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Application Strategy 2023: Colorado sheep, moose, and mountain goat

Photo credit: Dreamstime

Colorado's 2023 bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat application overview

Jump to: NEW FOR 2023 State Information Draw System Rocky Breakdown Desert Breakdown Moose Breakdown Mountain Goat Breakdown

The application deadline for Colorado is April 4, 2023 at 8:00 MT. You can apply online here or via telephone at 1-800-244-5613. Paper applications are no longer available.


New for 2023

  • Applicants who draw a permit in the primary draw for moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat will have until April 20, 2023 to surrender their permit. In the case they surrender the permit, they will be refunded the cost of permit and preference points will be restored to a pre-draw level
  • Bighorn sheep
    • New resident rifle permits for bighorn ewe in Unit S36.
    • New nonresident archery hunt permit for bighorn sheep ram in Unit S49.
    • New nonresident rifle hunt permits for bighorn sheep ram in Units S3, S44 and S54.
    • New nonresident rifle hunt permit for bighorn ewe in Unit S33.
    • Units S69 and S74 will not have nonresident permits in 2023.
    • In Units S3 and S4, hunting bighorn sheep is prohibited on Mt. Evans Summit Lake cirque and within one quarter mile of either side of the centerline of Mt. Evans Hwy.
    • The boundary for Unit S16 has been updated to Grizzly Creek. 
  • Rocky Mountain goat
    • Unit G18 has been reopened for a resident only rifle mountain goat hunt.
    • New nonresident archery hunt permit for Rocky Mountain goat in Unit G1/G14.
    • New nonresident rifle hunt permits for Rocky Mountain either sex goat in Unit G7.
    • New nonresident rifle hunt permit for Rocky Mountain female goat in Unit G7.
    • Unit G11 west will not have nonresident permits in 2023.
    • Hunting mountain goats is prohibited on Mt. Evans Summit Lake cirque and within one quarter mile of either side of the centerline of Mt. Evans Hwy.
  • Moose 
    • New for nonresidents: bull moose hunt in Unit group 44/45.
  • Desert bighorn sheep
    • One nonresident desert bighorn sheep license in Unit S62.

Insider features

HUNT PLANNER

To aid in your research and planning efforts, we created a brand new tool for Insiders called Hunt Planner. This tool will help you be more efficient at planning for hunts and also keeps all your research data organized. No more notepads getting lost or headaches when trying to remember what units caught your eye during your research! Everything you need is always in one place at GOHUNT.

What can you do in Hunt Planner?

  • Save unit seasons in Filtering 2.0
  • Never lose track of units you want to further research;
  • Rank seasons;
  • Can help decide what unit to apply for or what order to place your units when applying on a state's website;
  • Compare seasons (up to three at a time);
  • Save the filter settings you used in Filtering 2.0 to find a great hunt;
  • Add notes to your research folder under season level or hunt folder level; and
  • Much more!

Learn more about Hunt Planner here

POINT TRACKER

Point Tracker allows you to enter the number of points you have for each state and species and, as you research through Filtering 2.0 and Draw Odds, your point total will automatically be highlighted. Learn more about Point Tracker here.

Access Point Tracker here


State Information

It is important to understand the way that the tags are drawn for Colorado bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat. The draw system is different than it is for deer, elk and antelope. Check out the “understanding the draw” section below for the method behind this calculation.

To view important information and an overview of Colorado’s rules/regulations, the draw system, tag and license fees, check out our State Profile. You can also view the Species Profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you identify trophy areas.

Colorado is a fairly easy state to apply in. You will have to create an online account if you have not previously done so. Or you can call 1-800-244-5613 for help getting an account.

