear	$18.29
Youth Turkey	$19.21

COLORADO ELK SEASON DATES
Archery	Sept 2 – Sept 30, 2025
Muzzleloader	Sept 13 – Sept 21, 2025
Early Rifle (Limited Units)	Oct 1 – Oct 11, 2025
1st Rifle	Oct 15 – Oct 19, 2025
2nd Rifle	Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2025
3rd Rifle	Nov 8 – Nov 16, 2025
4th Rifle	Nov 19 – Nov 23, 2025
COLORADO DEER SEASON DATES
Archery	Sept 2 – Sept 30, 2025
Muzzleloader	Sept 13 – Sept 21, 2025
Early Rifle (Unit-Specific)	Sept 6 – Sept 14, 2025
1st Rifle	Oct 15 – Oct 19, 2025
2nd Rifle	Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2025
3rd Rifle	Nov 8 – Nov 16, 2025
4th Rifle	Nov 19 – Nov 23, 2025
COLORADO ANTELOPE SEASON DATES
Archery	Aug 15 – Sept 20, 2025
Muzzleloader	Sept 21 – Sept 29, 2025
Rifle	Oct 4 – Oct 12, 2025
COLORADO MOOSE SEASON DATES
Archery	Sept 6 – Sept 20, 2025
Muzzleloader	Sept 13 – Sept 21, 2025
Rifle	Oct 1 – Oct 14, 2025
COLORADO MOUNTAIN GOAT SEASON DATES
Archery (Unit-Specific)	Sept 2 – Oct 31, 2025
Rifle (Unit-Specific)	Sept – Oct 2025 (varies by GMU)
COLORADO BEAR SEASON DATES
Archery	Sept 2 – Sept 30, 2025
Muzzleloader	Sept 13 – Sept 21, 2025
Sep Rifle	Sept 2 – Sept 30, 2025
1st Rifle	Oct 15 – Oct 19, 2025
2nd Rifle	Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2025
3rd Rifle	Nov 8 – Nov 16, 2025
4th Rifle	Nov 19 – Nov 23, 2025
COLORADO DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP SEASON DATES
Rifle	Nov 1 – Nov 30 2025
COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP SEASON DATES
Archery	Aug - Dec 2025 (by GMU)
Rifle	Aug – Dec 2025 (by GMU)
COLORADO MOUNTAIN LION SEASON DATES
General Season	Nov 24, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026
COLORADO TURKEY SEASON DATES
Spring Turkey	Apr 12 – May 31, 2025
Fall Turkey	Sept 1 – Oct 5, 2025

Disclaimer: Season dates vary by GMU, weapon type, and draw status. Always confirm with Colorado Parks & Wildlife: https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/SeasonDates.aspx

YEAR	SHEEP & GOAT	MOOSE	ELK	DEER	ANTELOPE	BEAR	SECONDARY DRAW
2025	April 16	May 27	May 29	May 28	May 30	May 27	July 7
2024	April 16	May 28	May 29	May 29	May 30	May 28	July 8
2023	April 18	May 30	June 1	May 31	June 2		July 7
2022	April 19	May 31	June 3	June 2	June 2		July 7
2021	April 20	May 25	May 26	May 25	May 26		July 6
2020	May 1	June 1	June 4	June 3	June 4
2019	May 3		June 5	June 5	June 5
2018	May 4

Colorado Division of Wildlife

6060 Broadway

Denver, CO 80216

ph. 303-297-1192

APPLY CHECK POINTS

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.

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.

