Hunting Montana: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)

Bighorn Sheep are found in several areas surrounding the Bitterroot Valley.Montana Bighorn Sheep tags are primarily obtained on a draw basis (there are a few unlimited draw units that close when the quote is met). Bighorn Sheep tags are one of the most sought after tags in hunting.

Success rates for drawing a Bighorn Sheep Ram tag in the hunting districts near the

Bighorn Rams are in abundance in the Bitterroot National Forest

Bitterroot Valley range from about .5% to 3%. Ewe tags are much easier to draw with success rates up to 62%.

Montana Bighorn Sheep Hunting Districts

Montana Sheep District 210:

District 210 contains the northern part of Rock Creek. This district has numerous Trophy Rams. The draw is extremely difficult for rams. Ram tags carry about .6% chance of drawing a tag. Ewe tags are much better odds at about 60%

Montana Sheep District 216:

District 216 lies immediately south of 210. District 216 is one of the premier bighorn sheep areas in the country. Trophy rams are abundant. Ram tags carry less than a half of one percent chance of drawing.

Montana Sheep District 261:

District 261 is on the east side of the Bitterroot Valley from Stevensville south to Rye Creek Road.

Montana Sheep District 270:

District 270 lies south of 261 in the Sapphire Mountains.

Montana Sheep District 250:

District 250 is the West Fork Bitterroot River area.

Rifle Hunting

Bighorn Sheep are not overly large animals. A rifle in the .25 cailber range is sufficient for these animals. When selecting a rifle to bring on this dream hunt, I would give much more consideration to rifle weight and bullet design than caliber. When choosing a caliber, my main consideration would be flatness of trajectory, as shots can be long in the mountains.

Remember, these mountains are steep and you will put some miles on the soles of your boots. You would be wise to bring a rifle made for such hunting.

Much of the hunting is spot and stalk. Top quality optics are a must.

There are plenty of Trophy Bighorn Rams. And the next World Record Bighorn Ram could very well come from the Bitterroot National Forest.

Montana Wolf Hunting Information