Colorado State Profile Rocky Bighorn Profile Desert Bighorn Profile Moose Profile Mountain Goat Profile GOHUNT Maps Draw Odds Filtering 2.0

Important dates and information

  • The deadline to apply for all species in Colorado is 8:00 p.m. MT on April 4 , 2023.
  • Apply online here or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
  • Draw results for bighorn sheep and mountain goat will be available April 18, 2023.
  • All applicants, including youth, must purchase a qualifying license before applying for the big game draw(s).
  • A qualifying license is one of the following:
  • Residents: 
    • 2023 spring turkey license
    • 2023 annual small game license
    • 2023 annual small game/fishing combo license
    • 2023 annual youth small game license
  • Nonresidents:
    • 2023 spring turkey license 
    • 2023 annual small game license
    • 2023 annual youth small game license
  • Applicants do not have to front the cost of the licenses that they are applying for.
  • Applicants born after Jan. 1, 1949 must have completed an approved hunter’s education course before applying and you must carry your hunter’s education card with you while you hunt.
  • Applicants can opt in or opt out for the preference/weighted point program for moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat. The point fee will be $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents per species (see draw details section for more information). There is no point fee for youth.
  • You cannot apply for both desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. There is no point system for desert bighorn sheep.
  • Applicants who draw a permit in the primary draw for moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat will have until April 20, 2023 to surrender their permit. In the case they surrender the permit, they will be refunded the cost of permit and preference points will be restored to a pre-draw level.
  • Colorado will also allow you to return a drawn license prior to your hunt. It must be done 30 days prior to the opening day of the license. If you return a license, you may choose to receive a refund or have your preference points reinstated. If you have your preference points reinstated, you will not receive a point for that year’s application.

Cost to apply

ItemResidentNonresident

Application fee
(per species)

$8

$10

Qualifying license/
annual small game hunting license

$33.96

$93.78

Youth qualifying license/
annual small game hunting license

$1.40

$1.40

Habitat stamp

$11.50

$11.50

Preference/weighted point
fee per species

$50

$100

*Moose

$346.86

$2,544.04

*Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep

$346.86

$2,544.04

*Desert bighorn sheep

$346.86

$2,544.04

*Rocky Mountain goat 

$346.86

$2,544.04

*License cost will only be charged if you are successful in the draw.


The Colorado Draw System

Understanding the draw

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat and moose licenses are allocated differently than deer, elk and antelope. The licenses for these species are allocated through a preference point/weighted preference point system. Applicants must build three preference points, after which they have a random chance to draw a license. 

Desert bighorn sheep licenses are randomly allocated and there is no point system for that species. If you apply for desert bighorn sheep, you cannot also apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. You have to pick one of those species to apply for. 

Nonresidents are limited to 10% of the total number of moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat licenses.

Point system

As stated, desert bighorn sheep licenses are randomly drawn; there is no point system. Every applicant is on the same level playing field for those permit(s). For nonresidents, there is only one desert bighorn sheep license available in Unit S62. If you apply for desert bighorn sheep, you cannot also apply for and build points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat and moose utilize a preference point/weighted point system to allocate licenses. Preference/weighted points are species specific. For these species, applicants can build up to three maximum preference points after which they will receive weighted bonus points for each year they apply for a hunt and purchase the weighted point. Applicants must build three preference points before they have the possibility to draw a license for bighorn sheep, mountain goat or bull moose. The drawing for licenses is random with the weighted points giving applicants statistically better odds of drawing; however, any applicant who applies with three preference points could, in theory, draw a license.

  • Moose preference point only code: M-P-999-99-P
  • Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep preference point only code: S-P-999-99-P
  • Rocky Mountain goat preference point only code: G-P-999-99-P

Weighted points

How do weighted points help you in the draw? Each application received in the system is assigned a six-digit number. That number is then inverted, so that the order in which the application was received does not affect the draw. After the application number is inverted, it is converted to a new number using a random number replacement sequence. That number is then divided by the number of weighted preference points plus one. An applicant with three preference points and no weighted points will have their application divided by one. Thus, the more weighted points you have, the better your chances of getting a lower number. 

After the final application numbers are assigned, all applicants with three preference points are grouped together, final application numbers are then sorted from lowest to highest and the low number applications are considered and given licenses until all licenses are allocated.

