Montana’s sheep populations are holding steady throughout most of the state, and despite long draw odds, anyone serious about trying to draw a trophy sheep tag should be applying in Montana. Statewide, the average ram harvested last year was seven and a half years old with 15” bases and length measurements just shy of 35”. Success rates were generally high. The sheep in the Missouri Breaks, on the other hand, continue to face several challenges. The most recent, a severe respiratory disease and lungworm outbreak in Breaks unit 622, caused significant mortality throughout the unit and forced an emergency closure for the 2025 season. The closure of this unit along with the reduction in ram permits in the remaining two Breaks units has resulted in the loss of two non-resident permits this year: one in Region 4, the other in Region 6.
In 2026, there will be up to five non-resident ram permits available in the draw, just 50% of the state’s allocation only five years ago. Last year, 7,473 non-resident applicants applied for a ram tag, and only five of them drew out. If there is any good news, most of this year’s non-resident units will offer a rare chance of finding a book ram for those lucky enough to draw. The hunts in 124, 203, and 680 will be the most popular choice for those after a high scoring ram or looking for a less physical hunt. If taking a book ram isn’t as important as just putting a tag in your pocket, look towards the 302 hunt, as it will offer the best draw odds of any of the hunts available to non-residents this year.
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Montana has long set itself apart as a special state for sheep hunting as the only state to offer over-the-counter Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tags. The odds of harvesting a ram are typically around 2%, but a handful of lucky hunters take home a ram every year. Last year, fourteen hunters harvested rams in the unlimited areas. Once again, hunters can choose from five units: 300, 303, 500, 501, and 502. New for 2026, however, Unlimited bighorn sheep licenses will no longer be available as an over-the-counter purchase. The only way to acquire an unlimited license will be to apply for it in the draw by the May 1 deadline. See the “Unlimited Bighorn Sheep” section for more information on this update and for detailed descriptions of the units and hunts.
If you’ll be hiring an outfitter if drawn, we have Endorsed Outfitters in each of the units available to non-residents this year. Montana residents also have an additional twenty-five hunts to consider applying for, so give us a call if you would like to discuss your best option. Good luck in the draw!
Over the last 20+ years, we've collected hunting research and data, so join Huntin' Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting bighorn sheep in Montana, including Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
Search our database for Montana Bighorn Sheep opportunities.
The Montana Bighorn Sheep application deadline is May 1, 2026.
Our magazine, which is available in print and online, 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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Up-Front Fees |
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| Base Hunting License | $50 |
| Conservation License | $10 |
| Bonus Points (optional/per species) | $20 |
| Sheep, Moose, Goat, and Bison Application Fee | $50 |
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| Bighorn Sheep Permit | $1,250 |
| Bow and Arrow License (required for all archery hunts) | $10 |
| *Fees do not include the additional 2.5% convenience fee. | |
MT Bighorn Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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