LKS Outfitters owns outfitting businesses like Flat Tops Wilderness Guides and Horn Fork Guides which have purchased neighboring businesses and employ some of the most dedicated hunters and outdoorsman anywhere in the country! Any guide worth their “salt” will tell you that there are a few knowns in the sheep/goat/moose hunting world and things are constantly changing but the three things you can count on are: In places where you can buy tags the prices are increasing, in places where you have to draw tags they are becoming more difficult to draw, and population dynamics are never stagnant. With that said, a lot of this will look similar to years past but there are a handful of changes that one should pay attention to and might just help you draw that tag of lifetime and have you primed for realistic expectations.
Colorado’s weighted point system can be difficult to understand, and in turn, folks waste years not strategizing properly. I highly recommend reading my Understanding The Colorado Sheep, Goat, and Moose Draw article before clicking “Submit” on your applications.
The units I mention in this article are ones myself and staff are familiar with. I’m sure there are plenty of other really good units in the state but I am not overly familiar with them.
The draw period opens March 1st and closes April 2nd. Do not wait until the last day to apply!
If you are unsure how to put in for tags or points click HERE
If you draw a tag in any of these areas and would like to go guided, let us know! LKS Outfitters is able to guide in many of these units. The staff also works for other outfitters as contract guides in areas that LKS is not permitted. I also know many reputable outfitters in these areas and can point you in the right direction.
The biggest thing to remember when putting in for these weighted point draws is to APPLY EVERY YEAR!! Do not try to build points and then apply for the tag(s). Even at max points, your odds of drawing are low. Cumulative draw odds are way higher by year 20 than if you wait until year 20 to put in for the tag.
Just like last year I put in a physicality key for sheep and goat units. I am using the same indicator ski mountains use. These range from “green circle to “double black diamond”
Green circle 
: This is mountain hunting not antelope hunting it’s all difficult but about the easiest you can get for a sheep or goat hunt. You might be able to use horses or a lot of road access. You might be truck camping or even be staying in a wall tent deep in the wilderness.
Double black diamond 
: Put on your big boy pants this is a physical hunt! If you aren’t hiring a guide you will need to persuade you buddies to help you out! Due to the terrain you could get yourself in pickle and even seriously hurt. You won’t be using horses, sleeping in a wall tent, certainly not using vehicles to get around, and might even have to pack in water on your back.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Units- **Note only looking at rams**
S2:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tags(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 3 | 2/3 |
| 2021 | 1 | 2 | 1/3 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3 | 2/3 |
| 2023 | 0 | 3 | 3/3 (Not published yet, but know of all 3) |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | N/A |
Buzz- This unit is not for the faint of heart! The sheep are highly visible in the winter and spring and they disappear come summer through the hunting season. My crew and I spend a lot of time in this unit as it also overlaps with goat unit G6. This is a backpack style hunt! Horses and mules won’t get you very far. Be prepared to hike to the back of drainages just to turn right around and move to the next one. DIY hunters NEED to spend their weekends off scouting if they think they are going to have a chance at a mature ram. Be prepared to run into a lot of recreational traffic other than hunters. This unit is also experiencing quite a bit of disease and death in recent times.
Location- North of Vail and south of Green Mountain Reservoir. The Gore Range lies inside the unit
Quality/Quantity– Low sheep population; my estimate is around 20-25 rams. Oldest ram is 10 years old. We were fortunate enough to guide the raffle tag winner in this unit and harvest a great 13.5 year old ram that measured out at 185” back in 2022. I have also underestimated the total number of rams in this unit in the past
Success Rate- Low for those that are unguided or in poor physical shape
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating-This unit is low on my list of recommended units. With 2 tags cut out of the unit, you will see WAY more difficult draw odds. Disease that has killed a handful of sheep will continue to spread. The oldest ram is 10 and still a great ram but you better hope disease doesn’t take him before hunting season! In my opinion, the unit should be shut down for a few years.
S11:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 | 5 | 3/6 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5 | 5/6 |
| 2022 | 1 | 5 | 4/6 |
| 2023 | 1 | 5 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 1 | 5 | N/A |
Buzz- I think the CPW has probably overestimated the sheep population in the unit. It could stand to have a couple tags cut. 6 hunters in the unit is a lot and can feel competitive at times. The Collegiate Peak Wilderness lies inside the unit. There are many 14ers so be ready to do some climbing! Outside of the wilderness, there are a decent amount of 4×4 roads that you can glass from. Depending on where the sheep are, there is a good chance you can truck camp.
