Mountain goats are without doubt, one of North America’s most prized big game trophies. Mountain goat hunting is most popular in Canada and in parts of southern Alaska. But in spite of any bias we might have, British Columbia is certainly one of the best places on earth to hunt these spectacular animals.

Mountain goat hunting has steadily increased in popularity over the past decade. These high-adventure hunts have continued to capture the imagination of hunters around the world. But other than the craggy terrain and steep mountains that these animals inhabit, most hunters are not very familiar with the life and habits of the mountain goat.

First, it is important to know that while mountain goats share the same subfamily group with true goats, they are part of their own unique genus. The subfamily Caprinae includes sheep, goats, chamoix and muskox. True goats belong to the genus, Capra, which includes ibex. But mountain goats are the only member of their genus, called Oreamnos. Mountain goats only live in North America, and there is nothing else like them in the world.

Mountain goats primarily rely on their terrain for safety. Their ability to navigate cliffs and extremely rugged mountain landscapes helps keep them safe from predators. As hunters, this certainly presents its challenges. But it also gives us opportunities. The broken terrain often allows us to sneak within range while keeping out of sight. Our best approach is often from above.

Goats are both grazers and browsers. During the summer months, they live in high alpine meadows above timberline. They live mostly on grasses, forbs and low-growing plants during this time. As winter approaches, most mountain goats move to lower elevations just at or below timberline. Their diet during the winter months is completely opportunistic, but mainly consists of browsing on available shrubs.

For many hunters, one of the most difficult aspects of mountain goat hunting is learning to tell the difference between a billy and a nanny. However, with a little practice, most hunters will get the hang of it. Our experienced guides look at so many goats each season, that field judging these animals becomes almost second nature.

Billies are much larger than nannies and have heavier horns. The horns of a billy tend to be more evenly curved all the way through, while a nanny’s horns tend to be straighter from the base with its curve closer to the tips.

These unique and beautiful animals really are one of North America’s greatest trophies. For more information on hunting mountain goats in British Columbia with North River Outfitting, please give us a call anytime at 780-675-1942 or contact us online. You can also visit our Mountain Goat Hunting Page for more information.