Bighorn sheep herd populations throughout Wyoming are at objective for the most units, with a few even being over the set objective for now. This has allowed WGFD to increase ram license numbers in a few units and add some ewe hunts to reduce over-objective herds, giving hunters a little more opportunity. Units 12 and 20 are the only real exceptions due to disease outbreaks in recent years.
Wyoming’s bighorn sheep reside in some of the most beautiful, rugged, and wild country in the lower forty-eight. Hunters that are fortunate enough to draw a tag will get to experience a truly wild and unique hunt while pursuing bighorn sheep, regardless of the unit drawn.
The northwestern portion of Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park holds the densest population of bighorn sheep in the state and is true rugged sheep country. The majority of the sheep habitat in this part of the state is within designated wilderness areas, and non-resident tag holders will need to consider booking with an outfitter or plan to hunt with a resident guide.
Southcentral Wyoming, between Rawlins and Laramie, is the other hot spot for bighorns in the state. With herd populations at or above objective, the WGFD issues several ram tags and a few additional ewe/lamb licenses to help manage the herd numbers. These areas are generally more moderate in terrain, although finding access and land to hunt can be difficult depending on the unit. As a whole, Wyoming’s sheep are doing well, with plenty of mature rams still available for lucky license holders to harvest.
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To apply for sheep, applicants will have to submit the entire fee, but they will receive a full refund minus the application and 2.5% processing fees if unsuccessful. Applicants who don’t want to buy a point will want to look for units with random tags available, which means four non-resident tags issued. This gives hunters with no or low points a chance to draw a sheep tag without spending $150 every year on a preference point. Expect the random draw odds to be extremely low when a tag is available. In 2025, there was one random non-resident sheep tag issued in unit 5. The only other way to draw a bighorn sheep tag in Wyoming is through the super tag drawing.
Every year, we take more and more calls from our members asking if it makes sense to continue to build sheep points as sheep prices continue to rise. Wyoming has recently raised sheep tag fees and preference point costs, and with the 90/10 split allocation of tags for bighorn sheep, this decision is tougher than ever. The Wyoming legislature again voted down a bill that would have made sheep and moose a bonus point system instead of a preference point system in 2025. This system would have allowed applicants a greater chance of a random draw for licenses available. With the bill failing to pass, WGFD is going to continue with the current preference point system. As a result, non-residents with fewer than 26 bighorn sheep preference points likely have very limited chances of drawing a tag no chance of drawing a tag unless it is type 2 or a random draw. The maximum number of points for sheep in Wyoming going into 2026 is 31, and there are 248 applicants with 26 or more points. Wyoming issues roughly 20 non-resident ram tags a year, meaning it will take nearly thirteen years to run through these top-tier point holders.
As you review our data in the tables, you will notice the columns titled “Largest Ram Taken” and “Average Ram Taken.” When we calculate this data for the largest ram, we take the best side of the largest ram that is not broomed heavily on the other side and its corresponding base. For average size, we added all the horn lengths and circumferences of both sides and averaged them. Give us a call if you have any questions about bighorn sheep hunting in Wyoming.
Lucky hunters who draw a sheep license can also purchase an archery license and begin bowhunting approximately 15 days prior to the opening of the regular rifle season. If a hunter does not fill their license on the archery season, they can still hunt the rifle season.
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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 Wyoming including Draw Odds, Consultations and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
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The application deadline for bighorn sheep is 11:59 P.M. MST on April 30th, 2026.
Our online and 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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(Fees do not include the $15 non-refundable application fee or the 2.5% processing fee on the total transaction amount.) |
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| Youth | Regular | Special | Youth | Regular | |
| Bighorn Sheep | $3,017 | $150 | $150 | ||
Wyoming Bighorn Sheep Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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