Lake Chelan Goat Count

The north shore and south shore Lake Chelan Mountain Goat herds have been declining in recent years. This led to closing all hunting of Mountain Goats in this area. WDFW needs more data to better understand the condition of the population. Without guides and other hunters providing information on the population that is spread out across a large area, we need your help.

Volunteers will assist WDFW biologists in their efforts to learn more about the Lake Chelan mountain goat populations by conducting backcountry hiking surveys over the weekend. Volunteers can choose to do a one to three-night backpacking trip on various trail routes in mountain goat habitat based on backcountry experience and comfort level. Some routes can be done with a day hike, but most will require one night or more to survey the area properly. It will be the responsibility of the participants to make sure they follow all rules for their chosen route including obtaining any necessary permits.

On all routes, volunteers will look for mountain goats and record waypoints where they observe goats as well as document the number, ages and sexes of goats observed. Volunteers will also note goat behavior and habitat as well as record waypoints for good viewpoints found along the way.

If interested, participants or anyone else can join a presentation on the history and current knowledge of the Lake Chelan Mountain Goats in Wenatchee on June 11th. A notice will be sent out to registrants once they are confirmed.

Big thank you to Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Washington Chapter, for their help in planning and hosting this count!