Sheep, Moose, and Goat

May 2014
Volume 19 • Issue 5
Washington 2014
Sheep, Moose, and Goat
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North • Olympia, WA 98501-1091
360-902-2200 • http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting
2014 Washington
Non-resident Fees
Application Payment: To apply online or over the phone,
you may only use a MasterCard or Visa.
Sheep License................................................ $1,652
Moose License ............................................... $1,652
Goat License.................................................. $1,652
Special Permit Application................................ $110.50
Youth (Under 16) Special Permit Application.............$3.80
Youth Sheep, Moose, and Goat License...................... $57
Non-Refundable Application Fees: Anyone 16 years old
and older pays $110.50 per application for moose, goat,
and sheep, which is non-refundable. Anyone 15 years old
and younger only pays $3.80 per application for moose,
goat, and sheep, which is non-refundable.
W
ashington’s 2014 Big Game Hunting Seasons and
Rules are available in pamphlet form at WDFW
offices, license dealers, and on the WDFW website at
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations. The 2014
special hunt application deadline is May 22nd at midnight.
Results will be available at the end of June by going to
https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wa/specialhuntlookup.
Application Process: To apply for sheep, goat, and/or
moose, you must go online or call and purchase a special
hunt application for each species you are applying for and
then select the hunt choices and submit it. Hunters may
purchase multiple applications for sheep and moose but
only one application per hunt category, such as antlerless,
any moose, rams, ewes, etc. The application submission
period is April 22-May 22, 2014 at midnight.
Withdraw/Amendment of Applications: Applications
cannot be withdrawn. Applications may be amended
before the draw takes place by calling the license division.
Tag Refunds: There are no refunds for hunting licenses or
transport tags. Exchanges of hunting license documents
will not be made after applying for a special permit or
after the hunting season opens.
Point System: Washington has a bonus point system where
bonus points accumulated are squared and a particular
Online Applications: You may apply online for Washington’s
big game tags at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/
oc_system/index.html.
Paper Applications: Paper applications are not accepted.
note:
Phone Applications: Phone applications may be made
by calling 866-320-9933. Operators are available 24
hours a day.
110
This information is not intended to replace Washington’s
official hunting regulations. Use it only as a guide. Refer to
the state regulations when applying.
www.huntinfool.com
M itch S yverson , C alifornia B ighorn S heep
Washington
hunts, apply, and choose a pass code. The other group
member may then apply separately using the same pass
code and will automatically be assigned the hunt choices
the group leader selected.
Landowner Tags: There are no landowner tags available
for moose, goat, or sheep in Washington.
Hunter Education Requirements: All individuals born
after January 1, 1972 must show proof that they have
completed a hunter education class or that they are not
first-time hunting license buyers in Washington when
buying a license. A Washington hunting license from a
preceding year is considered legal proof if the previous
year’s license has the hunter education certificate number
or the previous year’s license number entered in the box.
M ike L ittle , S hiras M oose
Washington
applicant receives that many names in the hat. Bonus
points accumulate in each species category and will revert
back to zero when drawn for any hunt choice.
Points Only Option: Applicants may apply for “Points
Only” by using hunt code 5999 for sheep, 6999 for goat,
and 8999 for moose.
Leftover Licenses: With the demand for moose, goat, and
sheep licenses, there will be no leftover licenses.
Non-Resident Tag Quota: All of Washington’s sheep, goat,
and moose draw permits are allocated through the draw
process without regard to resident or non-resident hunter
status, thus the draw odds are the same for residents
and non-residents.
Draw Odds: The draw odds we list are not the true odds of
drawing a particular tag as they do not reflect the number
of bonus points each applicant has accumulated. They are
calculated by dividing the total number of applications
by the total number of tags authorized for a particular
hunt. Residents and non-residents have the same odds
of drawing. There are no resident versus non-resident
tag quotas.
Minimum Age to Hunt and to Apply: There are no
minimum age restrictions other than the hunter
education requirements.
Hunter Orange Requirements: Hunter orange is not
required during the sheep, goat, or moose seasons.
Waiting Periods: If you draw a ram sheep or bull moose
tag, you may not apply again if you harvest that species.
Anyone who has harvested a Mountain goat since 1999 may
not apply again.
Private Land Access Program: Wildlife’s Private Lands
Program has increased public hunting access to private
land. Currently there are approximately 500 private
landowners and over one million acres enrolled in public
access and habitat development agreements through
the program.
Youth Hunter Program: Hunters under 16 years of age
at the time of application may purchase a youth-priced
special hunt permit application for $3.80 for each species,
which is a significant savings compared to the adult price.
