Montana Mountain Goat

Unit 415-20 (Beartooth Goats 415-20)

Montana Hunting Guide — Mountain Goat

Mountain goat permit 415-20 is a highly restricted goat tag in the Beartooth Mountains of south-central Montana. Permits are distributed through the FWP special drawing with very small annual quotas. We recommend reviewing current FWP regulations for billy-nanny identification rules, checkout requirements, and wilderness access before applying for HD 415-20.

View Draw Odds Montana Hunting Guide

Mountain Goat Hunting in Unit 415-20

Where to Find Mountain Goats in HD 415-20

Beartooth goats use alpine cliff bands, rockslides, and high basins above 9,500 feet. We glass from ridgeline vantage points opposite known escape terrain, working the light across rock faces morning and evening.

Coordinate with FWP Region 5 biologists before the season for current sighting data and herd-health notes.

How to Hunt Mountain Goats in HD 415-20

We plan HD 415-20 as a glass-first, stalk-second effort from a multi-day alpine camp. Identify a specific billy worth pursuing, confirm legal-goat criteria through optics, and close only when a safe shot and recovery plan are in place.

The Beartooth plateau is exposed — weather can turn instantly. Confirm shelter, route, and communication plan before leaving the trailhead.

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Mountain Goat Success Rates

Rifle68%

Montana mountain goat hunters generally fill at high rates once a permit is drawn. Check the FWP harvest report portal for HD 415-20 district-specific results before committing travel.

Mountain Goat Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	1	217	0.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

HD 415-20 shows roughly 179 three-year applicants against about 1 annual permit — raw per-draw odds well under 1% without bonus points. Montana's weighted bonus point system improves long-run odds but does not guarantee a tag. Review the FWP drawing statistics page annually.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Terrain Difficulty

Very strenuous. Alpine plateau, cliff bands, and multi-day backpack-style camping are typical.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low for goats specifically. Backpackers and general alpine users share access.

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Weather

Snow, wind, and whiteout conditions are possible any day of the season. Plan for four-season shelter and insulation.

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Permit Notes

Permits for HD 415-20 are issued exclusively through FWP's special drawing.

Note: The Beartooth is high, exposed country. Recovery and rescue planning are non-negotiable.

Pro Members Only

Unlock full logistics for HD 415-20

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation range for HD 415-20 goat country?

Typical Beartooth goat habitat sits between 9,500 and 12,500+ feet. Many huntable basins are above treeline, so plan for full alpine conditions.

Is HD 415-20 a billy-only district?

Sex-specific harvest rules change year to year. Review the current Montana big-game regulations and the HD 415-20 listing for the exact rules in effect.

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Sources & Verification

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

FWP Plan-a-Hunt — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 415-20 boundary, Beartooth wilderness overlay · accessed 2026-04-17
FWP Hunt Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Legal-goat criteria, Mandatory checkout · accessed 2026-04-17
FWP Drawing Statistics — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Goat applicant-to-quota history, Bonus-point progression · accessed 2026-04-17