Colorado Mountain Goat

Unit G02 (Mount Evans / Front Range Alpine)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat DAU G02 covers the spectacular alpine terrain of the Front Range and the Mount Evans / Arapaho National Forest area in Clear Creek and Park counties. CPW issues an extremely limited number of licenses for this DAU — often 1–3 tags per year — making this one of the rarest hunting opportunities in Colorado. The rugged fourteener terrain and relatively accessible alpine approaches near Idaho Springs characterize this unique urban-proximate trophy unit.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Mountain Goat Hunting in Unit G02

Where to Find Mountain Goat in DAU G02

Mountain goats in DAU G02 inhabit the cliff bands and talus fields of the Front Range fourteeners and thirteeners above 12,000 feet. The Mount Evans area, including Chicago Lakes cirques, holds a resident goat population.

Summer Range

In late summer, goats range across the highest ridges and cliff faces above treeline. They are often visible as white specks against dark tundra or rock from the Mount Evans Road and surrounding ridgelines — this proximity to a paved road makes pre-season scouting more accessible than most goat units.

Late Season

As autumn arrives, goats remain on steep terrain but may shift to wind-scoured ridges and south-facing cliff faces where snow clears quickly. Bulls may group in small herds on prominent ridgelines in October and November.

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How to Hunt Mountain Goat in DAU G02

DAU G02's proximity to the Denver metro area means approach hikes are shorter than most Colorado goat units, but the cliff terrain demands the same skill and safety discipline.

Pre-Season Scouting

Use the Mount Evans Road (open seasonally) and Arapaho NF trails to scout goat locations before the season. Glass from roadside pullouts and mark goat sightings with GPS. The relatively compact alpine area of the Front Range allows thorough scouting.

Approach and Shot Placement

Plan approaches from above using cliff bands as cover. Goats are less alert to danger from above and will often hold longer. A well-placed shot is critical on cliff terrain — ensure a clear recovery path before shooting. Always hunt with a partner for safety.

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Mountain Goat Success Rates

Rifle72%

Colorado mountain goat hunters across all DAUs achieve very high harvest success — typically 85–100% — given the limited tag numbers and concentrated goat populations. Drawing the tag is the principal challenge. Review CPW Big Game Statistics for DAU G02 specific data.

Mountain Goat Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	5	482	1.0%	3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

DAU G02 typically issues fewer than 3 mountain goat licenses per year. Maximum preference points are essentially required for a realistic draw. This is a once-in-a-lifetime tag for most hunters — apply every year and be patient. Review CPW's draw statistics for the most current applicant and point data.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Terrain Difficulty

Extreme — fourteener and cliff terrain above 12,000 ft

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Hunting Pressure

Negligible — 1–3 tags issued annually for the DAU

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Nearest Town

Idaho Springs (approx. 10–15 mi via I-70)

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Permit Notes

Extremely limited draw; maximum preference points required; mountain goat regulations require CPW license and adherence to alpine wilderness rules

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain goat tags are issued for DAU G02 each year?

CPW typically issues between 1 and 3 mountain goat licenses for DAU G02 annually. These are among the rarest big game tags in Colorado. Check CPW's Big Game Statistics for the most recent quota numbers.

Can I scout for goats in DAU G02 before my hunt?

Yes — the Mount Evans Scenic Byway and various Arapaho NF trailheads provide pre-season scouting access to goat habitat in DAU G02. Scout from the road and trails during summer to identify goat groups before your autumn season.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

CPW Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Mountain goat DAU structure, License quota, Season framework · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Mountain goat harvest totals, Hunter success rates, Tag quota history · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Draw — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Preference point system, Application period, Draw results archive · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Hunting Atlas — Mountain Goat DAU G02 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife / CSU NREL · supports: DAU boundary geometry, Public land layers, Alpine habitat data · accessed 2026-04-17