Additionally, if youth are drawn for moose, sheep, or goat
permits, they are only required to pay a youth permit fee
of $57, compared to $1,652 for non-resident adults.
Sequence of the Draw: You will be given four hunt choices
when applying for the special drawings. All of your choices
will be considered before the next applicant is drawn. It is
possible to draw a tag on your second, third, or fourth hunt
choice. Your points will revert back to zero when drawn
for any choice.
Raffle Tag Program: Washington offers raffle permits for
California Bighorn sheep, moose, goat, deer, and elk.
California Bighorn sheep raffle tickets are $11.50, and all
others are $6. Raffle tickets are no longer available to
purchase online or over the phone. For more information
on the raffle tag program, go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/
hunting/permits/raffles/index.html.
Party Applications: Party applications are accepted in
Washington for all species. A maximum of two applicants
may apply for sheep, goat, and moose hunts. Bonus points
of all party members will be averaged and applied to the
group application. The group leader will select the desired
Washington Wild Sheep Foundation Raffle: The
Washington Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation is
conducting a raffle for one Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep
permit. Visit their website at http://www.wafnaws.com/
for more information.
435-865-1020
111
Muzzleloader Restrictions: To be a legal muzzleloader for
big game, it must meet all of the following requirements:
be loaded from the barrel with black powder or black
powder substitute, have a single or double barrel, be
at least .45 caliber, sights must be open or peep, fiber
optic sights are legal, ignition must be wheel-lock,
matchlock, or flintlock, and the firing cap must be exposed
to the weather.
Archery Restrictions: It is unlawful to use any of the
following: electrical equipment or electric devices on
your bow, any device secured to or supported by the bow
for the purpose of maintaining the bow at full draw, use
of a retractable broadhead, a bow that does not produce
a minimum of 40 pounds of draw weight, any arrow
measuring less than 20" and weighing less than 300 grains,
or a bow equipped with a scope. Crossbows are illegal to
use during the archery season unless you have a disabled
hunter permit. Illuminated nocks are legal in Washington.
Maps: You can build your own maps at http://www.
huntinfool.com/maps/. A list of map sources for BLM and
US Forest Service maps can also be found in the 2014 Big
Game Hunting Regulations on page 100 or you can go to
http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/gohunt/.
Harvest Reporting Requirements: Hunter reports are
required from deer, elk, Black bear, moose, Bighorn sheep,
Mountain goat, and turkey hunters. Reports are due by
January 31, 2014, even if you did not hunt. The two ways
to report are online or by phone at 877-945-3492.
Horn Marking Requirements: Anyone who harvests a
Bighorn sheep ram must present the horns for inspection
and marking within 10 days to a WDFW regional office.
Wolf Opportunities/Updates: Based on field reports and
aerial monitoring, the 2013 survey confirms the presence
of at least 52 wolves in 13 wolf packs with a total of five
successful breeding pairs. The actual number of wolves
in Washington is likely much higher than the number
confirmed by the survey.
Did You Know:
•Applicants may apply for “Points Only” by using
hunt code 5999 for sheep, 6999 for goat, and 8999
for moose.
•You may apply for up to four hunt choices and all will
be considered before the next applicant is drawn.
•You must purchase a special permit application to
apply for the special hunts.
•Bonus points will be averaged for group applications.
•Applicants for special hunt permits will receive
notification of drawing status by the end of June. Draw
results may also be obtained by logging onto https://
fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wa/specialhuntlookup.
112
www.huntinfool.com
W illiam R oozen , M tn G oat , Washington
with C ascade W ilderness O utfitters
•Special hunting licenses for goat, moose, or sheep must
be purchased within 15 days of the notification date or
the permit will be void and offered to the alternate.
•Non-residents and residents are in the same drawing
pool for sheep, moose, and goat draws.
•A legal Mountain goat must have horns of 4" or
longer. The WDFW encourages hunters to refrain from
harvesting nannies.
Comments:
Washington has a lot of diverse habitat throughout the
state. They allow hunters the opportunity to hunt California
Bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, Mountain
goat, Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain elk, Roosevelt elk,
Mule deer, Columbia Blacktail deer, and Whitetail deer.
For non-residents, it is difficult to justify applying for
Washington’s special, better quality draw hunts for deer
and/or elk. In order to apply for these draw hunts, you must
first purchase a non-refundable deer and/or elk license,
both of which are well over $400. If you are unsuccessful
in the draw, you are stuck with a general tag. Unless you
have connections in Washington, we do not recommend
that you try the general hunts; therefore, in the Huntin’
Fool® magazine, since we cover all of the western states
from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep,
moose, and goat draw information in Washington.
