Big Game Oreamnos americanus
Mountain Goat Hunting Guide
Complete Mountain Goat hunting guide. Seasons by state, hunting methods, trophy criteria, rut timing, and field care tips for mountain goat hunters.
Rut Timing
Nov
Boneless Yield
35%
Scoring
Boone & Crockett
Typical Season Dates
rifle
Sep-Nov
Note: Exact dates vary by state and management unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing licenses.
Trophy Criteria
Boone & Crockett Minimum
50"
Where to Hunt Mountain Goat
Meat Yield
| Animal | Live Weight (avg) | Bone-In Yield | Boneless Yield | Boneless lbs (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| billy | 230 lbs | 48% | 35% | 81 lbs |
| nanny | 160 lbs | 48% | 35% | 56 lbs |
Mountain Goat Hunting Tools
Other Species Guides
Mountain Goat Hunting Articles & Guides
Colorado Mountain Goat Draw Odds: Fewer Than 200 Tags, Decades of Waiting
Idaho Mountain Goat Draw Odds: What You're Really Getting Into
Montana Mountain Goat Draw Odds: The Fastest Path to a Goat Tag in the West
Mountain Goat Hunting Tactics: The Hardest Hunt in North America
Mountain Goat Hunting Tactics: How to Hunt the High Country's Most Technical Tag
New Mexico Mountain Goat Draw Odds: What You're Really Competing For
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mountain Goat season?
Mountain Goat seasons vary by state and weapon type. Typical archery season: late summer to early fall. Rifle season: Sep-Nov. Peak rut is typically Nov.
What is a trophy-class Mountain Goat?
Minimum scores for the record books are: Boone & Crockett: 50 inches, Pope & Young (archery): undefined inches. These are all-time minimums — many hunters target smaller, more achievable trophy goals.
How much meat does a Mountain Goat yield?
A mature mountain goat bull/buck weighs 100–300 lbs live weight. Expect 48% boneless meat yield — roughly 175 lbs of boneless meat from an average animal.
What states can I hunt Mountain Goat?
Mountain Goat can be hunted in: MT, ID, WY, CO, WA, OR, AK. Western states like MT, ID, WY are known for their mountain goat populations.
When is the Mountain Goat rut?
The Mountain Goat rut typically peaks during Nov. This is the best time to target large bulls/bucks, as they are more active and less cautious while seeking mates.