Allen Creek mountain goat hunting closure

The public is invited to comment on the proposed hunting regulation described below.

Status: Proposed

Region: Region 4, Kootenay

Management unit (MU): 4-20C, 4-26A

Regulation type: Limited Entry Hunting

Species: Mountain goat

Closing date: February 13, 2026 at 4:30 pm PT

Current regulation:

Limited Entry Hunting Regulations (PDF, 11MB)

Proposed regulation:

Remove northern portion of LEH zone 4-20C and eastern portion of 4-26A for mountain goat hunting (Allen Creek) located north and east of Lavington Creek. 

For more information, consult the Proposed Mountain Goat Closure Map (PDF, 1.8MB).

Rationale:

Allen Creek exists within MU 4-26A and 4-20C east of Lavington Creek which is located 10 km (straight line distance) southwest of Canal Flats. 

The most recent inventory that was conducted in this location resulted in observing 11 goats in 2014. In 2004, 39 goats were observed in Allen Creek. No harvest was recorded from 2011 to 2022, and it was thought that the herd was extirpated after 2014. 

From 2003 to 2010, harvest was 6 goats with 50% harvested in November during rut on winter ranges. Extremely high female harvest during this time at 50% with these females harvested in November. Harvest then stopped until 2023 where 1 billy was harvested in 2023 and another in 2024 in November by the same hunter. 

It is unknown whether this population is connected to other goat herds in 4-20C or 4-26A but with declining goat populations within both units, there is concern that whatever is remaining of the Allen Creek goat herd is now isolated. As this goat herd which is most likely isolated and below 50 adult goats, it is recommend to close goat hunting in this area. Both the Mountain Goat Management Plan and the Mountain Goat Harvest Management Procedure advise that harvest not occur when goat herds are less than 50 adults. Mount Allen also provides winter range and contains a goat mineral lick. 

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