Location- Northwest of Buena Vista and Southeast of Aspen
Quality/Quantity- The number of sheep is slowly decreasing but the quality is still good. We shot a nice 174” ram in 2022 but expectations should be 160”-165” ram.
Success Rate- Relatively high, but quite a few small rams that are easy to find get picked off each year. Guided hunters in decent shape can expect to have opportunities on rams
Physicality Rating- 
FTWG Rating- This is again, one of my top choices. The draw success is pretty high and success rates are good for those willing to put in the time and pass on small rams. Definitely one of my top picks for nonresidents and residents. Depending on where the sheep are, horses can be useful
S12 (tags are also valid in S78):
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 2 (1archery, 1 rifle) | 12 (7 archery, 5 rifle) | 7/14 (2 with a bow) |
| 2021 | 2 (1archery, 1 rifle) | 12 (7 archery, 5 rifle) | 3/14 (all with a rifle) |
| 2022 | 2 (1archery, 1 rifle) | 12 (7 archery, 5 rifle) | 8/14 (2 with bow) |
| 2023 | 2 (1archery, 1 rifle) | 12 (7 archery, 5 rifle) | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 2 (1archery, 1 rifle) | 12 (7 archery, 5 rifle) | N/A |
Buzz- Has one of the highest sheep populations of any unit and really great quality! However, the draw is TOUGH! The sheep move around quite a bit and archery pressure can push the sheep into nasty terrain. Tags are also valid in S78 but majority of sheep are harvested in S-12.
Location- East of Buena Vista, west of Fairplay, and as far north as Breckenridge.
Quality/Quantity- Lots of sheep and lots of great rams. Top end sheep are around the 170”-175” mark.
Success Rate- Can vary drastically year to year. Going guided can give a huge advantage to the hunter. Occasionally using horses is necessary to get into spots.
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- Still ranking this higher than harvest reports would suggest for this year based on what we’ve seen. Lots of hunters are settling for younger rams which will take it’s toll in the future and expect to see a loss of age class of mature rams in the future if the trend continues.
S13:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 | 2 | 3/3 |
| 2021 | 0 | 3 | 2/3 |
| 2022 | 1 | 3 | 3/3 |
| 2023 | 1 | 2 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 1 | 2 | N/A |
Buzz- Get ready to get your butt handed to you! The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area is inside this unit. It’s gorgeous country as you hike along the valley and you’ll be cursing it when you see a ram at the top of the mountain. The sheep herd was declining steeply for awhile but has leveled out. Because of the rough terrain, rams have the chance to evade hunters and can get old. This is a backpack style hunt! Be prepared to run into a lot of outdoor recreational traffic other than hunters.
Location- North of Crested Butte and west of Aspen.
Quality/Quantity- The quality of rams is good but low populations. Recent spike in success on nice rams will have the quality going down in my opinion.
Success Rate- Solely dependent on hunters physical ability.
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- Low despite reasonable odds. This is a tough unit to hunt! In recent years they have been harvesting young rams which I think is indicative of a low of age class as much as it is the folks who are drawing
S17:
Buzz- If drawing a tag is your main concern and quality is second, this might be the unit for you. The sheep population is lower than the CPW claims and can be tough to hunt. The sheep have switched “core areas” in recent years and we have found it! This is a very physical unit. You can not day hunt if efficiently and be prepared to pack in water. If you are attempting it on your own, convince a few buddies to come and sherpa for you, you’ll need the help!
Location- Northwest of Salida and southwest of Buena Vista
Quality/Quantity- Both quality and quantity are lower than ideal but 150” ram is a representative sheep from this unit and in the past couple of years we’ve seen a handful of really nice rams approaching the 170″ mark
Success Rate- For hunters willing to get after it and hunt remote spots, you can get it done. Going guided increases success drastically. Guided hunters that can hike and hire an additional packer will have chances at rams. If you are older then 60, this is probably not the unit for you.
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- I value this unit pretty high for the sole reason that draw success is relatively high. I would encourage a lot of scouting or hiring a guide! We have been batting 100% in the unit within the first couple of days
S23 (tags are also valid in S27):
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2022 | 0 | 2 | 3/2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 2 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 2 | N/A |
Buzz- This is a unit we used to guide a lot but haven’t had the opportunity to hunt it much and spend as much time recently. The majority of the unit is wilderness (over 100,000 acres) so be prepared to backpack. Most of the sheep have been harvested in S-27 but the larges ones come from here due to the remoteness. There is quite a bit of weekend recreation in the area due to the close proximity to Denver.
