Utah Mountain Goat Hunts

Experience a challenging and rewarding mountain goat hunt with Jake Bess Hunting, a trusted and experienced outfitter in Southern Utah. With generations of experience, Jake Bess and his team specialize in guiding hunters through the rugged terrains of Utah’s most coveted mountain goat units.

Areas we guide include:

• • Beaver
  • Uintas Mountains
  • Central Mountains- Nebo
  • La Sal Mountains
  • Mount Dutton

Guided Units | Mountain Goat Hunts

Utah offers several mountain goat hunt units across diverse mountain ranges, each with its own terrain characteristics, access limitations, and carefully managed season dates. These seasons are strategically set to align with weather patterns and conservation goals, typically running from early September through late November. 

High Unitas West: Sept. 6–Oct. 31

Beaver: Sept. 6–Oct. 28

La Sal Mountains: Sept. 6–Nov. 26

Mount Dutton: Sept. 6–Nov. 26

Nebo: Sept. 27–Nov. 26

Applying for the Draw| Mountain Goat Hunts

Application Period: Opens on March 20, 2025, at 8 a.m. MDT and closes on April 24, 2025, at 11 p.m. MDT.

Drawing Results: Announced on May 15, 2025.

Applying for a mountain goat hunting permit in Utah involves a structured process managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). You will need to acquire the following:

Hunting License: You must possess a valid Utah hunting or combination license to apply.

Application Fee: A nonrefundable $16 fee per application.

2026 Permit Fees:

• • Resident: $454
  • Nonresident: $3,488

To participate in Utah’s Mountain Goat hunts, hunters must apply for permits through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Here’s how the process works:

Obtain a Hunting License: All hunters must possess either a valid Basic Hunting License or a Combination License before applying for a permit.

Apply for the Draw: Applications are typically accepted from late March to late April. Hunters can apply online through the DWR’s application website.

Understand the Point System: Utah uses a bonus point system for limited-entry and once-in-a-lifetime hunts. Each year you apply and are unsuccessful, you earn a bonus point, increasing your chances in future draws.

Check Results: Draw results are usually available by the end of May.

Bonus Point System | Mountain Goat Hunts

Utah employs a bonus point system for once-in-a-lifetime species like mountain goats.

Earning Points: If you apply and are unsuccessful, you earn a bonus point for future draws.

Second Chance: If you miss the initial application, you can apply for bonus points during the antlerless application period from June 4–18, 2025.

For those who would like help with their applications, we recommend contacting Huntin’ Fool to get applied!

Hunts Include | Mountain Goat Hunts

At Jake Bess Hunting, we are committed to providing a high-quality, personalized mountain goat hunting experience. Every hunt is fully guided and designed to give you the best possible chance at success while making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Below is a list of what’s included with your hunt to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

• • All field transportation during the hunt
  • Opportunity to harvest a mountain goat
  • Field dressing, quartering, skinning, and caping of your mountain goat
  • Food and lodging
  • Can facilitate donation of game meat

What’s NOT Included:

• • Utah hunting licenses/ permits

  • Weapons

  • Personal hunting gear

  • Processing of game

Utah Mountain Goat Population

Utah’s mountain goat populations have experienced fluctuations over the years due to various factors, including environmental conditions and management practices. In 2011, the state’s mountain goat population peaked at approximately 2,100 animals. However, certain herds, such as the one on Willard Peak, have seen significant declines. The Willard Peak herd, for instance, decreased from around 200 goats in 2011 to about 30 by 2024, influenced by harsh winters, dry summers, and relocation efforts.

Despite these localized declines, Utah continues to offer mountain goat hunting opportunities across various units. In 2024, the DWR approved 95 mountain goat hunting permits.

For hunters seeking to maximize their chances of a successful harvest, guided hunts have proven highly effective. At Jake Bess hunting, we leverage extensive knowledge of the terrain, animal behavior, and optimal hunting strategies to provide clients with rewarding experiences .

Engaging a professional guide not only increases the likelihood of a successful hunt but also enhances safety and ensures compliance with regulations, making it a valuable option for both novice and experienced hunters pursuing mountain goats in Utah’s challenging alpine environments.

Preparing For Your Hunt|Utah Bison Hunt

Before hunting in Utah, ensure compliance with state regulations:

Hunter Education: Individuals born after December 31, 1965, must complete a hunter education course approved by the DWR.

Licenses and Permits: A valid hunting license is required, and specific permits must be obtained for elk hunting. Licenses and permits can be purchased online or at authorized vendors.

Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Utah Big Game Field Regulations to understand season dates, legal hunting methods, and other important rules.

Mountain Goat hunt gear list: 

• All licenses, tags, etc.
• Quality hiking boots with good ankle support
• Layered clothing as temperatures can vary greatly
• Headlamp
• Backpack w/frame
• Water bottle (Nalgene)
• Knife
• Check with the guide prior to departure for all other recommendations based on hunt conditions and weather.

For more information on hunter’s education or licensing, contact Utah Department of Fish and Game.

The Experience | Mountain Goat Hunts

Hunting mountain goats in Utah is a physically demanding and deeply rewarding pursuit that takes place in some of the state’s most rugged and remote alpine terrain. These hunts typically occur between early September and late November, with peak activity aligning with cooler weather and more accessible goat movement patterns. Elevations in Utah’s mountain goat units often range from 9,000 to over 13,000 feet, requiring hunters to be well-conditioned and prepared for thin air, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather. Terrain varies by unit, but most hunts involve navigating rocky ridge lines, talus slopes, and high basins above the timberline, often several miles from the nearest trailhead. The challenge of the terrain is matched by the awe-inspiring scenery and the chance to harvest one of North America’s most iconic mountain species. Whether hunting the Wasatch, La Sal, or High Uintas units, mountain goat hunting in Utah demands preparation, patience, and a willingness to push beyond your comfort zone.

Additional Hunts | Utah Hunting

Elk Hunts

Black Bear Hunts