In Washington, when you apply as a non-resident for sheep,
goat, or moose, you must purchase a $110.50 Special Hunt
Permit Application for each species. You then submit the
application, and if you are lucky enough to draw, you
purchase the $1,652 sheep, goat, or moose license. Hunters
under the age of 16 at the time of application pay $3.80 for
each application for moose, sheep, or goat, and if drawn,
they then pay $57 for the tag. Washington manages their
sheep, goat, and moose populations very conservatively, so
hunters typically run extremely high success rates.
and Regulations booklet or go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/
hunting/permits/.
Washington has different categories of permits for moose
and sheep, such as 65 years and over permits, youth
permits, disabled permits, master hunter permits, and
antlerless and ewe permits. Typically all of these permits
are for female animals only. Hunters can apply for
these permits in addition to the regular permits, so you
may receive more than one sheep or moose permit in 1
year, just not two trophy permits. Check the regulations
for more information on these types of hunts. All of
Washington’s sheep, goat, and moose draw permits are
allocated through the draw process without regard to
resident or non-resident hunter status; therefore, the draw
odds are the same for residents and non-residents.
Non-resident hunters looking to hunt sheep, goat, or
moose should look hard at Washington and decide if it’s
one of the states they should apply in. It costs a nonrefundable $110.50 per application for moose, goat,
and sheep. That is a lot of money for a state with tough
draw odds.
In addition to Washington’s regular drawing, they also have
a unique raffle permit drawing system for deer, elk, moose,
Mountain goat, and sheep. The raffle tickets you purchase
may be for a single species or a package of multiple
species. These raffle tickets must be purchased through
Washington’s license vendors. For more information
on these raffle packages, species available, and cost,
consult Washington’s 2014 Big Game Hunting Seasons
The best piece of information in this whole state section
is what Washington does for the youth. If you have kids
that have their hunter education and are under 16 years
old, then you should be applying them for moose, goat,
and sheep. You will be able to apply a kid for moose,
goat, and sheep for $11.40 total for all three! That’s
right, it is only $3.80 to apply a youth for sheep, goat,
or moose. If they are lucky enough to draw the tag, it
will only cost $57. Thank you Washington for treating the
youth right!
The raffle tags are another way to go. Just remember that
you cannot buy raffle tags online or over the phone. You
must buy them at a vendor in Washington. Check out this
year’s raffle packages on the WDFW website.
Washington Sheep
T om L ittle , C alifornia B ighorn S heep
Washington
B rian C lintworth , C alifornia B ighorn S heep
Washington
ashington California Bighorns are amongst the highest
scoring in the West with the occasional 180" ram
taken. They also harvest a few great Rocky Mountain
Bighorns every year. For 2014, there will be 27 total
Washington sheep tags available. Last year there were only
26 tags available.
W
the state have great rams, scoring 165" plus. Most of
the California Bighorn hunts in Washington are relatively
easy, averaging 2-3 days to harvest a ram. The statewide
California Bighorn sheep harvest success for 2012 was
92%. Lincoln Cliffs and Umtanum both added another
tag for 2014.
The Swakane unit is the best California Bighorn sheep
unit in the state. It has a lot of older age class rams
available with a 175" ram potential. All other units in
Drawing a sheep tag anywhere is difficult, but Washington
is one of the most difficult and expensive states. In 2013,
26 ram tags were issued with 14,348 applicants. That is
435-865-1020
113
1 in 551 odds of a hunter drawing a tag. Remember that
since Washington allows an applicant four valid choices
for each species, all of your choices are considered before
the next applicant is considered. Your odds are essentially
four times better for drawing a tag than what we list in
the tables. If you are a sheep nut needing a Bighorn sheep,
Washington gives hunters another opportunity to apply for
a tag.
three California Bighorn tags. The raffle Bighorn sheep
tags oftentimes offer as good of odds or better than the
regular draw.
Sheep Any Ram
Points
Applications
20
6
19
6
18
448
17
266
16
241
15
472
14
444
13
479
Biologists in Washington are conservative when it comes
to issuing a ram tag. For every eight or more 1/2 curl
rams, with at least two of those being 3/4 curl or
better in the surveys, they will issue one tag. That
formula ensures healthy sheep populations and provides
extremely high success and a quality hunt for the
lucky hunter.
12
561
11
661
10
647
9
768
8
772
7
960
6
945
5
1,004
When it comes to sheep hunting in Washington, do not
forget the auction and raffle tags. The Washington Wild
Sheep Foundation will raffle off the one Rocky Mountain
Bighorn sheep tag. Washington WDFW will raffle off
4
1,140
3
1,172
2
1,242
1
1,760
The big thing to remember is that if you have or know of
youth with hunter safety under 16 years of age, you are
crazy not to apply them for sheep. It only costs $3.80 to
apply, and if they draw, the tag is only $57.
