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Washington

Hunting

Hunting

Mountain Goat Special Permits

Application Submission Period: April 15-midnight on May 22, 2024

  • These hunts are for special permit holders only. See Special Permit Application Instructions for instructions on how to apply.
  • Hunting licenses for mountain goat, moose, or bighorn sheep do not have to be purchased unless you are selected for a special hunt permit. If selected, you must send a check or money order for the appropriate fee, to WDFW's Headquarters office by the deadline established by the Department (15 day minimum) or the permit will become void and will be offered to an alternate. You may also purchase using a credit card by calling (866) 246-9453.
  • Be advised that goat hunts are physically challenging, often requiring travel to remote areas.

Mountain Goat Special Permit Category:

Who May Apply:

Anyone, except those who have previously harvested a mountain goat in Washington State after 1998. An individual may only harvest one mountain goat during their lifetime. However, these restrictions are waived for hunters who have previously harvested a mountain goat under an auction, raffle, or conflict reduction permit.

Bag Limit:

One adult goat of either sex with horns 4 inches or longer, except where otherwise permitted by department rule even if permits are drawn for more than one mountain goat hunt category. WDFW strongly encourages hunters to refrain from shooting nannies. Although nannies can be legally taken by permit holders, mountain goat populations are very sensitive to removal of adult females.

Goat hunters:

Please review the educational material sent to you, and make all efforts to harvest a billy.

Raffle and Auction Permits:

Anyone may apply every year.

Hunt Choices:

Up to 4 hunt choices may be selected per category.

Notes:

A hunter who kills a mountain goat in Washington must present the head with horns attached for inspection within 10 days to a WDFW Regional or District office or a location designated by a Department representative. Call a WDFW Regional or District office to schedule an appointment with a biologist for inspection. Inspection does not substitute for Mandatory Hunter Reporting (see Mandatory Hunter Reporting). For mountain goats, both are required.

Mountain Goat Special Permit Hunts:

In addition to the mandatory inspection and marking of your harvested mountain goat, you will owe one hunting activity report for EACH special permit awarded.

Hunt Choice

Goat Hunt Area Name (Number)

Permit Season

Special
Restrictions

Permits

2023 Apps/Avg. Points

Mountain Goat Special Permits

6002

Naches Pass (3-6)

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

1

6121/28

6003

Bumping River (3-7)

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

1

4994/27

6004

Chowder Ridge (4-3)

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

1

2139/23

6005

Lincoln Peak (4-4)

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

2

2112/13

6006

Avalanche Gorge (4-7)

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

3

2525/20

6007

Goat Rocks West (5-4)

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

1

4873/17

6008

Goat Rocks East (5-5)

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

1

4929/20

6009

Mt. Margaret Backcountry (5-6)

Oct. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

2

2772/24

6010

Mt. St. Helens South (5-7)

Oct. 1-Nov. 30

Any Legal Weapon

2

3589/18

Gender Identification Testing:

Applicants drawn for a permit may only purchase their license after successfully completing the WDFW online Mountain Goat gender identification training. The training may be completed on paper at WDFW regional offices if internet is unavailable.

Goats with Radio Collars:

Hunters may encounter goats wearing collars. Hunters are encouraged to avoid harvesting these animals.