Location- 35 miles southwest of Denver. South of Bailey. Large part of the Lost Creek Wilderness in the unit
Quality/Quantity- Sheep numbers are lower in S-23 as compared to S-27 but the larger sheep come from S-23. 160” ram is about the top end. However, in 2022 a governor’s tag ram was harvested here
Success Rate- Success is low in S-23 due to remoteness.
Physicality Rating- 
FTWG Rating- Overrated but close proximity to large population like Denver and Colorado Springs makes it attractive to many hunters
S44:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 (archery) | 6 (4 archery, 2 rifle) | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 7 (5 archery, 2 rifle) | 3/7 |
| 2022 | 1 (archery) | 6 (4 archery, 2 rifle) | 1/7 |
| 2023 | 2 (1 archery, 1 rifle) | 5 (4 archery, 1 rifle) | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 7 (5 archery, 2 rifle) | N/A |
Location- North of the Frying Pan River, and east of Basalt.
Quality/Quantity- Lots of sheep and quality is great when the sheep are even in the unit.
Success Rate- Success for archery is low, and in recent years, even rifle success has been terrible. The terrain, vegetation, and the fact that the sheep aren’t always in the unit makes it a tough hunt. If you want to go guided, the exclusive outfitter in the unit has a terrible track record with sheep hunters.
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- LOW! The draw success for archery is pretty high but the rifle draw is tough! Used to be a great unit to hunt but not anymore but why put in for a unit that the sheep are hardly in?
S47:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2022 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 3 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 3 | N/A |
Buzz- The access in the unit is pretty good! A few years ago, the sheep herd was hit hard by disease. 15 years ago, the hunting was comparable to current day S12. The numbers are coming back, though.
Location- East of Salida
Quality/Quantity- Numbers are low but bouncing back. Quality isn’t the greatest but the genetics are there. I wouldn’t be surprised if this unit bounces back to what it once was, within the next several years
Success Rate- If sheep are close to the more accessible areas, success rates increase drastically
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- With the additional sheep tag in the unit again the odds are decent in the unit. However, the sheep are young. Give this unit a couple more years and I think it will be a great unit
S57:
| 2020 | 0 | 2 (archery) | 1/2 |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 (archery) one of the tags was guaranteed to the 2020 draw recipient due to fire | 2/2 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3 (archery) | 2/3 |
| 2023 | 0 | 3 (archery) | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 3 (archery) | N/A |
Buzz- Very visible sheep herd from the road as you travel on Highway 34 along the Big Thompson. Sheep often end up on private. Having an outfitter with access to private can be crucial. Populations are down, but some slammer sheep come out of the unit. Be prepared to run into a lot of outdoor recreational traffic other than hunters.
Location- East of Estes Park and west of Loveland
Quality/Quantity- The numbers are down but big sheep
Success Rate- This is an archery only hunt so success is low.
Physicality Rating- 
FTWG Rating- Low on the list as another popular, highly visible sheep herd, close to a highly populated area
S58 (Tags are also valid in S40):
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 (all archery) one of the tags was guaranteed to the 2020 draw recipient due to fire | 2/2 |
| 2022 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 2 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 2 | N/A |
Buzz- The tag is also valid in S40. The S40 sheep herd is mostly on private and the S58 herd is mostly on public. The population is low but some massive sheep come out of the area. The sheep can often be seen from Highway 14 along the Poudre Canyon.
Location- West of Fort Collins
Quality/Quantity- Numbers are low but big sheep
Success Rate- Low tag quotas so success can be skewed. Hunters should have opportunities
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- Low on the list as another popular, highly visible sheep herd, close to a highly populated area
S59:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2021 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 (not published but I saw the hunter and his ram) |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | N/A |
Buzz- This is my favorite unit but it’s also my backyard! There are a couple different sheep herds in the unit that use a wide array of habitats. The larger sheep are in the wilderness. Unsuccessful hunters have underestimated the remoteness of this unit. It is difficult to keep close tabs on the sheep for most folks but rarely do we not know where the bigger rams are at all times. Oftentimes we use horses for this hunt.
Location- North of Gypsum and south of Oak Creek.
