Quick Answer
Mountain goats are typically divided into three age classes when hunting: kids (less than one year old), yearlings (one to two years old), and adults (three years or older). Kids and yearlings have different horn growth patterns and body proportions, making it easier to identify their age. Hunters can use these characteristics to make more informed decisions.
Identifying Mountain Goat Age Classes
When hunting mountain goats, it’s essential to understand the age classes of the animals you’re targeting. Kids are the youngest of the three age classes, with a distinctive appearance that makes them easily recognizable. They are typically born in the spring and summer months, with a birth weight of around 5-7 pounds. Kids have small horns that are usually less than 2 inches long and are often covered in a soft, fuzzy coat.
Yearlings: The Transitional Age Class
Yearlings, on the other hand, are typically one to two years old and are in a transitional phase of growth. Their horns are longer than those of kids, usually between 2-5 inches long, and they have a more developed coat. Yearlings often have a slightly leaner build than adults, but their body proportions are still developing. Hunters can look for the presence of a “rump patch” on the yearling’s hindquarters, which is a small, circular patch of fur that distinguishes them from kids and adults.
Adult Mountain Goats
Adult mountain goats are three years or older and have a well-developed body and impressive horn growth. Their horns can be up to 12 inches long and are curved, making them a prized trophy for hunters. Adults have a distinctive white coat with a brown or grayish tint on their backs, and a black “beard” on their chin. Hunters can look for the presence of a well-developed hump on the adult’s back, just behind the horns, which is a sign of maturity.
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