All Washington Bighorn Sheep Ram Units
Unit
Total # of Tags 2014
Hunt Code 2010
Hunt
2011
Dates
2012
2013
2014
Draw Odds
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Harvest Success
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Comments
Asotin
5010
2
2
2
0
1
Sept 15Oct 10
1 in 1,643
1 in 829
1 in 1,177
1 in 1,100
N/A
100%
0%
100%
100%
100%
Rocky Mountain Bighorns. Reopened for 2014. 180+ rams available in this small
population of sheep. Good access with a lot of public land. Some timber pockets will
be used by the rams in warm weather. This unit is located in the southeast corner of
the state and is the only true Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep unit. Hunter averaged
3 days on this unit in 2012.
Vulcan Mt. 1
5000
1
1
1
1
Sept 15Oct 10
1 in 1,540
1 in 1,146
N/A
1 in 1,034
1 in 1,209
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. This is an easy hunt for 160+ rams. This unit borders Canada.
Sheep live mostly on public land, but some private land limits access. Hunters can
pay trespass fees or access the country from the top without having to pay fees.
Hunter averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.
Selah
Butte
5001
5
4
3
3
3
Nov 3-30 1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
1,138
986
1,094
1,042
1,461
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. A lot of rams available. This is an easy hunt to harvest a 165+
ram. Good access with some private land which requires a trespass fee. There is
plenty of public land, so a hunter does not need to hunt the private land. Steep,
rocky country with no timber. Rams can be glassed from the highway. Sheep cross
back and forth with the Umtanum unit. East side of the Yakima River. Hunters
averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.
Umtanum
5002
5
4
2
2
3
Sept 15Oct 10
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
1,377
1,148
1,356
1,864
2,284
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. 100% public land with great access on the unit. One of the
easiest sheep hunts in Washington. 165+ rams. Steep, rocky country with no timber.
Most people spot the rams from the highway then float the river for access. West
side of Yakima River. Hunters averaged 4 days on this unit in 2012.
Cleman
Mt. A
5003
3
3
6
5
4
Sept 15Oct 10
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
1,742
1,547
1,535
796
1,169
67%
100%
100%
100%
80%
California Bighorns. Really good unit for 165+ rams. Hunters can expect to see a
lot of mature rams on this hunt. Vehicle access to the top and hunt downhill to the
highway. Sheep can be bunched up during the hunt. Small unit with some timber
areas. Hunters averaged 1 day on this unit in 2012.
Cleman
Mt. B
5004
3
3
6
5
4
Nov 3-30 1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
1,442
1,187
1,141
688
1,016
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Same as above, but this hunt takes place during the rut. Expect cooler weather
and the sheep being easier to locate. Hunters averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.
Sept 15Oct 10
in
in
in
in
in
1,363
1,143
1,135
950
781
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. Easy hunt for 165+ rams. This population is doing really well
with a lot of rams available. A lot of private land, but enough public land to allow
for a good hunt. Good road access. Sheep are concentrated on Mt. Hull. Canadian
sheep will mix with these sheep. Hunters averaged 7 days on this unit in 2012.
Mt. Hull A 1
5005
1
1
2
2
114
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1
1
1
1
1
All Washington Bighorn Sheep Ram Units (Continued)
Unit
Total # of Tags 2014
Hunt Code 2010
Hunt
2011
Dates
2012
2013
2014
Draw Odds
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Harvest Success
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Comments
Lincoln
Cliffs
5006
1
1
1
1
2
Sept 15Oct 10
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
1,608
1,456
1,488
1,206
1,596
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. This can be a tough hunt due to having to secure private land
access to hunt this unit. A lot of smaller five acre ranches spread throughout. Not
a remote area. Good hunt for 160-165" rams with a potential for 170+. Some sheep
will be at higher elevations, but others will be spread throughout the unit. Hunters
averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012 and saw 50 sheep.
Quilomene 4
5007
4
3
3
3
Sept 15Oct 10
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
1,129
936
943
995
1,294
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. 160+ rams on this unit. A lot of rams available on this hunt.
Most hunters access from a boat as sheep are found in the Columbia River Breaks. A
2-mile hike from the access road will also put you in the sheep. Public land but will
require serious hiking. Hunters averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.