Quality/Quantity- Low density and pretty decent quality. There is a large population of 9-11 year old rams that are more visible. The sheep inside of the wilderness haven’t been hunted much in recent years so the rams in the wilderness are getting a chance to grow old. There is a ram coming 15 if he makes it through the winter
Success Rate- DIY hunters have low success rates and often settle for smaller rams. Consider going guided unless you have lots of time to hunt. Scouting does not do much for hunter success, as they are constantly moving.
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- The draw odds aren’t the greatest but if you go guided you will get a sheep. This unit is for sure one of my tops.
S66:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 rifle | 7 (2 archery, 5 rifle) | 4/8 (all with rifle) |
| 2021 | 1 rifle | 7 (2 archery, 5 rifle) | 5/8 (all with rifle) |
| 2022 | 1 rifle | 7 (2 archery, 5 rifle) | 3/8 (2 rifle, 1 archery) |
| 2023 | 1 rifle | 7 (2 archery, 5 rifle) | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 1 rifle | 7 (2 archery, 5 rifle) | N/A |
Buzz- This unit is no joke when it comes to topography. Luckily, there is pretty good access. The archery tags in the unit are a relatively new thing and the bow hunting pressure is changing sheep behavior. The sheep move quite a bit and can be hard to find. Sometimes some of the sheep move out of the unit
Location- East of Leadville.
Quality/Quantity- Good number of sheep and the quality is above average. Top end is 170”. There have been some really nice sheep harvested in recent years but it appears the unit is supporting the harvest.
Success Rate- Dependent on hunter’s physical abilities and amount of time you have to hunt. If you do not have a lot of time to take off I’d seriously consider hiring a guide!
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- I rank it high as the sheep quality for the draw success is really good.
S67:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2021 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | N/A |
Buzz- Respectable rams come out of the unit most years but the sheep herd is small and fragile. The domestic sheep in the unit have taken their toll on this population.
Location- East of Meeker in the Flat Tops Wilderness
Quality/Quantity- Low number of sheep, rugged country, and a huge area can make them hard to find
Success Rate- Most hunters go guided as horses are a useful tool and in turn have high success
Physicality Rating- 
FTWG Rating- I rank it relatively low as the draw odds are low and the low number of sheep make it a very fragile unit
S74:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 2/2 (all tags from 2020 were reissued due to fire) |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 2/2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 2 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 | N/A |
Buzz- This sheep herd is small and concentrated but used to have big rams! The sheep are highly visible right off of i70. The terrain is nasty and you cannot hunt within half a mile of the interstate. To access the sheep, be prepared to hike. Figuring out how the sheep move around the different drainages can be difficult.
Location- North of Glenwood Springs and West of Gypsum
Quality/Quantity- By no means the most populated sheep unit but had some big sheep in it. The biggest rams have been harvested but I would guess that if given a few years of evading hunters, rams will get old and big again. There is still at least one ram around the 170″ mark
Success Rate- Success rates are high but figuring out the sheep movements and waiting them out takes time
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- Because of low draw odds, I rank it low and recently the draw odds don’t match the quality of animals. Might be one for the nonresident to apply for if drawing sooner than later is not a priority
S79:
Buzz- This is a new tag with only 1 tag given to a resident. I would bet that the governor’s tag and the raffle tag will be shot in this unit as well
Location- West of Pueblo
Quality/Quantity- Small herd size but big! I bet at least one 200″ ram will come out of the unit
Success Rate- Going to be high
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- I would not recommend this unit as I bet the odds are going to be super low as everyone knows about the potential
Sheep Conclusion:
Top choices for residents (no particular order):
- S11
- S12
- S17
- S47
- S59
- S66
- S79 (if you already have harvested a ram and looking for a potential new record)
Top choice for non residents (no particular order):
- S11
- S12
- S17
- S66
- S74
Rocky Mountain Goat Units- **Note looking at either sex tags**
G1 (tags are also valid in G14):
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 6 (all archery) | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 6 (all archery) | 1/6 (billy) |
| 2022 | 0 | 6 (all archery) | 5 (4 were billies) |
| 2023 | 0 | 5 (all archery) | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 1 (archery) | 5 (all archery) | N/A |
Buzz- This is an archery only unit and tags are valid in both G1 and G14. Goats are doing well in the area. Can be a difficult unit to hunt with a bow due to large open basins in much of the area.
