Unit 961 (Hells Canyon)

Mountain goats in Hells Canyon occupy the near-vertical basalt and granite faces above the Snake River, typically between 2,000 and 7,000 feet elevation. Nannies with kids are found in the most extreme cliff country; mature billies often range somewhat lower on broken rock faces and talus slopes, particularly outside the breeding season. Scan rock faces with a high-quality spotting scope from across-canyon vantage points — goats can be identified at great distance by their distinctive white coats against dark basalt.

The Imnaha River canyon and its tributaries also provide habitat on the Oregon side. Goat densities are low by design — ODFW issues very few tags to protect the population. Expect to cover considerable glassing ground to locate animals before committing to a stalk.

Hunting mountain goats in Hells Canyon requires technical terrain preparation and physical conditioning. The basalt cliff faces are unforgiving — a fall has serious consequences. We strongly recommend scouting the specific canyon section included in your tag area on foot before the season opens, identifying safe approach routes and glassing vantage points.

Glassing Strategy

Establish glassing positions across the canyon from known goat habitat and systematically work rock faces from top to bottom. Goats blend into light-colored rock more readily than people expect — look for movement and the horizontal body line of a bedded goat on a ledge.

Stalk Planning

Once a target billy is located, plan your approach route on a topographic map before moving. Goats typically hold position for extended periods. Take your time with the approach — noise and dislodged rocks alert goats to danger, and they retreat upward into terrain where follow-up is impossible.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Considerations

Oregon mountain goat tags are effectively once-in-a-lifetime — be absolutely certain of your target identification before shooting. Billies are distinguished from nannies by thicker, curved horns and a larger, block-shaped body. Consult ODFW's identification resources before your hunt.