Swakane
5008
1
1
1
1
1
Sept 15Oct 10
N/A
1 in 3,209
1 in 3,773
1 in 3,159
1 in 4,295
100%
N/A
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. Best unit in the state for California Bighorns. Terrible odds but
always a fun hunt if you are lucky enough to draw. 170+ rams with the potential for
a giant to be taken. Rough, steep, rocky, open country with some scattered timber
but is very glassable. Hunter averaged 1 day on this unit in 2012 and saw 16 sheep.
Manson
5009
2
2
2
2
2
Nov 5-30 1
1
1
1
1
100%
100%
100%
100%
50%
California Bighorns. Physically demanding hunt for 165+ rams. For best access plan
on backpacking in or use a boat for access. Sheep move around a lot. A few roads
to higher elevations. Public land. North shore of Lake Chelan. Hunters averaged 4
days on this unit in 2012.
Chelan
Butte
5011
1
1
1
1
1
Sept 15Oct 10
New in 2010
100%
100%
100%
California Bighorns. Very easy unit to hunt with great access. A lot of rams with 170+
rams available. A good number of older rams available in this herd. Unit is east of
the town of Chelan. Hunter averaged 1 day on this unit in 2012 and saw 35 sheep.
in
in
in
in
in
1,288
1,075
1,042
896
1,215
New in 2010
1 in 2,002
1 in 2,078
1 in 2,113
1 in 2,977
Washington Sheep Units Map
This map is for general reference only. Refer to
the state proclamation for exact boundaries.
435-865-1020
115
Washington Shiras Moose
W
ashington is a great place to hunt Shiras moose if you
can get lucky enough to beat the odds and draw a tag.
Every unit in the state has the potential to produce a great
bull. If you want to hunt a big Shiras moose and a nonrefundable fee of $110.50 is in your budget, then apply.
Washington’s moose units are all located in the northeast
quarter of the state. Last year Washington issued 82 eithersex moose tags with a total of 20,597 applicants, equaling
about 1 moose tag per 251 applicants. Their overall success
on their either-sex moose hunts yielded 96% success.
Remember that since Washington allows an applicant four
valid choices for each species, all of your choices are
considered before the next applicant is considered. Your
odds are essentially four times better for drawing a tag
than we list in the tables.
An applicant may apply more than once if they select
different types of hunts. For example, you can apply for
an antlerless moose tag as well as an either-sex moose tag,
just not two either-sex moose tags.
A big change for 2014 is the opening of the Parker Lake
unit. This unit will have different hunts for 2014. The
first hunt is an archery hunt from September 1-26, and
the second hunt is a muzzleloader hunt from September
27-October 5. The muzzleloader hunt will be someone’s
best opportunity to harvest a great bull. Washington’s
moose are managed very conservatively and provide high
quality moose hunts for those who are lucky enough to
draw a tag.
Moose hunters will have a long season to hunt with season
dates from October 1-November 30 in all units other than
the new Parker Lake unit. The first two weeks of October
will be the best time to hunt if you want to call in rutting
bulls. Late November is another great time to hunt as the
leaves are off the trees and snow will help in moving the
bulls to lower country. The best unit in the state is still 49
Degrees North, but 40" bulls will be taken in every unit.
Washington averages the highest hunter success in the
West on its moose hunts.
In addition to the regular moose draw, several moose
tags will be available through their raffle program.
Refer to Washington’s 2014 Big Game Hunting Season
and Rules pamphlet for more information or go to
their website.
Any Moose
L indy R ussell , S hiras M oose
Washington
Points
20
Applications
5
19
7
18
372
17
238
16
244
15
638
14
648
13
675
12
766
11
873
10
1,032
9
1,107
8
1,147
7
1,303
6
1,430
5
1,505
4
1,608
3
1,790
2
1,766
1
2,533
Washington Youth Opportunities
Hunters under 16 years of age at the time of application may purchase a youth-priced special hunt
permit application for $3.80 for each species, which is a significant savings compared to the adult price.
Additionally, if youth are drawn for moose, sheep, or goat permits, they are only required to pay a youth
permit fee of $57, compared to $1,652 for non-resident adults.
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All Washington Moose Units
Unit
Hunt Code
Kettle Range/East
Okanogan
8000
Total # of Tags
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
3
8
10
10
10
2014
Hunt
Dates
Oct 1Nov 30
Draw Odds
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
1 in 1,146
1 in 1,229
1 in 601
1 in 425
1 in 460
Harvest Success Comments
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
100%
Moose population is doing very well. Good hunt for 40+ bulls. Great vehicle
67%
access. Hunt the first part of the season for the rut or wait until vegetation has
100%
fallen from trees and you get snow to find bulls. Highest moose densities are
71%
found on the southern and eastern part of the unit. Look toward Sherman Creek
80%
drainages for a starting spot. Hunters averaged 9 days of hunting in 2012.
