Idaho Bighorn Sheep Hunting 2025

Application Deadlines Non-Resident Fees Resident Fees Big Game Season Dates Draw Result Dates State Contact Information

Spring Bear: February 15, 2025
Sheep, Moose, Mtn Goat: April 30, 2025
Super Hunt Tags 1st Draw: May 31, 2025
Deer, Elk, Antelope: June 5, 2025
Resident Capped Elk Tags Available: July 10, 2025
Resident Sawtooth Elk Tags Available: July 12, 2025
Deadline to Pickup Controlled Tags Drawn: August 1, 2025
Super Hunt Tags 2nd Draw: August 10, 2025
Deer, Elk, Antelope Leftover Draw: August 15, 2025
Non-resident General Tags: New Draw TBD

UP-FRONT FEES
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Adult) + Processing Fee	$195.00
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Youth)	$95.75
Trophy Species Application Fee (Adult or Youth)	$45.75
Bighorn Sheep, Moose, or Mtn Goat Tag (Adult or Youth)	$2,626.75
Online & Phone Application Processing Fee (Adult)	$90.03
Online & Phone Application Processing Fee (Youth)	$87.05
Elk, Deer, Antelope Application Fee (Adult or Youth) + Processing Fee	$22.15
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Elk Tag	$651.75
Deer Tag	$351.75
Antelope Tag	$342.75
Black Bear Tag	$231.75
Wolf Tag	$31.75
Junior Mentored Elk (10-17 years old)	$299.75
Junior Mentored Deer (10-17 years old)	$176.75
Junior Mentored Black Bear (10-17 years old)	$116.75
Archery Permit	$81.75
Muzzleloader Permit	$81.75
All transactions that take place on the phone or online are subject to a processing fee. The only way to avoid processing fees is to apply at a regional F&G office with a debit card, personal check, or with cash. Credit cards used at regional offices incur a 3% processing fee. *Tag fees listed do not include online/phone application processing fees.

UP-FRONT FEES
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Adult)	$15.75
Annual Hunting License and Access Fee (Youth)	$8.25
Trophy Species Application Fee (Adult or Youth)	$16.75
Bighorn Sheep, Moose, or Mtn Goat Tag (Adult or Youth)	$199.75
Elk, Deer, Antelope Application Fee (Adult or Youth)	$6.25
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Elk Tag	$36.75
Deer Tag	$24.75
Antelope Tag	$36.50
Black Bear Tag	$13.75
Wolf Tag	$13.75
Junior Mentored Elk (10-17 years old)	$18.75
Junior Mentored Deer (10-17 years old)	$12.50
Junior Mentored Black Bear (10-17 years old)	$7.75
All transactions that take place on the phone or online are subject to a processing fee. The only way to avoid processing fees is to apply at a regional F&G office with a debit card, personal check, or with cash. Credit cards used at regional offices incur a 3% processing fee. *Tag fees listed do not include online/phone application processing fees.

IDAHO ELK SEASON DATES
Archery (General / Controlled)	Late Aug – late Sep 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Rifle (General / Controlled)	Oct – Nov 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Muzzleloader (General / Controlled)	Oct – Dec 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
IDAHO DEER SEASON DATES
Archery (General / Controlled)	Late Aug – Sep 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Rifle (General / Controlled) (Mule & Whitetail)	Oct – Nov 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Muzzleloader (General / Controlled)	Nov – Dec 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
IDAHO ANTELOPE (PRONGHORN) SEASON DATES
Archery (Controlled Hunts)	Mid-Aug – mid-Sep 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
Rifle (Controlled Hunts)	Sep 25 – Oct 24 (permit- and unit-specific)
IDAHO BLACK BEAR SEASON DATES
Spring (Most Units)	Apr – Jun 2025 (bait/hound rules vary by unit)
Fall (Most Units)	Aug – Nov/Dec 2025 (unit-specific)
IDAHO MOUNTAIN LION SEASON DATES
General (Most Units)	Aug 30, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 (unit-specific rules/limits)
IDAHO WOLF SEASON DATES
General (Most Units)	Year-round or long seasons (unit-specific rules/limits)
IDAHO MOUNTAIN GOAT SEASON DATES
Any Legal Weapon	Aug 30 – Nov 12, 2025
IDAHO MOOSE SEASON DATES
Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Nov 2025 (unit- & weapon-specific)
IDAHO BIGHORN SHEEP SEASON DATES
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Oct 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
California Bighorn Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Oct 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)