Let's look at an example. Applicant Brady has three preference points and 12 weighted preference points. Let’s suggest that Brady’s application number is 9045. His application number is then inverted to 5409. That number is then converted to a random number by means of a random number replacement sequence. Brady’s new number may be 3164. That number is then divided by thirteen (twelve weighted preference points plus one). Brady’s final application number is 3164/13 = 243

If Brady had 20 weighted points in the same situation, his final application number would be 3164/21 = 150 

You can see that the more weighted points an applicant has, the better the odds of getting a lower random number in the draw and, possibly, a license in the draw. 

Overall, weighted points do increase your chances, but it all depends on the random number that is generated for your application during the initial stages. Even if you only have the three preference points and no weighted points, you have a chance in the draw. Review the draw odds to see if the odds are worth continuing to apply and build weighted points to you.

Group applications

Group applications are not allowed for moose or desert bighorn sheep. Two applicants are allowed to apply as a group for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Residents and nonresidents cannot apply together. The group leader must apply first. Group members must use the same person as the leader and apply for the same hunt choices in order to go through the draw as a group. Groups will go into the draw with the lowest number of points of any member of the group. If one applicant does not have enough preference points to be considered in the draw, the application will not be in the actual draw. We do not advise applicants to apply as a group for these species.

Waiting periods

If you draw a desert bighorn sheep license and harvest one, you cannot apply again in your lifetime. If you draw a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep license and harvest a ram of at least a half curl, you cannot apply again for five years. If you draw and harvest a mountain goat, you cannot apply again for five years. If you draw and harvest an antlered moose, you cannot apply again for an antlered or either sex moose license again in your life. If you do not harvest, there is no waiting period to apply again for these species.


Snowpack and drought in Colorado

2023

Colorado snow water equivalent update from March 20, 2023. Source: National Resources Conservation Service

Colorado drought monitor status from March 14, 2023. Source: United States Drought Monitor

2022

Colorado snow water equivalent update from March 14, 2022. Source: National Resources Conservation Service

2022 Colorado drought monitor status from March 15. Source: United States Drought Monitor


Colorado's 2023 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep breakdown

Colorado boasts a healthy Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep population that is stable and has even grown over the past few years. Wild sheep species are extremely susceptible to disease and die-off, but Colorado has done an excellent job at managing populations and reducing the potential risk of contact with domestic sheep. Even though there are still relatively few licenses available to draw and the odds of drawing are horrendous, it should be celebrated that populations have increased. In the table below we display the total number of Rocky Mountain bighorn licenses available in 2023.

2023 Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep license allocations

SeasonResident
quota
Nonresident
quota
Total 2023
quota

Archery ram 

57

7

64

Archery ewe

9

1

10

Rifle ram

158

17

175

Rifle ewe

74

8

82

Bighorn sheep access
program (resident only)

2 (ram)
5 (ewe)

N/A

7

Chancellor Ranch

(resident only)

1 (ewe)

N/A

1

Total tags by residency

306

33

339

Current Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herd condition

The population estimate has increased. In 2020, it was 6,500; in 2021, it was 6,860 and, for 2022, the estimate is 6,830. Populations are higher than they have been in close to 20 years. Again, it’s a good indicator of the sound management of bighorn sheep populations in Colorado.

 

Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep populations

Unit(s)Populations

S1

70

S2

85

S3

187

S4

44

S5

25

S6

140

S7

80

S8

120

S9

270

S10

60

S11

125

S12

200

S13

100

S14

10

S15

180

S16

135

S17

125

S18

30

S19

50

S20

60

S21

210

S22

145

S23

20

S24

90

S25

40

S26

65

S27

60

S28

80

S29

20

S30

100

S31

105

S32

300

S33

180

S34

155

S35

30

S36

110

S37

60

S38

45

S39

25

S40

12

S41

80

S42

75

S43

20

S44

60

S45

0

S46

10

S47

80

S48

75

S49

175

S50

125

S51

400

S52

5

S53

130

S54

175

S55

20

S57

85

S58

45

S59

35

S60

60

S61

475

S66

125

S67

20

S68

40

S69

130

S70

30

S71

55

S72

25

S73

150

S74

45

S75

70

S76

5

S77

72

S78

0

S79

25

S80

80

S81

5

S82

0

S84

5

S86

30


Hit list units for Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in 2022

When considering top bighorn sheep units, harvest success and population should be considered as well trophy potential. In the western states, drawing a license to hunt bighorn sheep is the hard part — as it is in Colorado — but it’s also worth considering that harvest success is not a given like it is in several other states. Harvest success varies widely in Colorado and many of the hunts are extremely challenging in terms of terrain, populations, cover and even access. If your absolute goal is to harvest, consider the hunts with high harvest success. There are hunts that have slightly better odds, but the hunting is difficult. As previously noted, trophy potential is average for the most part throughout the state.

Top hit list archery hunts to consider for 160" or better
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
(not in order of quality)

UnitTrophy
potential
Harvest
success
2022
Population2023 resident
licenses
2023 nonresident
licenses

S44
Aug. 24 to Sept. 19

175”+

33%

60

4

1

S34
Dec. 1 to 15

170”+

100%

155

2

1

S26
Aug. 1 to 31

170”+

50%

65

2

0

S32
Aug. 21 to Sept. 10

170”+

33%

300

5

0

S12/S78
Aug. 1 to 31

170”+

25%

200

7

1

S34
Oct. 15 to 31 

170”+

0%

155

2

0

S32
Aug. 1 to 20

170”+

0%

300

4

1

S49
Sept. 5 to 29

165”+

100%

175

2

1

S54
Nov. 1 to 30

165”+

100%

175

4

0

S6/S46
Nov. 10 to 30

165”+

100%

150

1

0

S66
Aug. 1 to 31

165”+

100%

125

2

0

S51
Aug. 1 to 31

165”+

100%

400

1

0

S9
Aug. 1 to 31

165”+

38%

270

8

1

S71
Aug. 26 to Oct. 5

165”+

0%

55

1

0

S39
Aug. 1 to 31

165”+

0%

25

1

0

S37
Nov. 1 to 30

160”+

100%

60

1

0

S69
Aug. 1 to 31

160”+

75%

130

2

0

S69
Nov. 1 to 30

160”+

67%

130

1

1

S57
Dec. 1 to 31

160”+

60%

85

3

0

S38
Dec. 1 to 31

160”+

0%

45

1

0

S35
Aug. 1 to 31

160”+

0%

30

1

0

 

Top hit list rifle hunts to consider for 160" or better
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
(not in order of quality)

UnitTrophy
potential
Harvest
success
2022
Population2023 resident
licenses
2023 nonresident
licenses