100%
100%
100%
94%
100%
Can be tough to locate moose early in the season due to thick timber and
brush. USFS gated roads on the northern end of the unit, but the southern
end of the unit has great access. Timber company land will allow walk-in
access. Bulls move into lower country that is more open toward the end of
the season. 40+ bulls available. It took hunters an average of 4 days of hunting
in 2012 to harvest a moose.
Selkirk Mtns. A
8001
22
17
15
15
15
Oct 1Nov 30
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
542
582
701
616
658
Mt. Spokane
South A
8002
New in 2012
8
8
8
Oct 1Nov 30
Unit Split
in 2012
1 in 727
1 in 754
Unit Split in
2012
100%
90% private timber company land that allows access for a small fee. 40+ bulls
are available. Mainly walk-in type hunting from the main roads. Thick country
with some glassable logging areas. Look to Thompson Creek and Brickle Creek
for good bulls. Hunt the opener unless temperatures are unseasonably warm.
Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting in 2012 to harvest a moose.
Mt. Spokane
North A
8003
New in 2012
8
8
8
Oct 1Nov 30
Unit Split
in 2012
1 in 821
1 in 911
Unit Split in
2012
100%
40+ bulls. 90% private timber company land that allows access for a small fee.
Most access is walk-in behind gated roads. Less pressure on the northern side
of the unit. Northern end of unit has the highest densities of moose. Moose
will be near 5-15 year old logging cuts. Hunt the opener unless temperatures
are unseasonably warm. Hunters averaged 2 days of hunting in 2012 to
harvest a moose.
49 Degrees North A 22
8004
22
21
21
21
Oct 1Nov 30
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
656
720
729
622
674
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Best moose unit in the state. A lot of moose with 45+ bulls available. Easy
hunt with good access with a mix of USFS and private timber land. Wellroaded throughout the unit. Hunt the rut if you draw. This is a very glassable
unit. Southern end of the unit has some closed roads with bigger bulls.
Hunters averaged 3 days of hunting to harvest in 2012.
Three Forks
8005
6
6
6
6
6
Oct 1Nov 30
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
724
770
742
576
754
100%
100%
100%
100%
83%
Good unit with some 40+ bulls. Good access. May have to hunt harder to
locate big bulls. Mix of USFS, DNR, and private timber land that allows walkin access. Hunt the clear-cuts as this unit has a lot of thick timber. Moose
concentrated in the eastern and central parts of this unit. Look toward Big
Meadow Lake for good bulls. Hunters averaged 6 days of hunting to take a
moose in 2012.
Hangman A
8006
7
7
7
7
7
Oct 1Nov 30
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
403
489
451
338
337
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Increasing moose population with 40+ bulls available. Steep terrain with thick
timber and brush. Plenty of bulls. Private land is the best. Secure private
trespass from tree farms for best success. Scout and locate a bull prior to
season opener or hunt late when the foliage falls from the trees and brush.
Hunters averaged 3 days of hunting in 2012 to harvest a moose.
Huckleberry
Range A
8007
6
6
7
7
7
Oct 1Nov 30
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
964
1,152
1,166
818
847
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Good moose unit for 40+ bulls. This unit has a lot of the moose habitat that
is mainly owned by Boise Cascade Timber Company. No USFS land. Some state
and BLM land. Gated roads limit vehicle access. You must hunt hard for a
trophy bull. Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting in 2012.
Parker Lake A
8008
Archery Only
New for 2014
2
Sept
1-26
New for
2014
New for 2014
New archery hunt. Potential for a great older age class bull. Thick timber that
will be challenging for archery hunters. Scout entire unit before opener and
try to locate a good bull, then hunt early if you find one. If you have no time
to scout, wait for the rut to pick up at the end of the season. Good access,
but hunters will have to walk in. Bulls should be up high.
Parker Lake B
8009
Muzzleloader Only
New for 2014
2
Sept 27- New for
Oct 5
2014
New for 2014
New muzzleloader hunt in the same unit as the archery hunt above. Great
rut dates on this moose hunt. Thick timber will be challenging for locating
bulls. Scout before season opener and try to locate a good bull. Calling should
provide plenty of action. Good access, but hunters will have to cover ground
to find the best bulls. Bulls should be up high.
L arry G itch , 151 3/8" S hiras M oose
Washington
R achel B urns , 40" S hiras M oose
Washington
435-865-1020
117
Washington Goat & Moose Units Map
This map is for general reference only.
Refer to the state proclamation for exact boundaries.
