Idaho Mountain Goat Hunting 2025

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

Spring Bear: February 15, 2025
Sheep, Moose, Mtn Goat: April 30, 2025
Super Hunt Tags 1st Draw: May 31, 2025
Deer, Elk, Antelope: June 5, 2025
Resident Capped Elk Tags Available: July 10, 2025
Resident Sawtooth Elk Tags Available: July 12, 2025
Deadline to Pickup Controlled Tags Drawn: August 1, 2025
Super Hunt Tags 2nd Draw: August 10, 2025
Deer, Elk, Antelope Leftover Draw: August 15, 2025
Non-resident General Tags: New Draw TBD

UP-FRONT FEES
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Adult) + Processing Fee	$195.00
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Youth)	$95.75
Trophy Species Application Fee (Adult or Youth)	$45.75
Bighorn Sheep, Moose, or Mtn Goat Tag (Adult or Youth)	$2,626.75
Online & Phone Application Processing Fee (Adult)	$90.03
Online & Phone Application Processing Fee (Youth)	$87.05
Elk, Deer, Antelope Application Fee (Adult or Youth) + Processing Fee	$22.15
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Elk Tag	$651.75
Deer Tag	$351.75
Antelope Tag	$342.75
Black Bear Tag	$231.75
Wolf Tag	$31.75
Junior Mentored Elk (10-17 years old)	$299.75
Junior Mentored Deer (10-17 years old)	$176.75
Junior Mentored Black Bear (10-17 years old)	$116.75
Archery Permit	$81.75
Muzzleloader Permit	$81.75
All transactions that take place on the phone or online are subject to a processing fee. The only way to avoid processing fees is to apply at a regional F&G office with a debit card, personal check, or with cash. Credit cards used at regional offices incur a 3% processing fee. *Tag fees listed do not include online/phone application processing fees.

UP-FRONT FEES
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Adult)	$15.75
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Youth)	$8.25
Trophy Species Application Fee (Adult or Youth)	$16.75
Bighorn Sheep, Moose, or Mtn Goat Tag (Adult or Youth)	$199.75
Elk, Deer, Antelope Application Fee (Adult or Youth)	$6.25
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Elk Tag	$36.75
Deer Tag	$24.75
Antelope Tag	$36.50
Black Bear Tag	$13.75
Wolf Tag	$13.75
Junior Mentored Elk (10-17 years old)	$18.75
Junior Mentored Deer (10-17 years old)	$12.50
Junior Mentored Black Bear (10-17 years old)	$7.75
All transactions that take place on the phone or online are subject to a processing fee. The only way to avoid processing fees is to apply at a regional F&G office with a debit card, personal check, or with cash. Credit cards used at regional offices incur a 3% processing fee. *Tag fees listed do not include online/phone application processing fees.

IDAHO ELK SEASON DATES
Archery (General / Controlled)	Late Aug – late Sep 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Rifle (General / Controlled)	Oct – Nov 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Muzzleloader (General / Controlled)	Oct – Dec 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
IDAHO DEER SEASON DATES
Archery (General / Controlled)	Late Aug – Sep 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Rifle (General / Controlled) (Mule & Whitetail)	Oct – Nov 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Muzzleloader (General / Controlled)	Nov – Dec 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
IDAHO ANTELOPE (PRONGHORN) SEASON DATES
Archery (Controlled Hunts)	Mid-Aug – mid-Sep 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Rifle (Controlled Hunts)	Sep 25 – Oct 24 (permit- and unit-specific)
IDAHO BLACK BEAR SEASON DATES
Spring (Most Units)	Apr – Jun 2025 (bait/hound rules vary by unit)
Fall (Most Units)	Aug – Nov/Dec 2025 (unit-specific)
IDAHO MOUNTAIN LION SEASON DATES
General (Most Units)	Aug 30, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 (unit-specific rules/limits)
IDAHO WOLF SEASON DATES
General (Most Units)	Year-round or long seasons (unit-specific rules/limits)
IDAHO MOUNTAIN GOAT SEASON DATES
Any Legal Weapon	Aug 30 – Nov 12, 2025
IDAHO MOOSE SEASON DATES
Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Nov 2025 (unit- & weapon-specific)
IDAHO BIGHORN SHEEP SEASON DATES
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Oct 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
California Bighorn Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Oct 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)

