As a whole, sheep in California are doing well. Pending approval at the April 16 meeting, this year will see the introduction of three new hunt zones. The Granite and North Bristol (Zone 11) hunt will add another option for taking a solid representative of the species, while the Providence, Woods and Hackberry (Zone 12) and Castle Mountains and Piute Range (Zone 13) will add a shot at a Boone and Crockett ram! As a whole, permit numbers will stay the same across the board, except for the Whites, where both hunt periods saw a decrease. More hunts equal more random permits, which, as we know, is widely supported by residents and non-residents alike. Harvest success was great across the board in 2025. California is the land of giant rams for those lucky few who end up with tags each year, and this is largely due to how conservatively they manage their permit allocation. A maximum of tags up to 15% of the number of legal rams counted can be issued, meaning California must count seven legal rams (rams with 1/2 curl) to issue one permit. It may be hard to draw a sheep permit in California, but for those who are fortunate enough to draw, they will be in for a hunt of a lifetime.
The hardest part of sheep hunting in California is actually getting the permit.
Go on More Hunts with Better Information, Join Huntin' Fool Today!
Some of California’s sheep hunts can be extremely difficult, and hunting can take place at elevations over 10,000 feet. If you are not in good shape, make sure you read the comments in the table and only apply to the units that fit your physical ability.
If you are looking for a 175”+ ram, keep an eye on Geyligion for the Clark/Kingston, San Gorgonio, and the Newberry, Rodman, and Ord units. The White Mountains can be good for a 170” ram, but we cannot stress enough how difficult that hunt is. For 2026, there will be 30 permits. If you draw a Desert bighorn sheep permit, give us a call; we work with the best sheep guides in California.
Consult with Hunters Who Have Hunted in Your Unit, Join Now!
For access to all of our research and data we've collected over the last 20+ years, then join today and access the best research tools for hunting Bighorn Sheep in California including Draw Odds, Consultations and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
The California Bighorn Sheep application deadline is June 2, 2026.
Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!
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| Adult Hunting License | $225.46 |
| Junior Hunting License (under 16) | $17.02 |
| Application Fee per Species (sheep, elk, and antelope) | $8.38 |
| Deer Permit (refundable if unsuccessful) | $377.35 |
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| Bighorn Sheep Permit | $2,172.75 |
| Wild Pig Permit (OTC) | $101.26 |
| Bear Permit (OTC) | $397.60 |
California Bighorn Sheep Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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