Washington Mountain Goat
O
f all the states that have Mountain goats, there is no
other state that manages their Mountain goats more
conservatively than Washington. Their harvest guidelines
limit the harvest opportunity to 4% or less of the total
population. Also, a unit must have a minimum goat
population of 100 total animals for one tag to be issued.
Their populations are stable to increasing with great goat
populations in all of their huntable units. If you are lucky
enough to draw a goat tag, you can expect a high quality
goat hunt without any other hunting pressure.
New for 2014, Washington will be opening two new
Mountain goat units. Both of the units are located on
the Olympic Peninsula and border the National Park. The
Brothers unit will have two permits with a season from
September 15-25. This unit will produce some really
good goats. Be prepared for a backpack wilderness type
hunt. The other new unit is Mt. Washington. It will have
two different seasons with two permits offered for each
season. The first season will be September 15-25 followed
118
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Mountain Goat
Points
20
Applications
4
19
5
18
370
17
220
16
221
15
305
14
301
13
363
12
358
11
423
10
438
9
504
8
532
7
687
6
642
5
699
4
742
3
847
2
901
1
1,372
by the second season of September 26-October 5. This unit
will produce some older age class billies. The southern
end of the unit will have the highest goat densities. Due
to lower goat counts, the state of Washington closed the
Methow unit for 2014.
Washington is planning on issuing 22 goats tags in 2014.
That is an eight tag increase from 2013. Washington always
produces some giant goats, and honestly, a great billy
can come from any unit. If you are an archery hunter,
realize that if you draw a tag you can start archery
hunting September 1st and have through September 14th
in all units except the Mt. Washington and Brothers units.
If unsuccessful on your archery hunt, you still have from
September 15-October 31 to try to fill your tag.
that since Washington allows an applicant four valid
choices for each species, all of your choices are considered
before the next applicant is considered. Your odds are
essentially four times better for drawing a tag than we list
in the tables, so make sure you apply for four hunt codes to
increase your chances. You may also consider buying raffle
tickets. Last year 1,711 tickets were purchased for the one
governor type Mountain goat permit. Those are not great
odds, but still it is another chance to draw.
The best goats typically come from the Mt. Baker subunits
or the Goat Rocks/Tieton River unit. The Mt. Baker
subunits are made up of Avalanche Gorge, Chowder
Ridge, and Lincoln Peaks. These are very physically
tough goat hunts, so be in shape if you apply for them.
Washington’s goat hunts have very high success rates,
and hunters usually do not spend more than 4 days
afield to harvest.
In 2013, Washington issued 14 goat tags with 10,136 hunters
applying. That is 1 in 724 odds. The odds of drawing a goat
tag in Washington are not good at all, but if you are crazy
about big goats, spend the $110.50 to apply. Remember
T ravis A mundson , M tn G oat
Washington
Washington Mountain Goats
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Hulett
435-865-1020
119
All Washington Mountain Goat Units
Unit
Hunt Code
Total #
of Tags
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2
2
2
2
2
2014 Hunt
Dates
Draw Odds
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Harvest Success
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Comments
Sept 15Oct 31
1
1
1
1
1
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Great unit for 9+ goats. Physical, rough country with steep, sheer cliffs.
Being in good shape will make for a more enjoyable hunt. Early in the year
goats will be up high. Late October goats may move toward Lake Chelan.
Stable population of goats. Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting to take a
goat in 2012.
New in
2012
1
1
1
Sept 15Oct 15
New in 2012
1 in 1,653
1 in 1,460
New in 2012
0%
Smaller population of goats, but a good unit for 9" goats. Steep, physical,
rough country. Being in good shape will make for a more enjoyable hunt.
Best hunting will be in wilderness. Backpack 4-6 miles for best success.
Hunt area consists of the south shore of Lake Chelan. The hunter did not
hunt in 2012.
Avalanche Gorge New in
6003
2013
2
2
Sept 15Oct 15
New in 2013
1 in 834
New in 2013
Great goat unit with 9+ goats with potential for a giant billy. One of the
three subunits of Mt. Baker. Tough, steep country. 4-6 mile hike to access
goat country. Expect recreational rock climbers and hikers during hunt.
Weekday hunting might be best. Hunt was new in 2013, so no harvest data
at this time.
Naches Pass
6004
1
1
1
1
2
Sept 15Oct 15
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
4,657
4,312
4,483
3,481
3,515
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Good unit with a lot of goats. Larger herds of 40-60 goats. Will have to
glass carefully to find best goat. Wilderness unit with good vehicle access
to trailheads and then a 2-6 mile hike to access goat country. Population
estimated at 147 goats. Hunters averaged 2 days of hunting to take a goat
in 2012.