Disclaimer: Idaho seasons vary by unit/zone, weapon, and tag type; some hunts are controlled with limited windows, quotas, or harvest closures. Always verify exact dates and regulations with Idaho Fish & Game before planning a hunt: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/seasons

YEAR	MOOSE, SHEEP & GOAT	DEER, ELK & ANTELOPE	SPRING BEAR	SECONDARY DRAW
2025	May 6, 11:54 a.m. (MDT)	June 12, 12:00 p.m. (MDT)	February 27	August 21
2024	May 8, 1:35 p.m. (MDT)	June 25, 10:27 a.m. (MDT)	February 28	August 22
2023	May 19, 1:45 p.m. (MDT)	June 29, 2:00 p.m. (MDT)	March 3	August 23
2022	May 19, 11:40 a.m. (MDT)	June 28, 8:40 p.m. (MDT)	March 4
2021	May 13, 10:50 a.m. (MDT)	July 1, 10:00 a.m. (MDT)	February 19
2020	May 15, 11:10 a.m. (MDT)	June 19, 2:30 p.m. (MDT)	February 21
2019	May 17	June 25
2018	June 8	July 8

Idaho Fish and Game Department

600 S Walnut • PO Box 25
Boise, ID 83707
ph. 208-334-3700

APPLY

For 2025, there will be 40 mountain goat permits available spread out over 19 different units, with up to 4 permits issued to non-residents. Keep in mind that most goat country in Idaho, even with road or trailhead access, may not be frequently hunted in. Mountain goats in this state love to inhabit the rocky bluffs and true scree slopes at high elevations. Only one change has been made for the 2025 season. Units 10-1 and 10-2 have been combined, and there will only be one permit issued for this hunt. Between some winterkill in the past and the nanny harvest being too high over the past 10 years, IDFG has been trying to figure out how to best manage this area for years. There has been a 44% nanny harvest in 10-1 and 50% in 10-2 over the last decade. There are great genetics in this herd, though, and there is a good chance of turning up a 10” billy on this hunt, especially on the western side of the unit.

Overall, Idaho mostly produces average mountain goats, but there are a handful of great billies taken every season. For the most part, this is due to hunters dedicated to scouting and utilizing the long two and a half-month season. The better goats usually come from the units we have indicated as our top units. Be careful when selecting lesser backpack type hunts as the draw odds are about the same across the entire playing field. Units 18 and 22 remain the best units for long-horned billies for those who are willing to work at it. The highest success rate hunt is still unit 36B. This is Idaho’s longest running goat hunt with a 100% success rate the past 17 seasons. Make sure to read through the unit comments in our table and do some e-scouting this season if you are applying for goat to be sure you are out in the hills if you are lucky enough to draw a mountain goat tag this season.

Non-resident applicant demand dropped a little for goat last year, with 329 electing to submit an application in 2024. Four tags were drawn out of those 40 total applications. For those looking to add a mountain goat application to their strategy, Idaho should be on the list if you want the best odds at drawing a tag with no name on it. If you have questions about Idaho’s goat hunts, give us a call!

