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

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.

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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.

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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

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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
Item	Resident	Nonresident
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.

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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.

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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

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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
Season	Resident 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

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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)
Unit	Trophy potential	Harvest success 2022	Population	2023 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)
Unit	Trophy potential	Harvest success 2022	Population	2023 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

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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	Resident	Nonresident
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

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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
Unit	Populations
S56	150
S62	75
S63	110
S64	165

2023 Colorado desert bighorn sheep license numbers
Unit	Trophy 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

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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)	Population	Bull: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)
Unit	Trophy 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	Resident	Nonresident
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

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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
Unit	Population
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)
Unit	Harvest 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

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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 points	Resident	Nonresident
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