Bumping River
6005
1
1
1
1
2
Sept 15Oct 15
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
2,549
4,422
4,406
3,164
3,228
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
9" goats available. Mostly wilderness with good access from trailhead to goat
country. Rugged, physical country. Expect to hike 2-4 miles. Use horses or
backpack in for best chance at success. Population estimated at 142 goats.
Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting to take a goat in 2012.
Blazed Ridge
6006
1
1
1
1
1
Sept 15Oct 15
1
1
1
1
1
in
in
in
in
in
4,256
4,060
4,197
3,220
3,293
50%
0%
100%
100%
100%
Good hunt for big goats. Look for goats in groups of 10-12. Timber pockets
will provide cover, making goats hard to locate. Easy vehicle access to
top and bottom of ridges. Population estimated at 104 goats. 2012 hunter
averaged 11 days for harvest.
Chowder Ridge
6007
1
1
2
1
2
Sept 15Oct 15
Unit Split in
2010
1 in 1,218
1 in 1,418
1 in 820
1 in 1,380
Unit Split in 2010 One of the best units in the state. One of three subunits of Mt. Baker.
100%
Rough, physical country. Good hunt with 9+ goats available. Expect 4-6
100%
mile backpack hike into goat country. Goats will be between 5,000-6,500'
100%
elevations. Population estimated at 322. Hunters had 100% success in 2012,
but neither hunter reported how many days it took to harvest.
Lincoln Peak
6008
2
2
1
1
1
Sept 15Oct 15
Unit Split in
2010
1 in 761
1 in 779
1 in 1,135
1 in 992
Unit Split in 2010 The toughest of the three Mt. Baker subunits. A good unit with some big
100%
goats. Good access into rough country. Goats will be up high in cliffs. 9+
100%
goats available. 2012 hunter did not harvest.
0%
Goat Rocks/
Tieton River
6009
5
3
3
3
3
Sept 15Oct 15
1
1
1
1
1
100%
100%
100%
67%
100%
Possibly the best goat unit. Big 9+ goats. Wilderness hunt, so use horses
or backpack to access backcountry. On some years goats may be found as
close as 2 miles from trailhead. Good trailhead access. Unit holds a larger
population of goats. Population estimated at 231. Hunters averaged 1 day of
hunting to take a goat in 2012.
North Lake
Chelan
6001
South Lake
Chelan
6002
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
1,209
1,151
1,203
939
1,091
1,271
1,290
2,113
1,721
1,777
Mt. Washington-A New for
6010
2014
2
Sept 15-25 New for 2014
New for 2014
This huge unit hasn’t been hunted in years. Wilderness backpack type
hunt. Goats will be spread out in very steep, physical country. Should be a
good hunt for older age class goats. Southern end of unit will have highest
densities of goats. Use GPS to know National Park boundaries. Look for goats
on Mt. Washington and Mt. Pershing. High country buck hunt at same time.
Goats will go back and forth between National Park and wilderness. Be very
careful of hikers. Hunting weekdays is recommended. Very stable population
of goats. Can be very dry on some years, so pack water.
Mt. Washington-B New for
6011
2014
2
Sept 26Oct 5
New for 2014
New for 2014
This is the second hunt of the Mt. Washington unit. Same information as
above but later dates.
Brothers
6012
Sept 15-25 New for 2014
New for 2014
Increasing population of goats with 9+ goats available. This unit has not been
hunted in years. This is not going to be an easy hunt. Very physical hunt
with steep, rugged mountains. Huge area with goats spread throughout.
Backpack wilderness type hunt. Scout prior to season opener from Lena Lake
trail. Goats will be above timberline in big, wide open country. Use GPS to
know National Park boundaries. Goats could be in the park. Area has many
recreational hikers, so hunting weekdays is recommended.
New for
2014
2
Washington State-Held Raffle
Sometimes the Washington state-held raffle offers better odds dollar-for-dollar than the state draw tags for some species. Tickets
for moose and goat are about $6 each, and the Bighorn sheep tickets are $11.50. With the high cost of application fees at $110 per
application, you might have better odds of drawing a tag in the state-held raffle than the state issued draw tags. If you bought 18
tickets for the moose and/or goat raffle (which equates to the non-resident application fee of $110), you would have 1 in 95 odds
of drawing the goat raffle tag and 1 in 263 odds of drawing the moose raffle tag. If you bought 9 tickets for the sheep raffle (which
equates to the non-resident application fee of $110), you would have 1 in 208 odds of drawing the sheep raffle tag.
Total tickets sold per species for 2013 were 1,711 tickets for Mountain goat, 4,731 tickets for moose,
and 1,870 tickets for sheep.
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