S50
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

175”+

100%

125

2

0

S44
Sept. 22 to Oct. 5

175”+

0%

60

1

1

S1/S18
Aug. 29 to Oct. 1

170”+

100%

100

2

1

S8
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170”+

100%

120

3

0

S53
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170”+

100%

130

2

0

S12/S78
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170”+

100%

200

5

1

S13
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170"+

100%

100

2

1

S61
Sept. 1 to 20
Dec. 1 to 31

170”+

100%

475

4

0

S70
Sept. 5 to Nov. 12

170”+

100%

30

1

0

S77
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170”+

100%

72

1

0

S21
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170"+

88%

210

7

1

S22
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170"+

86%

145

7

1

S33
Sept. 5 to 21

170"+

86%

180

6

1

S11
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

170"+

80%

125

5

1

S32
Sept. 16 to Oct. 8

170”+

67%

300

8

1

S33
Sept. 22 to Oct. 5

170"+

40%

180

6

1

S6
Sept. 5 to 19

165”+

100%

140

1

0

S6
Sept. 22 to Oct. 6

165”+

100%

140

1

0

S47
Oct. 1 to 31

165”+

100%

80

3

0

S49
Oct. 1 to 31

165”+

100%

175

2

0

S24
Nov. 1 to 30

165”+

100%

90

3

0

S15
Aug. 26 to Sept. 6
Sept. 23 to Oct. 8

165”+

100%

180

2

1

S15
Sept. 9 to Oct. 8

165”+

100%

180

2

0

S31
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

165”+

75%

105

4

0

S51
Sept. 16 to Oct. 15

165”+

50%

400

2

0

S9
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

165”+

38%

270

8

1

S54
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

165”+

50%

175

3

1

S66
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

165”+

33%

125

5

1

S51
Oct. 21 to Nov. 8

165”+

0%

400

2

0

S3
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

160”+

100%

187

2

1

S69
Sept. 5 to Oct. 12

160”+

100%

130

2

0

S3
Aug. 7 to 23

160”+

75%

187

3

1

S73
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

160”+

67%

150

3

0

S17
Sept. 5 to Oct. 5

155”+

80%

125

5

1


The points system

The preference point race

2023 maximum weighted preference points for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep: 22

Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
points post 2022 draw

Preference/
weighted points
ResidentNonresident

0 to 3 preference points

11,933

6,922

1

3,076

1,790

2

1,290

356

3

946

307

4

908

271

5

730

235

6

708

226

7

617

202

8

539

215

9

469

233

10

452

197

11

396

201

12

330

173

13

299

144

14

290

137

15

236

103

16

195

97

17

150

101

18

152

91

19

107

86

20

86

98

21

120

126

Managing points and expectations

When reviewing the standalone odds within your Insider account of drawing a bighorn sheep license in Colorado, you should review your odds based upon the number of points you have. For example, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you would look at the odds at the 12-point level. We have taken the draw process into account and built those intricacies into our odds and display them in a simple, easy-to-review manner. 

Generally speaking, archery hunts have better draw odds due to the difficulty in finding success. In several areas, bighorn sheep can be tough to consistently find. Rams may stick to timber and steep cover, making them difficult to find and even harder to spot and stalk. Do some research and consider your objectives. If you have to have the opportunity to harvest a ram, you might consider the rifle hunts and pay special attention to harvest success rates. If the opportunity to hunt is enough, consider archery hunts.

Find your draw odds


Colorado's 2023 desert bighorn sheep breakdown

There are four desert bighorn sheep units in Colorado — one of which is available for nonresidents to apply for and hunt. There will be one nonresident license once again in Unit S62 in 2023. There are no archery seasons for desert bighorn sheep. All seasons are rifle hunts.

Trophy potential is average when compared to other states like Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, but a mature 155” to 165” class ram is realistic. Harvest success rates are typically 100%.

Note: Applicants cannot apply for both desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the same year. If you apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, you have the option to build points; there is no point system for desert bighorn sheep. The draw for desert bighorn sheep is random; every applicant has an equal chance to draw.

Colorado desert bighorn sheep populations 2022

UnitPopulations

S56

150

S62

75

S63

110

S64

165

 

2023 Colorado desert bighorn sheep license numbers

UnitTrophy
potential
Harvest
success
Resident
licenses
Nonresident
licenses

S56

165”+

100%

4

0

S62

155”+

100%

4

1

S63

160”+

100%

3

0

S64

165”+

100%

3

0

The points system

There is no point system in place for desert bighorn sheep. With only four units to choose from for residents, study the Unit Profiles and Draw Odds to find the best option. The odds for Unit S63 were the best for residents at .82%. Note: Nonresidents can only apply for Unit S62 in 2023 and odds for that hunt were .05% last year.

Find your draw odds


Colorado's 2023 Shiras moose breakdown

Moose in Colorado have been among the greatest success stories in western big game management. The populations continue to climb and the trophy potential has never been better. We are truly in the best days of Colorado moose hunting and the reality is with the looming reintroduction and establishment of wolves it’s as good as it’s ever going to get. The total population is estimated at 3,505 statewide. Almost every unit in the state can produce a 40” wide bull and there are an increasing number of 50” plus bulls being taken every year. Successful applicants that draw a bull moose license have the opportunity to hunt all three seasons with their license, archery, muzzleloader and rifle until they have filled their license. This gives hunters who have the time the ability to be picky with the bull they choose to harvest. The cost of the license is significant for a nonresident; however, given the current conditions in Colorado, in my opinion, it’s well worth the cost. I highly suggest applying and hoping the luck of the draw goes your way in Colorado!

