Mountain Goat in Montana Unlimited Sheep Areas

[Montana_Wanderer]

I'm not getting any younger so I was planning to start applying for mountain goat districts with slightly better odds than where I usually apply. Looking at the districts around the park as 18 points gives me a chance at least. I have never participated in the unlimited sheep hunt, but have heard areas can get a bit crowded. Solitude is at top of my list when I hunt so I tend to hike far and choose less desirable hunting destinations to get away from people.

Curious, if any of you have some insight on what the pressure is like in the unlimited sheep units. If you were applying for a goat tag would you avoid these areas for a better experience? Or is there so much country it really isn't an issue?

Appreciate the help!

 

[MTGomer]

You can get away from people if you walk. If the dates are not like September 12 to the 20th, you can get away from people if you are next to the road.

 

[daltrix99]

Friend of mine killed a goat in one of those districts 7ish years ago. Big country. He went hard, archery, way back, had stock as backup. Lots of g-bears. Great hunt.

 

[rogerthat]

Avoid the days immediately preceding sheep opener and right after is my suggestion.

 

[Montana_Wanderer]

Thanks for the info! I would have a really hard time skipping rifle opener, but could hunt a few days, take a break and head back in later in September for a long hunt. Early snows do worry me a bit in there. Now hopefully I draw in the next 5 years or so!!

 

[Gerald Martin]

Thanks for the info! I would have a really hard time skipping rifle opener, but could hunt a few days, take a break and head back in later in September for a long hunt. Early snows do worry me a bit in there. Now hopefully I draw in the next 5 years or so!!

Goat hair gets way better from September 15 on. In my opinion the realistic window for weather/good hair in that country is September 15-October 15.

 

[130gr]

I currently live in, hunted hard and have harvested a ram in probably the most accessible unlimited unit there is. Pressure and human presence is a factor, but a couple miles off the beaten path will get you the solitude you seek. I've definitely glassed up way more goats than legal rams, with that being said and in places that would allow harvest and recovery. If you do draw holler at me and I'll help out with some Intel and assistance if possible

 

[Montana_Wanderer]

Goat hair gets way better from September 15 on. In my opinion the realistic window for weather/good hair in that country is September 15-October 15.

Thanks Gerald! Great info! I will be watching the weather forecast obsessively if I get lucky.

 

[Montana_Wanderer]

I currently live in, hunted hard and have harvested a ram in probably the most accessible unlimited unit there is. Pressure and human presence is a factor, but a couple miles off the beaten path will get you the solitude you seek. I've definitely glassed up way more goats than legal rams, with that being said and in places that would allow harvest and recovery. If you do draw holler at me and I'll help out with some Intel and assistance if possible

Congrats on the ram! Way to get it done on a really tough hunt! I was lucky enough to draw a limited sheep tag in 2008 and I’ll never forget it. Cool critters. Way easier hunt than you had and I still spent 25 days searching for the right one.

I’ll be reaching out if my time comes to chase goats! Thanks!

 

[130gr]

Congrats on the ram! Way to get it done on a really tough hunt! I was lucky enough to draw a limited sheep tag in 2008 and I’ll never forget it. Cool critters. Way easier hunt than you had and I still spent 25 days searching for the right one.

I’ll be reaching out if my time comes to chase goats! Thanks!

Thanks much! They truly are amazing creatures, who demand a ton of respect. Took me 6 years to get it done, and I can't wait till I get to do it again. Congrats to you as well on yours, hope you draw that tag.