Bighorn Sheep hunting draw odds.
Personalized to your points.
Bighorn sheep tags are issued by lottery — 1–4% draw odds, 6–10 preference points, once-in-a-lifetime for most hunters. Enter your state and points to see where you stand in the queue and when you'll realistically be in the window.
1,440 draw records · 6 states · 15 years of FOIA data
draw odds in most bighorn sheep units — the hardest draw in western big game outside mountain goat
average preference points of successful bighorn sheep applicants across CO and WY units
how long many hunters accumulate points before entering a realistic bighorn draw window
Bighorn sheep are a true lifetime pursuit. The hunters who draw are the ones who started accumulating points early and applied consistently in every available state.
Bighorn Sheep draw odds by state — 2024
FOIA-sourced from state game agencies. Free for all hunters — no subscription.
Most accessible bighorn draw
Colorado bighorn sheep — 1–4% odds, 5–9 preference points
Colorado's S1–S6 units represent some of the most accessible bighorn sheep draws in the West — if "accessible" means 1–4% odds with 5–9 points. Unit S6 historically draws at the best odds (4%) with the lowest point requirement (~5 points). Scout AI can tell you exactly when your CO points put you in a realistic draw window.
| Unit | Draw odds | Avg pts | Min pts | Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit S2 | 6% | 7.3 | 6 | 639 |
| Unit S6 | 5.5% | 6.4 | 5 | 531 |
| Unit S2 | 4.8% | 7.3 | 6 | 426 |
| Unit S6 | 4.4% | 6.4 | 5 | 354 |
| Unit S1 | 4.1% | 8.6 | 7 |
Hardest draw in North America
Arizona bighorn sheep — 1–2% odds, 20+ point hunts
Arizona's desert and Rocky Mountain bighorn units are considered the most elite draws in North America. Units 22, 23, and 45A have had applicants with 18–22 bonus points successfully draw. Arizona's bonus point system compounds annually — starting early is the only strategy.
| Unit | Draw odds | Avg pts | Min pts | Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 23 | 4.1% | 8.6 | 7 | 1,260 |
| Unit 23 | 3.2% | 8.6 | 7 | 840 |
| Unit 45A | 2.6% | 10.4 | 9 | 1,260 |
| Unit 23 | 2.5% | 8.6 | 7 | 2,800 |
| Unit 22 | 2.2% | 9.9 | 9 | 1,710 |
| Unit 22 |
Can't draw this year?
When you draw, hire a guide.
Bighorn sheep guides specialize in mountain terrain, spotting rams, and recovering animals in remote backcountry. Most hunters only get one bighorn sheep tag in their lifetime — maximizing that opportunity with an experienced guide is the difference between success and heartbreak.
Bighorn Sheep hunting — frequently asked questions
How do I start applying for bighorn sheep?
Start applying in every available state immediately. Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada all have bighorn sheep draws with preference or bonus point systems. The earlier you start accumulating points, the sooner you enter a realistic draw window. Scout AI can help you prioritize which states to apply in based on your timeline and goals.
How many points do I need to draw bighorn sheep?
It varies by state and unit. Colorado's most accessible units (S6) historically draw at 5–6 preference points with 3–4% odds. Wyoming's most accessible units draw at 5–7 points. Arizona's premium units require 15–20+ bonus points — a 20+ year commitment. Montana and Nevada fall in the middle range at 6–9 points for most units.
Can I draw bighorn sheep at 0 points?
It is theoretically possible in a random draw system but extremely rare. Some states like Colorado issue a small percentage of tags through a random draw regardless of points, giving 0-point applicants a tiny but real chance each year. Most hunters need to accumulate points over multiple years to enter a realistic draw window.
How much does a guided bighorn sheep hunt cost?
Guided bighorn sheep hunts typically run $8,000–$20,000+, making it one of the most expensive big game hunts in North America. However, most hunters consider the cost reasonable given the once-in-a-lifetime nature of the tag and the extreme difficulty of self-guided backcountry sheep hunting.
What states have the best bighorn sheep draw odds?
Colorado and Wyoming offer the best odds for hunters actively accumulating points — 2–4% in accessible units with 5–8 points. Montana has excellent sheep hunting with similar odds. Arizona is the longest game but produces the largest rams. Nevada offers consistent hunting with moderate point requirements in some units.
Is bighorn sheep hunting on public land?
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Stop applying for units you can't draw.
Scout AI analyzes your points, the draw trend, and your timeline — then tells you exactly which unit to apply for this year.