Location- West of Salida
Quality/Quantity- Goat populations are doing well and there are some slammer billies.
Success Rate- As one would suspect, success rates are significantly lower in an archery only area. A lot of smaller billies and nannies get harvested instead of harder to hunt mature billies.
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- Low on my list. For my once (or maybe twice) in a lifetime tag, I want the odds in my favor. That means taking a rifle, or at least, having it as an option for later in the hunt. This overlaps with sheep unit S-17 and it is not a cake walk. Note the decrease in tags last year continuing for residents this year. First year in many that a nonresident can hunt.
G2:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 5 | 5/5 (4 were billies) |
| 2021 | 0 | 5 | 4/5 (3 were billies) |
| 2022 | 0 | 5 | 3/5 (2 were billies) |
| 2023 | 0 | 5 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 5 | N/A |
Buzz- The population seems to be going down by a bit but the quality is still very good. This area has a lot of 4×4 access. However, the downside is you see a lot of 4×4 recreation along the trails. The scenery is breathtaking and harvesting goats near the top of 14ers is normal.
Location- West of Buena Vista and south of the collegiate Peaks Wilderness area
Quality/Quantity- Numbers seem to be decreasing but still a healthy population. The quality is good
Success Rate- Very high! If you are worried about the physicality of a goat hunt look here. The 4×4 access is better than anywhere else
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- Makes my list of units to think about applying. The draw is a little tougher due to good access. Sorry non resident, no tags for you
G3:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 4 | 30 | 29/34 (29 billies, 6 nannies) |
| 2021 | 4 | 36 | 28/40 (16 billies, 12 nannies) |
| 2022 | 4 | 36 | 20/40 (17 Billies, 13 nannies) |
| 2023 | 4 | 36 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 4 | 36 | N/A |
Buzz- This is hands down my favorite unit! The mix of road access and wilderness allows for opportunities to hunt those old billies that are just plain hard to get to but also allows you to cruise around and glass from the road. The population and the quality is great! However, recent years the hunting is getting a little harder but still lots of goats
Location- West of Buena Vista, the Collegiate Peak Wilderness lies inside it
Quality/Quantity- Both great
Success Rate- Very high especially on guided hunts. Some historical areas are void of goats now so pre-scouting is advisable!
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- High. The animals are there, draw success is good, and accessibility is ok.
G6:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 | 9 | 7/9 (6 billies, 1 nanny) |
| 2021 | 1 | 14 | 11/15 (6 billies, 5 nannies) |
| 2022 | 2 | 23 | 15/25 (9 billies, 6 nannies) |
| 2023 | 2 | 23 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 3 | 22 | N/A |
Buzz- This is a love/hate unit for me! I have spent a lot of time in here. The country will kick your butt, but it is gorgeous. This is a backpack style hunt. Make sure you have a buddy or two to help you. Making multiple trips to pack out camp and an animal is a death sentence! Scouting is critical. If you have to switch drainages, you’ve lost almost 2 days of your hunt! The amount of hiking traffic can seem outrageous, especially on the weekends. Goat populations are higher than the CPW once suspected. Historically, I think the unit held some of the best quality goats. The large spike in tag allocations in recent years makes the hunting more competitive and goats are getting pushed back to more rugged and remote spots. It seems the billies congregate in some more accessible country later into the season but you run the chance of weather ruining your hunt.
Location- North of Vail
Quality/Quantity- Goat populations are doing very well, hence, the increase in tag quota over the past two years. In the past, I don’t think CPW had even the slightest idea on goat populations. The summer of 2021, the Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance did a huge volunteer goat count in the unit. Historically low tag quotas in the unit allowed lots of billies to grow old. Accompany that with great genetics! I’ve seen 3.5 year old billies with 9.5” horns.