Colorado moose herd condition

 

Colorado moose populations

Unit(s)PopulationBull:cow ratio

6, 16, 17, 161, 171

815

81:100

7, 8, 19, 191

328

135:100

15, 18, 27, 28, 36, 37, 181, 361, 371

308

74:100

65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75,
76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 681, 6

460

50:100

41, 42, 43, 52, 53, 54, 63,
64, 411, 421, 521

835

79:100

12, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33,
34, 35, 131, 231

150

50:100

20, 29, 38

100

80:100

39, 46, 49, 60, 51, 391, 500, 501

154

82:100

4, 5, 14, 214, 441

150

80:100

1, 201

15

75:100

44, 45, 47, 444, 471

40

100:100

48, 55, 56, 471, 481, 551, 561

150

50:100

GOHUNT's hit list units for trophy Colorado moose in 2023

Colorado is a great state to hunt and harvest a trophy class bull — if you are lucky enough to draw a license. Almost every unit can produce a 40”+ bull.

Top hit list hunt units to consider for 40" or better moose
(not in order of quality)

UnitTrophy
potential
Harvest
success
Nonresident licenses
available

76

45"+ width

100%

Yes

66

45"+ width

100%

No

49/500

45"+ width

100%

Yes

4/5/14

45"+ width

100%

Yes

67

45”+ width

100% 

No

12/23/24

45"+ width

100%

Yes

28

45"+ width

94%

Yes

37/371

45"+ width

90%

Yes

39/46

45"+ width

100%

No

7/8/181

45”+ width

100%

Yes

44/55

45"+ width

100%

Yes

20/29

45”+ width

100%

No

76/77/751

45"+ width

100%

Yes

50/501

45"+ width

100%

No

43

40”+ width

100%

No

38

40”+ width

100%

No

6

40”+ width

95%

Yes

15/27

40"+ width

100%

Yes

17

40"+ width

100%

Yes

18/181

40"+ width

100%

Yes

41/42/52/411/421/521

40"+ width

90%

Yes

171

40"+ width

100%

Yes

Managing draw expectations

For bull or either sex moose, there are no real hidden gems in terms of draw odds. Draw odds for a bull moose license are rough — even the cow moose licenses are tough to draw. Utilize Filtering 2.0 to research unit by unit harvest success. Further exploration of each Unit Profile will allow you to find the best options for you. Consider factors like terrain, the percentage of public land and access. Review the standalone draw odds to explore the better options.

The points system

The preference point race

2023 maximum weighted/preference points for moose: 22

Colorado moose points post 2022 draw

Preference/weighted
points
ResidentNonresident

0 to 3 preference points

20,926

7,549

1

5,773

1,885

2

2,265

286

3

1,877

223

4

1,521

161

5

1,217

185

6

1,076

154

7

900

120

8

782

132

9

642

121

10

669

109

11

523

95

12

444

70

13

490

78

14

418

60

15

384

34

16

356

49

17

336

36

18

352

38

19

291

28

20

194

19

21

263

22

Find your draw odds


Colorado's 2023 Rocky Mountain goat breakdown

Mountain goat populations are stable in Colorado with a current estimated statewide population of 1,615. Mountain goats continue to have solid numbers due to a very conservative management plan in place. Colorado has several herd management units; the table below displays the estimated populations for each. Trophy potential is not good in Colorado as very few record book billies are harvested, but the access into the high country is generally good and harvest success rates are normally high. It does offer both archery only and female only hunts in some units and those hunts typically have slightly better draw odds although it’s marginally better at best. One consideration that hunters should look at is that some units are only open to hunting on weekdays. This is due to the increase and potential conflict with outdoor recreational hikers and backpackers. The outdoor recreation culture in Colorado runs deep and, in many cases, hunters can plan on seeing a decent number of onlookers during their hunt. This is contrary to the experience that most hunters are looking for in a true mountain goat hunt, but it is the reality. The cost of a mountain goat license for nonresidents is high; however, again, I believe it’s worth it given the cost of a guided hunt in British Columbia or Alaska. If you can afford the cost of the license, should you get lucky in the draw, I would highly suggest applying for mountain goat in Colorado in 2023.