UNIT	COMMENTS
7	St. Joe. Valid in units 7 and 9. Unit 9 is a rugged backpack hunt—focus on Lightning Ridge or Snow Peak. Unit 7 has better access via timber company roads that reach high goat country. Herd stable with 9"+ potential. Successful hunter harvested a billy on day 1 in 2024.
10-1	Isabella Creek/Collins Creek. Units 10-1 and 10-2 combined for 2025. West side: goats along Isabella Creek visible from main roads—day hunt possible. East side: Cliff Lake and Upper Fire Creek areas—glass from road then plan longer hikes. 9–10"+ potential. Successful hunter took a nanny on day 8 in 2024.
18	Hells Canyon Wilderness (all of 18 plus part of 23). One of the top units for big billies. Access by trail or jet boat on Snake River. Terrain is extremely rugged—physical effort required. Herd stable with 9–10"+ potential. Hunters averaged 4 days to harvest in 2024.
22	Lower Hells Canyon. Top-tier unit—goats in Deep Creek, Pyramid Creek, Granite Creek. Access via road along unit 18 border. Herd stable with 9–10" potential. Two nannies harvested in 2024; hunters averaged 7 days.
27-2	Frank Church Wilderness, Mount Jordan (parts of 27 and 36). Some edge road access then hours of hiking to goat habitat. Late-season snow may hamper road access. Horseback recommended. Herd stable with 9"+ potential. Successful hunter harvested a billy on day 5 in 2024.
27-4	Frank Church Wilderness, Middle Fork (parts of 27 and 28). Toughest goat hunt in Idaho—extremely steep, rugged, lifeless terrain. Horses recommended; backpacking involves major vertical climbs. Low population with 9"+ potential. No harvest in 2024.
27-5	Frank Church Wilderness, Southwest. Slightly down population. True wilderness—extremely tough terrain. Best accessed via remote airstrips then multi-day backpack. Griff steep rocky ridges. Herd stable with 9"+ potential. Hunters averaged 3 days to harvest in 2024.
36-1	Sawtooth Wilderness (parts of 36 and 35). Stable population. Good trails but steep climbs. Goats spread over range south of Redfish Lake. Heavy recreational use. 8–9" potential. Hunters averaged 4 days to harvest in 2024.
36A-1	Boulder Mountains (parts of 36A, 48, 50). Low but stable population. Access via North Fork Big Lost River and Trail Creek roads—glass from road, then steep hikes. Backpacking in Jim McClure–Jerry Peak Wilderness may yield better goats. 8–9" potential. No harvest in 2024.
36A-2	East Fork Salmon River (parts of 36A, 48). Small, rugged designated wilderness. Physically demanding—horses help; strong backpackers can succeed. Herd stable with 8–9" potential. Hunter harvested a billy opening day in 2024.
36A-3	White Cloud Peaks (parts of 36, 36A). Decent road access with good starting elevation. Easiest goat hunt in 36 units—trails exist but require 4–5 hr backpack hikes to basins. 8–9" potential. Hunters averaged 3 days to harvest in 2024.
36A-4	Pole Creek (parts of 36, 36A). Best access among 36 units but includes rough terrain. Super steep rocky ridges mixed with timber—tough spotting. Day huntable if willing to climb. Herd stable with 8–9"+ potential. One nanny taken in 2024; hunters averaged 5 days.
36B	Squaw Creek Basin (parts of 36B, 36). Good access but more timber than most goat units. High success—100% success rate for years. Day huntable and good for archery. Herd stable with 9"+ potential. Hunters averaged 5 days to harvest in 2024.
37A	Lemhi Mountains (all of 37A and parts of 29, 51, 58). Goats north of Timber Creek along Lemhi/Pahsimeroi divide. Rugged steep terrain—multi-day backpack; dirt-bike access for experienced riders. Herd stable with 9"+ potential. Hunter averaged 4 days to harvest in 2024.
39	Southern Sawtooth Range. Very tough steep rocky terrain with little road/trail access. Not for non–backpackers. Herd stable with 8–9"+ potential. Hunter averaged 8 days to harvest in 2024.
43	South Fork Boise River Basin (all of 43 and parts of 36, 48). Steep and timbered—goats spread out. ATV trails aid access but require scouting to find groups. Herd increasing with 8–9" potential. Two nannies taken in 2024; hunters averaged 7 days.
50	Pioneer Mountains (all of 49 and part of 50). Very steep rugged basins ideal for glassing. Road access in Wildhorse Creek, Antelope Creek, Copper Basin; glass from road then hike up. High success on average billies. Herd increasing with 8–9" potential. Hunters averaged 2 days in 2024.
51	Southern Lemhi Mountains (parts of 51, 58). Reopened in 2019 after 7-year closure. Some roads near goat habitat—day huntable; horses or overnight backpack enhance success. Good chance at older billies. 9–10" potential. Hunters averaged 11 days in 2024.
61	Henry’s Lake Mountains—new unit on MT border near West Yellowstone. Requires grizzly-country backpack along trails/ridges. No harvest in 2024; prior year hunter took young nanny day 2. Rare opportunity for old billies. Herd increasing with 9–10" potential.

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

IDAHO MOUNTAIN GOAT SEASON DATES	2025 SEASON DATES
Any Legal Weapon	Aug 30 – Nov 12, 2025

Disclaimer: Very limited controlled permits with unit-specific dates and access rules. Confirm with IDFG: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/seasons

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