Unit	Description
G1, G14	Mt Shavano, Antero — Archery-only hunt. Smaller population of goats with 90-100 animals estimated between the two units. This is typical high elevation goat country, complete with scree slopes and jagged bluffs above 12,000’. Good access with 4x4 roads and ATV trails in the canyon bottoms. This unit is only archery hunted. Hunters will want to be in good shape to maneuver at high elevation for this hunt. Average size billies with the occasional trophy being harvested. Hunters averaged 10 days in 2023. 6 total tags for 2025.
G3	Mt. Harvard, Collegiate Peaks — First rifle season. The 2022 post-hunt populations are still steady at an estimated 240 goats, which is right on track for the herd objective. This is one of the largest goat populations in CO. Most billies harvested are in the 8-9" range, but 9"+ genetics are possible in this unit. Hunters will need to be in great shape for this high altitude hunt or use stock to help get around in this unit. Best hunting and highest concentration of goats will be several miles into the wilderness areas. Hunters averaged 4 days in 2023. 20 total tags for 2025.
G3	Mt. Harvard, Collegiate Peaks — Same as above but second season. Billies will have better and thicker winter coats by now. Hunters averaged 2 days in 2023. 20 total tags for 2025.
G4	Mount Blue Sky — This unit has three rifle seasons, and this is the first hunt. There were an estimated 125 mountain goats in 2024, which is up from past year. Good access to most of the unit. Excellent genetics on past harvested billies. You will want to be patient and pick through available goats to find a big mature billy. Mount Blue Sky Highway has a closure within 1/2 mile when open and is the highest paved road in North America at over 14,000 feet above sea level. Hunters averaged 3 days in 2023. 3 total tags for the first hunt in 2025.
G5	West Needles — The 2024 post-hunt population estimate was 95, which is down about 30 goats from 2022. Mountain goats have mostly been found in the more remote areas of this unit; however, a goat or two get harvested every year in the more accessible areas along the trails. Early September is typically the best time to hunt goats as they will move down out of the high open basins into less visible areas later in October. Heavy recreational hiking traffic can disperse goats as well. 9"+ goats available and an occasional 10" goat. Goats mainly reside within the Weminuche Wilderness. Hunters averaged 5 days in 2023. 12 total tags for 2025.
G6	Gore Range/Eagles Nest — Population estimate for 2024 was 120, up a few from 2023, and lamb survival is good. This unit is centrally located in the mountains of Colorado. Some road access to lower drainages. The increase of tags in 2022 is still in affect with high tag quotas for 2025 as CPW try to lower goat numbers. Goats are spread throughout the unit and can be found almost anywhere in the unit. Most areas are very steep, cliffy basins. This has been a good unit for 9" plus mature billies. Hunters averaged 3 days in 2023. 30 total tags for 2025.
G7	Grays Peak — Great population for such a small unit with 2024 estimates at 205. Most goats are located in and around the basins and peaks adjacent to Grays Peak. Good road access exists from the north along Stevens Gulch and Leavenworth Creek roads. Steep high elevation, but some hiking trails will help get you into goat country. Open scree slopes and basins make up the goat habitat. Most mature billies are 8-8 1/2" with a few 9+" billies available. Hunters averaged 2 days in 2023. 3 total tags for 2025.
G7	Grays Peak — Same as above, but access can be difficult with early snowstorms and slick, icy conditions. Hunters averaged 2 days in 2023. 3 total tags for 2025.
G10	Ten Mile Range — This is the third hunt of four for this unit. Population has rebounded in the past few years to an estimated 140 goats. This unit contains great genetics. Excellent hunt for some big billies. A lot of the terrain the goats will be found in is very steep and rugged so hunters will need to be in great shape. Plan on a physically demanding hunt to find a trophy billy. Great unit for 9"+ billies. Hunters averaged 3 days in 2023. 5 total tags for the third hunt in 2025.
G10	Ten Mile Range — Same as above, but this is a nanny-only hunt. Hunters averaged 2 days in 2023. 5 nanny-only tags for 2025.
G10	Ten Mile Range — Same as above but later dates where access can become difficult with early snowstorms and slick, icy conditions. Hunters averaged 1 day in 2023. 5 total tags for 2025.
G11 East	The Raggeds — Population is down from its high of 160 goats in 2021 to 120, but it is holding steady the last three years. This unit is very rough and physically challenging terrain. Goats will be scattered throughout the unit. Hunters need to be in good shape for this hunt. Finding goats will require some time in the field or an outfitter to be successful. Mostly average size goats in the 8" range with a few larger billies. Hunters averaged 6 days in 2023. 8 total tags for 2025.
G12	Maroon Bells — Colorado’s largest goat herd in 2022 at 320 is down to 160 animals. This is more in line with where CPW wants the population. The majority of the herd is within the wilderness area, and you’ll need to get back in a few miles to the high elevation peaks and basins to find the best hunting. Very physically demanding, but a fun, high success hunt. Mostly average goats with an occasional 9" goat harvested. Hunters averaged 4 days in 2023. 15 total tags for 2025.
G12	Maroon Bells — Same as above, but this is a nanny-only hunt. Hunters averaged 4 days in 2023. 3 total tags for 2025.
G12	Maroon Bells — Same as above, but this is the second rifle season. Later dates should provide excellent long hair and trophy capes, but the later it gets, weather issues can make this hunt a lot more challenging. Hunters averaged 5 days in 2023. 10 total tags for 2025.
G12	Maroon Bells — Same as above, but this is a nanny-only hunt. Hunters averaged 5 days in 2023. 2 total tags for 2025.
G16	Mt. Guyot — Population estimate for 2024 has this herd at around 70, which is way down from just years ago when it was 170 goats. This unit has very good access with roads and trails getting you into goat habitat Physically easier hunt with moderate terrain compared to most units. Hunter friendly unit with good goats and Potential for 9"+ billies in this unit. Hunters can make this hunt as easy or difficult as they want. Hunters averaged 2 days in 2023. 3 total tags for 2025.
G16	Mt. Guyot — Same as above but second rifle season. Hunters averaged 2 days in 2023. 3 total tags for 2025.
G17	Independence Pass — The post-hunt estimated population number is still holding steady at 40 goats. Small population of goats that moves along the Continental Divide. Herd is scattered throughout unit and can be hard to find among the three major wilderness areas. Scouting and having plenty of time to hunt will come in handy to be successful. Very physically demanding hunt. Mostly average 8" goats. Likely the most difficult mountain goat hunts in Colorado with physical terrain and few goats. Hunters averaged 6 days in 2023. 6 total tags for 2025.
G18	Holy Cross - Population has nearly doubled in the last 5 years with a good trail system for getting around, but steep, rugged country in the wilderness area where the majority of the goats will be found. Hunters will need to be in good physical shape and plan plenty of time to find a mature billy in this unit. 8"+ goats can be expected in this unit. Hunters averaged 3 days in 2023. 7 total tags for 2025.

