The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep is one of North America’s most iconic and sought-after game species. With their impressive, sweeping horns and ability to thrive in some of the most rugged and inaccessible terrain, hunting these animals is a pursuit that challenges even the most seasoned sportsman. To pursue a Rocky Mountain bighorn is to face a test of endurance, patience, and skill. Navigating remote high-elevation terrain and braving extreme weather conditions, the quest for these majestic animals is as much about the experience as it is about the trophy.
Hunting seasons can span from August to December, but dates can vary by state. Early hunts bring mild weather and lush landscapes, while late-season hunts introduce the challenges of snow and freezing temperatures. The best time to hunt typically depends on your skill set, preference for weather conditions, and ability to endure harsher climates.
How do I get a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep tag and/or license? There are four ways to obtain a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Tag:
#1 Skip the Draw Book an outfitted hunt that includes a guaranteed sheep tag and maximize your chances of a successful hunt. These hunts range from $80,000-$150,000, so it’s critical you hire a trusted and endorsed outfitter through a reputable company like HFA. See more details below.
#2 Skip the Draw Win a sheep tag through a state raffle or win an outfitted sheep hunt through a private sweepstakes. Make sure when purchasing entries that you are doing so through a legitimate company who does live drawings with physical entries like the Huntin' Fool Membership Drive. More info below.
#3 Draw a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Tag In most areas, hunting Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep requires drawing a tag, and odds of drawing a tag are 1% or less, so a good draw strategy is critical. Because this is a long-term plan, we recomend hiring a License Application Service to apply for you. See more details below.
#4 Skip the Draw Purchase a sheep tag through a state auction. Some states offer conservation or auction tags, which can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $400,000. Due to the high price tag, we are not going to spend a lot of time on that, but we did provide a link to those opportunities above.
Book a hunt with a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Outfitter. Outfitted hunts include a guaranteed sheep tag and are the best way to maximize your chances of a successful hunt. These hunts range from $80,000-$150,000 and not all outfitters are created equal. Given the high price and virility in quality of hunt, we highly recommend you hire a trusted and endorsed outfitter through a reputable company like HFA.
Since 1996, HFA has been dedicated to finding the best outfitters for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. HFA endorsed outfitters are highly regarded and offer exclusive access to premier hunting areas, ensuring a world-class experience. When HFA endorses a Bighorn Sheep Outfitter, you can trust you’re getting a hassle-free adventure. Experience the HFA difference, Your Dream Hunt Starts Here: CALL TO TALK WITH A HUNT ADVISOR AND BOOK YOUR ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP HUNT. (435) 865-1020
Enter to Win a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunt. Believe it or not, entering to win a sheep hunt is often the best odds you have at getting a sheep hunt aside from outright booking a hunt. There are several states that offer a sheep tag raffle once per year. There are also outfitted sheep hunts awarded through private sweepstakes. The Your Dream Hunt Sweepstakes gives away a sheep hunt nearly every month and is your best odds to win the hunt of a lifetime! Their hunts are hand-picked by HFA’s professional booking advisors, and all drawings are held LIVE with physical entries, ensuring the most trusted and transparent process in the industry. Your Dream Hunt Starts Here — Enter Now to Win!
How long does it take to draw a tag for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep? Securing a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep tag is no small feat. In most states, tags are awarded via a lottery system, with non-residents often facing long odds. Some examples include:
As you can tell, it will likely take a long time to draw a sheep tag through the draw, but we always recommend you get started on building points and putting in for the state draws if you are interested in sheep hunting. When entering the state draws, you can apply DIY style or you can utilize a trusted application service that will apply for you. Due to the complexity of the various state draws, the variability in application dates and the high cost/long time associated with drawing a sheep tag, we recommend you leave that to the experts.
Leave your Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep application to the experts. Want to hunt Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep? Let the License Application Team apply for you. The License Application Team will set up a meeting with you and a dedicated Hunt Advisor who will craft a personalized draw strategy for you. Using your strategy, the License Application Team will apply for you every year, mazimizing your odds by factoring in yearly regulatory changes and ensuring you never miss a deadline. When you draw a sheep tag, the License Application Team will personally call you and let you know "it's time to hunt!" Click here to get more information or call now to sign up for The Huntin’ Fool License Application Service! (435) 865-1020
If you are going to Apply for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Tags Yourself. You can utilize tools and resources that will remind you of Application Deadlines and Maximize Your Draw Odds.
A Huntin' Fool Membership is the one-stop shop: For $150 a year, get unlimited access to our Hunt Advisor Team and our full DIY tool set:
Rocky Mountain Bighorns can be hunted in several states across the West, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. These states include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, and parts of Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.
ArizonaArizona offers a premier Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep hunt with some of the best rams in the West, consistently producing trophies in the 170"+ range and even the occasional 180"+ ram. The state’s draw system is highly competitive, with only “up to” 6 non-resident permits available for the 2024 season, and most tags are allocated through a random draw. Arizona’s rugged terrain and impressive rams make it a coveted destination for sheep hunters of all kinds.
ColoradoColorado is a prime destination for those seeking a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep hunt. The state boasts the largest population of bighorns in the U.S. and offers ample hunting opportunities, though drawing a tag is highly competitive, especially for non-residents. Hunters can expect rugged, high-altitude terrain where bighorns roam, with trophy rams typically scoring between 160–180 Boone & Crockett points. Colorado provides one of the best chances to hunt 350"+ rams, but a successful hunt requires years of applying for the tag or the purchase of a conservation or auction tag.
