Species: Big Horn Sheep

Bighorn Sheep

If there is one species that exemplifies the wildness of our western landscapes, I think most hunters would agree that bighorn sheep are that image.  Due to competition with introduced species and domestic sheep, wild bighorns only occupy a small portion of their historical range.  Yet, through the great work of conservation groups, specifically, the Wild Sheep Foundation, bighorns are growing in number.

There are three huntable subspecies of bighorn sheep in that can be hunted On Your Own.  Rocky Mountain Bighorns, California Bighorns (actually a subspecies of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn), and Desert  Bighorn Sheep.  Each of these species occupy and prosper in distinctively different habitats.

In addition to these sheep species are Dall Sheep and Stone Sheep found in Alaska (Dall) Northwest Canada (both species).  To hunt these sheep in Alaska or Canada requires hiring and outfitter, so hunting these fantastic sheep is not part of our focus.

With the exception of the unlimited sheep units in Montana, all hunting of bighorn sheep in the continental United States is by permit only.  Most states treat these very limited permits as once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunities - Once you draw, you cannot draw again.

The odds of drawing a permit for any sheep hunt, is almost “lottery type” odds.  Yet, the experience of a sheep hunt draws thousands of applicants for these permits each year.  Listed below are the states where drawing a permit is easiest, and even at that, is extremely difficult.  Also listed is the state where the greatest trophy quality exists, but there is no such thing as a non-trophy sheep.

I hope you would consider becoming a member of the Wild Sheep Foundation.  Their members are a great advocate for our wild sheep, and they can stand tall when measuring the accomplishments that have helped the wild sheep flourish against almost insurmountable challenges.