Success Rate- Success rates are good if hunters are in excellent shape, spend time scouting, and allow themselves plenty of time for the hunt (in case they need to switch drainages.) Those that hire a guide have had great success rates. DIY hunters are beginning to struggle as the tag allocations have increased and the easy to access goats have been shot
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- The increase in tags has definitely made the hunting tougher and more competitive. There are still a lot of tags in the unit and anyone that has spent time in the area knows it is no joke! There are still good billies to be had. We shot a giant in there last year
G12:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 7 (1 of which was nanny only) | 53 (9 of which were nanny only) | 41/60 (25 billies, 16 nannies) |
| 2021 | 7 (1 of which was nanny only) | 53 (9 of which were nanny only) | 40/60 (20 billies, 20 nannies) |
| 2022 | 9 (2 of which were nanny only) | 71 (18 of which were nanny only) | 48/80 (28 billies,20 nannies) |
| 2023 | 8 (2 of which were nanny only) | 52 (18 of which were nanny only) | Not Published yet |
| 2024 | 5 (2 of which are nanny only) | 35 (8 of which are nanny only) | N/A |
Buzz- Get ready to have a lot of awkward encounters along the trails with HUNDREDS of hikers! The CPW has made it a point to decrease goat populations in the unit over the last handful of years. The only thing more breathtaking than the scenery is hiking up to the goats. This is a backpack style hunt in the roughest country Colorado has to offer. The increase in hunting pressure over the past several years has pushed goats deeper into remote areas and gnarly terrain. The tag quota has caused an increase in competitiveness in the unit, and the success rate is going downhill!
Location- East of Aspen in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
Quality/Quantity- Both population and quality have drastically decreased
Success Rate- Decreasing each year as accessible goats get harvested
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- The high tag quota makes for an easier draw, but there is another huge decrease in tag allocations this year which means the CPW is meeting it’s goal of decreasing the population. I do not recommend!
G17:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 | 5 | 6/6 (3 billies, 3 nannies) |
| 2021 | 1 | 5 | 5/6 (2 billies, 4 nannies) |
| 2022 | 1 | 5 | 5/6 (3 billies, 2 nannies) |
| 2023 | 1 | 5 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 1 | 5 | N/A |
Buzz- The unit is managed by the CPW for low populations. For this reason, the tag tends to be easier to draw. Be prepared to work your butt off to see a couple of goats. When you do find one, though, there is a good chance it will be a nice one. We guided a hunter in here last year and I don’t think I want to do it again…It was tough and things are changing!
Location- East of Aspen and west of Leadville
Quality/Quantity- Numbers are low but decent sized goats when you can find one
Success Rate- If you have lots of time to scout and hunt success rates are decent. Hiring a guide will also drastically increase success
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- There are better units despite the high draw odds.
G18:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 0 | 4 | Not published |
| 2024 | 0 | 4 | N/A |
Buzz- This is only the second year for this unit. It is managed for low populations. However, I know there are quite a few goats and some really great billies. The whole unit is wilderness
Location- South of Avon. North of G-17.Encompasses the majority of the Holy Cross Wilderness
Quality/Quantity- Populations are low by design from the CPW but are higher than they would like. There will be some great billies coming out of here the first couple of years if young in shape hunters draw the tags. This is gnarly country and hunters could get themselves in a predicament if not careful
Success Rate- Hard to predict but I think hunters that are physically fit and spend time scouting will have high success. I know of at least a couple goats from 2023
Physicality Rating-
FTWG Rating- Due to little to no history on this unit, I think this might an undervalued draw and great goats.
Goat Conclusion:
Top choices for residents (in no particular order)
- G2
- G3
- G6
- G18
Top choices for non residents:
- G3
- G6
- G1 (archery only)
Shiras Moose Units
In general, moose populations across the state are exploding and moose hunting is great! Colorado produces some of the largest Shiras moose in the record books. Because of this, tag quotas are steadily rising in each unit year to year. The CPW is also opening new units to hunting as well. Unfortunately, this will not last much longer. Due to the reintroduction of wolves and more and more wolves coming in naturally, the moose will be our “canary in the coal mine”
To learn more about field judging Shiras moose click HERE.
*** Note*** 2024 tag allocations are just guesses ( I just mimic the year prior quotas) as the CPW does not announce the number of tags until after the draw deadline
***Note*** Only looking at either sex tags
6:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 2 | 15 | 17 of 17 |
| 2021 | 3 | 16 | 18/19 |
| 2022 | 3 | 16 | 19 of 19 |
| 2023 | 2 | 16 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 2 | 17 | N/A |
Buzz- Lots of moose and a lot of big ones. The tag quota is high. There are ample opportunities for drawing a cow tag which offers even higher draw odds than an either-sex tag. This is a great unit for hunters, however this is right where wolves are coming down from Wyoming. Moose populations will surely take a hit in the coming years
Location- South of Wyoming and east of Walden
Quality/Quantity- Lots of moose and big ones
Success rate- High
FTWG Rating- This is a great tag to have with lots of moose and lots of big bulls. However, it is a harder unit to draw.
