This district is just west of Yellowstone National Park, south of Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake. The district’s southern boundary is the Montana, Idaho border. This goat district was opened up to hunting for the first time in 2014. Goats have been in this district for years, but not hunted.

This district has historically not been open to hunting, so the potential for some really old billies is good. Billies in the 9” range or better should be available in this district. The goat population is stable. Billies typically range from 8-9”

From the shores of the two lakes to the top, this area gets extremely steep and rocky with peaks to 10,600 feet. The steep faces overlooking Hebgen and Quake Lake are covered with scattered trees and numerous rock outcroppings. Numerous avalanche chutes and rocky ridges cover the face of the mountain. Elevation gains of 3,000 feet can be a daily experience. Some of the higher peaks are above timberline.

A majority of the mountains are forested with pine and fir trees, but there are numerous rock spine ridges and rock outcroppings throughout. The high peaks are above timberline and have subalpine grasses and forbs. North aspects have forest understory of willow and brush.

There is good access to most of the district. Highway 287 to Mile Creek and Sheep Creek, Highway 20 to Trapper Creek and Coffin Creek are the best points to access the goat country, with several good Forest Service trails leading into the district. Goats can commonly be spotted from Highway 287 near Hebgen dam. To access these goats, wade across the Madison River or take a boat across Quake Lake and scale the face up to them.

Bring your own camp and stay in one of the many campgrounds availble along Hebgen Lake. Bring your fishing pole as fishing can be excellent at times. West Yellowstone has numerous motels, restaurants and gas stations. Yellowstone Park is only minutes away to enjoy.