HFA002-5

Alaska Peninsula Coast

Species: Brown Bear

Cost: $ 29,500.00

Location: Alaska, United States

HFA091-1

New Mexico Unit 36

Species: Rocky Mountain Elk

Cost: $ 8,000.00

Location: New Mexico, United States

HFA396-3

All-Inclusive Guided Stone

Species: Stone Sheep

Cost: $ 89,250.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA038-5

Trophy Canadian Moose

Species: Canadian Moose

Cost: $ 9,800.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA127-2

Wyoming Antelope Hunt

Species: Pronghorn Antelope

Cost: $ 4,500.00

Location: Wyoming, United States

HFA245-8

Montana Mountain Lion

Species: Mountain Lion

Cost: $ 6,800.00

Location: Montana, United States

HFA392-4

Idaho Trophy Mule Deer

Species: Mule Deer

Cost: $ 5,900.00

Location: Idaho, United States

COLORADO MOUNTAIN GOAT SEASON DATES	2025 DATES
Archery	Sept 2 – Sept 31, 2025
Rifle (Unit-Specific)	Sept – Oct 2025 (varies by GMU)

Disclaimer: Season dates vary by GMU, weapon type, and draw status. Always confirm with Colorado Parks & Wildlife: https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/SeasonDates.aspx

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.

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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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Colorado has a reissue policy for limited licenses that were turned in after the draw. A license that is returned that took 5 or more preference points to draw will be manually reissued to the next eligible person. For each license returned, CPW will contact the next five people from the current year’s draw order and attempt to reissue it. If a non-resident returns a permit, it will be reallocated to a non-resident. Any licenses that took fewer than 5 preference points to draw that are returned will be placed into the leftover list. Colorado will issue any surrendered deer after the initial leftover license purchased deadline on August 5th on a reissue/leftover license webpage. They will release a list of available licenses each Tuesday and transfer them into the leftover list for purchase Wednesday at 11 a.m. (MT).

Colorado has a landowner voucher program. Up to 10% of private land-only and 10% of unit-wide permits for deer, elk, and antelope licenses for the general and restricted quota west of I-25 may be issued as landowner vouchers. Up to 15% of the deer, elk, and antelope licenses for the general quota east of I-25 and up to 10% of the restricted quota may be issued as landowner vouchers. Landowners must meet certain qualifications both in size of contiguous acres and type of property to be eligible. Vouchers are allocated through a draw process that takes place every year. The number of applications per landowner depends on acreage owned. Landowners who receive vouchers for licenses that they can transfer/sell to eligible hunters must do so directly. A hunter voucher can be sold directly to a hunter by the landowner or their designated land manager. A third party cannot sell a Colorado landowner voucher. Once a hunter purchases a voucher, it must be taken to a license agent or CPW location to be turned into a license. Hunters who are unsuccessful in drawing vouchers receive a preference point for next year’s drawing.

As expected, after the initial release of the first 10 wolves in December of 2023, there has not been protection for any livestock producers. Mitigation claims have exceeded $500,000, which the state is struggling to find funding to pay because the mitigation fund only has $350,000 in it. CPW has tried translocating some of the wolves, which has obviously been unsuccessful. Now CPW’s answer is that if they bring in more wolves (which was 15 additional wolves brought in from British Columbia) to bolster the packs, they will now have the ability to target more adult elk instead of calf elk. Anyone with a drop of brain at all has to be thinking that this is the dumbest idea that was ever dreamed up by a round table of “wildlife specialists” who have no idea or sense of reality. So far, every single rancher and person who voted against the wolf supplementation has been vindicated. The Shangri-La place that was promised by wolf lobbyists that was going to have wolves only eating out the sick and dying wildlife that “in turn would eliminate disease within the rivers” turns out to be what every sane person with a bit of common sense said it was going to be, BS!

Colorado Mountain Goat

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Dates & Fees | Colorado Mountain Goat