Non-residents can apply for both Desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tags in Utah. While the state is known for being relatively aggressive in issuing bighorn permits, populations of both species remain limited, making these tags difficult to draw. Beginning last year, a new interpretation of the ten percent non-resident quota resulted in three hunts that offered two non-resident permits, allowing bonus permits to be issued in those units. Applicants will be able to review the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ (UDWR) permit recommendations in late March, prior to the April application deadline. This provides a significant advantage to sheep hunters at the maximum point level, allowing them to better evaluate which units may offer a realistic chance at drawing a preference tag.
Go on More Hunts with Better Information, Join Huntin' Fool Today!
Utah offers chances to hunt both Rocky Mountain and California bighorn sheep, though California bighorns are included under the Rocky Mountain bighorn species category. For 2026, the Nine Mile, Gray Canyon, and Book Cliffs (South) units make up the Rocky Mountain bighorn hunts available to non-residents. California bighorn opportunities for non-residents include the Box Elder, Newfoundland, and Oak Creek units, all of which are second rifle season hunts. In total, non-residents have four Rocky Mountain bighorn hunts to select from. Trophy potential in the Rocky Mountain units is strong, with 170”+ rams possible, while the California bighorn units generally produce mature rams averaging in the 150” class.
Utah will offer five Desert bighorn sheep hunts for non-residents again this year, due in part to the split of the Escalante unit into Escalante (East) and Escalante (West). Only Escalante (East) will have a non-resident permit available in the draw and it is worth noting that this unit is considerably more rugged and physically demanding than its western counterpart. The Kaiparowits (West) unit is seeing permit reductions as a result of lower numbers and quality compared to previous years. The Kaiparowits (East) unit has seen increases in population that may be due, in part, to drought conditions in the western unit pushing sheep east. For now, there are more mature rams in Kaiparowits (East) than in Kaiparowits (West). For hunters seeking above-average rams, the top units to consider are Kaiparowits (East), Escalante (East), and Kaiparowits (West). The San Rafael (Dirty Devil) and San Rafael (South) units still offer excellent hunt quality but typically produce rams in the 150 to 160” class.
Our Memberships Include The Most Accurate Draw Odds Available, Join Now!
It’s important to note that Utah manages its any-weapon sheep hunts with the goal of 100% harvest success. Any sheep tag drawn in the state offers a high-quality experience, with huntable populations and mature rams available. While draw odds are long, as reflected in the tables, adding a sheep application costs just $21 if you’re already applying for another Utah species, making it an affordable chance at a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. This discussion focuses on non-resident units, but if you have questions about resident-only opportunities, feel free to give us a call; we research most of the other sheep units across Utah.
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 Utah including Draw Odds, Consultations and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
Search our database of Utah Bighorn Sheep opportunities.
The Utah Big Game application period deadline is 11:00 p.m. MST on April 23, 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!
|
All Fees Included |
|
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $147.17 |
| Youth (17 and younger) Non-Resident Hunting License | $44.97 |
| Application Fee per Species | $21.46 |
|
|
|
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | $4075.74 |
| Rocky Bighorn Sheep | $4075.74 |
Utah Bighorn Sheep Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
Login