IdahoIdaho offers solid odds compared to other states but comes with strict quotas and limited tags (usually 1–2 tags per unit for non-residents). The state’s diverse terrain, ranging from steep mountain ridges to more accessible foothills, provides various opportunities for hunters. While it may not be as well known as Colorado, Idaho’s bighorns are trophy quality, with many rams falling in the 160–180" B&C range.
MontanaMontana offers a mix of rugged and accessible terrain, with residents seeing better odds of drawing a tag thanks to a higher number of available permits. Non-residents may face odds of 1% or less, but those who secure a tag can expect a challenging hunt in mountainous terrain with excellent trophy potential. Montana’s bighorn rams typically range between 160–180 points, though some larger specimens can be found in the state’s remote areas.
New Mexico
New Mexico offers a premier opportunity for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep hunting, with a stable population of mature rams and world-class animals across the state. While the application fee is steep at $3,173 for non-residents, the odds for success are good for those willing to take on the challenge, with near 100% success rates across the state. The draw odds are less than 1%, but for those lucky enough to hold a tag, they have a chance at harvesting a world-class ram.
NevadaNevada has a couple of small, isolated populations of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Because of the small population, there are only resident hunting options available, and no non-resident tags at this time. They do, however, have a good population of California Bighorn Sheep, a subspecies of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, available to both residents and non-residents, but with very low draw odds.
Nebraska
Nebraska offers a limited but rewarding opportunity for bighorn sheep hunting, with a small, healthy population of Rocky Mountain bighorns found in the Pine Ridge area. The state conducts a draw for tags, with only a few permits available each year, making it a highly competitive hunt. Hunters can expect rugged terrain and a challenging experience, but the chance to harvest a trophy bighorn in a less-crowded setting makes Nebraska a unique destination for those seeking a true wilderness adventure.
North Dakota
North Dakota offers a rare and exciting opportunity for bighorn sheep hunting, with a small but stable population located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. The state’s management program focuses on maintaining healthy sheep herds, with hunting permits issued through a lottery system. Though the number of tags is limited, hunters can expect rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and challenging conditions. Only residents are able to apply for hunts at this time.
Oregon
Oregon offers non-residents a chance to hunt both Rocky Mountain and California bighorn sheep, with six ram tags and three ewe tags available in 2024. The state consistently produces big rams 180”+ for Rocky Bighorn, and hunters can find 170"+ potential in units like Bear Creek for Rockies and John Day River or East Deschutes River for California bighorns. While the draw odds are tough due to the lack of a point system, Oregon provides a unique opportunity with public land access.
Utah
Utah offers limited but highly-coveted opportunities to hunt Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Though permits are rare, with most hunts offering only one non-resident tag, the state is known for managing its sheep population with a high focus on harvest success. Additionally, hunters can apply for California bighorn sheep hunts in a few areas within the state. While odds are steep, Utah provides an exciting chance for a once-in-a-lifetime bighorn experience.
Washington
Washington offers a select number of bighorn sheep permits each year, including Rocky Mountain and California bighorn permits. The state's bighorn sheep populations are managed through collaborative efforts, including the Hells Canyon Restoration Program. Additionally, hunters can try their luck in the Washington Wild Sheep Foundation raffle for a chance to hunt a trophy Rocky Mountain ram.
CanadaHunting Rocky Mountain Bighorns is as much about the experience as it is about the trophy. Days begin early, often before sunrise, with hours spent glassing ridges and valleys for signs of sheep. Once a ram is spotted, the real work begins: covering miles of rugged terrain, climbing or descending thousands of feet in a single day. Whether braving early-season heat or late-season snowstorms, patience and determination are key to success.
Most bighorn sheep hunts last 7–12 days, allowing time for travel, scouting, and careful stalking, although most states have 30-day seasons. The rugged terrain and elusive nature of the sheep often require a lengthy pursuit, making it essential to have ample time for a successful hunt.
Backpack Hunts: These are the most physically demanding hunts, requiring hunters to carry their gear and camp in remote areas. It’s the ultimate test of endurance and mental toughness, offering access to pristine sheep country.
Horseback Hunts: Using horses for access reduces physical strain and lets hunters cover more ground. However, steep terrain can make horseback hunting just as challenging as hiking, requiring skilled handling of the animals.
Basecamp Hunts: Having a base camp that you can drive to and most of the hunting is done by using long day hikes or driving to vantage points. This form of hunting is often not thought of as physically taxing but can be just as physical as the other two types but with nicer accommodations.
Spot and Stalk: This is not a hunt option as the above-mentioned hunts; it is a hunting method that will be used for hunting bighorn sheep in general. This involves hours of glassing from ridges to locate sheep, followed by careful stalking through the rugged terrain. Sheep have incredible vision and awareness, so patience and stealth are essential.
Rifle: Any caliber from a 6.5 up to 300 caliber rifle is adequate for bighorn sheep. Practice shooting at 300–500 yards, accounting for wind and elevation.
Bighorn sheep thrive in some of the most punishing habitats on the continent. Hunters can expect to encounter steep, rocky slopes, loose scree fields, and towering cliff faces at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 14,000 feet. The terrain is unforgiving, demanding physical endurance, mental toughness, and top-notch fitness. The higher altitudes add an additional layer of difficulty with thinner air, so preparation is essential.
Rocky Mountain Bighorns are famous for their massive, full-curl horns, often scoring between 160" and 180" Boone & Crockett. Exceptional rams can exceed 200", though these are extremely rare. Trophy rams are typically 6–12 years old, with thick horn bases and broomed tips adding to their allure.
The Ultimate Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting Gear Guide. With over 100+ years of hunting experience, our Hunt Advisor Team has created a comprehensive list of gear you’ll need for your next Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep hunt. Explore our Gear Lists.
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