12/23/24:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 7 | 7 of 7 |
| 2021 | 0 | 10 | 10 of 10 |
| 2022 | 1 | 9 | 10 of 10 |
| 2023 | 1 | 5 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 1 | 5 | N/A |
Buzz- Units 12 and 23 have better access but quite a bit of private mixed in. The moose population is much higher in 24, in my opinion, and there is more public land. However, much of the unit is wilderness. I would highly consider using an outfitter if hunting in 24!
Location- East of meeker, these three units cover a lot of country
Quality/Quantity- Quality and quantity is good. I would spend my time in 24
Success rate- Lots of moose in the cluster of units. If you do not have horses I would keep out of 24. Guided hunters do extremely well in the wilderness areas of 24.
FTWG Rating- High! Lots of moose decent draw odds and trophy quality bulls
19:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 7 | 0/7 (fire year) |
| 2021 | 0 | 8 (the 7 from 2020 were reissued) | 4/8 |
| 2022 | 0 | 8 | 7/8 |
| 2023 | 0 | 8 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 8 | N/A |
Buzz- A lot of the unit was burned in 2020 from the Cameron Peak fire. Monster bulls!
Location- West of Fort Collins
Quality/Quantity- both high
Success rate- High
FTWG Rating- I rank this lower because of how hard tags are to draw. Close proximity to Fort Collins and other cities on the front range make it a desirable tag for locals
25/26/231
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 (not published but game warden told me) |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | N/A |
Buzz- This is my home unit and my staff and I spend more time in it than anyone! 2020 was the first year moose tags were allocated. Bigger moose are in remote spots and using horses is a necessity. The moose population has been exploding and the number of massive bulls we see each year while hunting elk is crazy!
Location- West of Co 131 and south of Oak Creek
Quality/Quantity-Both high
Success rate- High. If you go guided you can get deep and look at a lot of bulls until you find the biggest one in the area
FTWG Rating- Super high on my top choice for residents and the draw odds are actually some of the best
48/481:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2022 | 0 | 2 | 2/2 |
| 2023 | 0 | 3 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 3 | N/A |
Buzz- The scenery is beautiful and the mountains are big! We hunt a lot of sheep and goats in the vicinity. The valley bottoms are where the moose population is the densest.
Location- West of Buena Vista
Quality/Quantity- Quality is OK but the numbers of moose are skyrocketing
Success rate- High
FTWG Rating- Bumping this up for resident as the draw odds might be the most favorable of any unit
49/500:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 | 7 | 7/8 |
| 2021 | 1 | 8 | 9/9 |
| 2022 | 1 | 8 | 9/9 |
| 2023 | 2 | 8 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 2 | 8 | N/A |
Buzz- Moose populations are doing well and the quality is really good.
Location- East of Buena Vista
Quality/Quantity- Both very high
Success rate- High. Bigger bulls live in the wilderness area and using an outfitter is advantageous
FTWG Rating-High. If older or have issues getting around plenty of bulls to be found not far from the road outside the wilderness
49 Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area Only
Buzz- This is a new tag. Hunters must hunt inside the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area. It will be interesting to see if it takes tag allocations away from the 49/500 cluster. Big bulls live in the wilderness and will be a great tag to have
Location- East of Highway 24 and North of Buena Vista
Quality/Quantity- Big bulls and lots of them live in the area
Success rate- Presumably will be high but horses will be essential. You might think about hiring an outfitter
FTWG Rating-I think this will be a great tag to have this first user as normally a wilderness only unit keeps folks from applying unless they have their own stock, using an outfitter, or until words gets out about all the big critters
361:
| Nonresident tag(s) | Resident tag(s) | Overall Success | |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | 2/2 |
| 2021 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 (it was a cow) |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | Not published yet |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | N/A |
Buzz- This is a small unit and a hunter realistically can cover the whole unit thoroughly if they put in the time. There is decent road access
Location- Southwest of Kremmiling, north of Eagle’s Nest Wilderness
Quality/Quantity- Not a lot of moose but some very nice bulls have been harvested in the unit.
Success rate- Very high
FTWG Rating- Middle of the road but mostly due to the high draw success equivalent to 48/481
Moose Conclusion:
Top choices for residents:
- 12/23/24
- 25/26/231
- 48/481
- 49/500
- 49 Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area only
Top choices for non residents
- 12/23/24
- 49/500
- 6
