Rocky Mountain Goat
Last Update/Review: August 12, 2002
Seasons
Mountain goat hunting in Alberta was halted in 1988 to preserve a dwindling population. Since that time, the numbers of these animals have been steadily increasing. In 2001, the Fish and Wildlife Division is offering a limited mountain goat hunt in southern Alberta for Alberta residents only.
Archery seasons are those where only a bow and arrow may be used. General seasons are those in which a firearm or a bow and arrow may be used. Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, available on-line and in hard copy.
Seasons
(last update: 2001 June)
| Region | Archery | General |
| Boreal | Closed | Closed |
| Mountains | Not Applicable | mid-Sept. thru Oct. |
| Foothills | Closed | Closed |
| Parkland | Closed | Closed |
| Prairie | Closed | Closed |
Rocky Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus)
The mountain goat can be identified by its short short, stocky body, and long white coat. Long guard hairs over the shoulders give it a hump-backed appearance. Other noticeable features are the goat's full white beard or chin hairs, black nose and pointed black horns. Males, called "billies" weigh about 85 kg (190 lb) while the females, or "nannies," weigh about 62 kg (135 lb).
These animals are found in the alpine zone of the Rocky Mountains. They feed on grasses, sedges and forbs, and browse on dwarf willow and subalpine fir. Goats are expert climbers and can cross difficult terain with apparent ease. Their agility is mainly due to the construction of their hoofs. These have soft bottom pads which ares I surrounded by a hard outer shell. Unlike other cloven-hoofed animals, the two parts of the goat's hoof can move independently of each other. These features enable goats to grip rough and slippery surfaces when climbing.
The rut occurs from November to December. Young (known as "kids") are born the following spring.
Goats remain in or near alpine areas throughout the year, moving only in winter to south and southwest facing slopes or to windswept ridges where snow cover is minimal. Mountain goats rarely venture to lower elevations except to visit salt or mineral licks.