Current Mountain goat herd condition

 

Colorado mountain goat populations by unit group

UnitPopulation

G1

40

G2

50

G3

240

G4

75

G5

125

G6

110

G7

165

G8

50

G10

80

G11

120

G12

320

G14

50

G15

15

G16

170

G17

40

G18

25

GOHUNT's hit list units for Colorado Mountain goat in 2023

As previously noted, Colorado does not produce many trophy quality billies. Top units are a combination of healthy populations, harvest success and some trophy potential consideration.

Top hit list hunt units to consider for 9" or better either sex mountain goat
(not in order of quality)

UnitHarvest
success
2023 resident
licenses
2023 nonresident
licenses

G5-archery
Sept. 5–Oct. 31

59%

14 either sex

2 either sex

G1/G14 -archery
Sept. 5–Oct. 5

50%

5 either sex

1 either sex

G5
Sept. 5–Oct. 31

50%

2 either sex

0

G6
Sept. 5–Oct. 5

68%

23 either sex

2 either sex

G10
Sept. 5–15

100%

3 either sex

0

G10
Sept. 18–29

100%

3 either sex

0

G10
Oct. 2–13

83%

3 either sex

1 either sex


G10
Oct. 16–27

100%

4 either sex

0

G16
Sept. 5–15

100%

3 either sex

1 either sex

G16
Sept. 18–29

100%

3 either sex

1 either sex

G16
Oct. 2–13

100%

4 either sex

0

G16
Oct. 16–27

100%

4 either sex

0

G3
Sept. 5–18

78%

18 either sex

2 either sex

G3
Sept. 19–Oct. 5

80%

18 either sex

2 either sex

G4
Sept. 11–22

100%

2 either sex

1 either sex

G4
Sept. 25– Oct. 6

100%

2 either sex

0

G4
Oct. 9–20

100%

3 either sex

0

G7
Sept. 5–15

100%

3 either sex

0

G7
Sept. 18–29

100%

3 either sex

0

G7
Oct. 2–Oct. 13

100%

2 either sex

1 either sex

G7
Oct. 16–Oct. 27

100%

2 either sex

1 either sex

G11
Sept. 5–Oct. 15

75%

6 either sex

0

G11
Sept. 5–Oct. 15

100%

7 either

1 either sex

G12
Sept. 5–18

67%

30 either sex

3 either sex

G12
Sept. 19–Oct. 5

64%

24 either sex

3 either sex

G17
Sept. 5–Oct. 5

83%

5 either sex

1 either sex

G18
Sept. 5–Oct. 5

New Hunt

4 either sex

0


The points system

The preference point race

2023 maximum weighted preference points for mountain goat: 22

Colorado mountain goat points post 2022 draw

Preference/weighted pointsResidentNonresident

0 to 3 preference points

9,974

5,263

1

3,040

1,497

2

1,047

254

3

830

215

4

756

175

5

605

166

6

530

130

7

481

139

8

378

149

9

330

130

10

293

90

11

226

98

12

183

84

13

167

85

14

156

53

15

138

40

16

81

29

17

53

32

18

37

20

19

40

24

20

21

13

21

16

15

How to uncover hidden gem mountain goat units

There are very few — if any — hidden gems for either sex mountain goat hunts. Odds are tough regardless of which season/unit or weapon you apply for. The female (nanny) licenses do offer slightly better odds generally.

Managing points and expectations

When reviewing the standalone odds within your Insider account of drawing a mountain goat license in Colorado, you should review your odds based upon the number of points you have. For example, if you have three preference points and nine weighted points, you would look at the odds at the 12-point level. We have taken the draw process into account and built those intricacies into our odds and display them in a simple, easy-to-review manner.

Find your draw odds

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