Disclaimer: Idaho seasons vary by unit/zone, weapon, and tag type; some hunts are controlled with limited windows, quotas, or harvest closures. Always verify exact dates and regulations with Idaho Fish & Game before planning a hunt: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/seasons

YEAR	MOOSE, SHEEP & GOAT	DEER, ELK & ANTELOPE	SPRING BEAR	SECONDARY DRAW
2025	May 6, 11:54 a.m. (MDT)	June 12, 12:00 p.m. (MDT)	February 27	August 21
2024	May 8, 1:35 p.m. (MDT)	June 25, 10:27 a.m. (MDT)	February 28	August 22
2023	May 19, 1:45 p.m. (MDT)	June 29, 2:00 p.m. (MDT)	March 3	August 23
2022	May 19, 11:40 a.m. (MDT)	June 28, 8:40 p.m. (MDT)	March 4
2021	May 13, 10:50 a.m. (MDT)	July 1, 10:00 a.m. (MDT)	February 19
2020	May 15, 11:10 a.m. (MDT)	June 19, 2:30 p.m. (MDT)	February 21
2019	May 17	June 25
2018	June 8	July 8

Idaho Fish and Game Department

600 S Walnut • PO Box 25
Boise, ID 83707
ph. 208-334-3700

APPLY

In general, things are looking really good for Idaho’s Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep population. The pneumonia outbreak in unit 11 that began in late 2023 looks to be in the rearview mirror, and most of the population in the Hells Canyon herd appears to have recovered from their recent exposure. Also, recent surveys in the Middle Fork and Lost River ranges have turned up significant population increases, and as a result, the state will be issuing an additional 11 Rocky tags for 2025. On the other hand, Idaho’s California sheep population continues to struggle, and a reduction of six tags will be offered this season. With a net gain of five tags between both species, the total number of sheep tags issued in the draw will be 101. This increase will allow for an additional tag to be available for a non-resident to be drawn this year.

UNIT	COMMENTS
11	Hells Canyon. Still the best unit in the state for giant rams. 180–190"+ potential. Jet boat is your best access. Hunters need to be prepared for the rugged, steep terrain if the rams are high above the river. This can be a physically easy hunt if the rams are close. You will see a lot of mature rams. The raffle tag winner harvested in this unit in 2024. In 2025, the auction tag winner will be able to hunt this unit. Average age of rams harvested last year was 9 years. Hunters averaged 4 days to harvest a ram in 2024.
19	Lower Salmon River. Includes parts of units 14, 19, and 20. 155–170" potential. Good jet boat access on the main Salmon. Most is wilderness; steep grassy slopes make glassing easy but hikes from the river are demanding. Sometimes sheep are close to the river. Average age 7 years. Hunters averaged 12 days to harvest in 2024.
19A	South Fork Salmon River. Parts of units 19A and 20A. 160–175" potential. Good road access on the west side for glassing; timber pockets hide sheep. East side is roadless and accessed from the river. Low sightings due to low population. Average age 8 years. Hunters averaged 18 days to harvest in 2024.
20	Lower Salmon River, North Side. Parts of units 17, 20, and 21. Quality improving; 165–175"+ potential with chance of a giant. Low densities; consider an outfitter. Extremely steep and timbered—jet boat or horseback access recommended. Harvested ram was 6 years old; hunter spent 14 days in 2024.
20A	Lower Salmon River, South Side. 155–165"+ potential. Entirely wilderness—guide recommended. Rugged, steep slopes and timber pockets. Horses and jet boats required, with long daily hikes. Average age 9 years. Hunters averaged 5 days to harvest in 2024.
21	Middle Salmon River, North Side. 155–170"+ potential. Public land with road access, but steep climbs to sheep. Mixture of grassy ridges and rugged hillsides. Physically demanding; no air access needed. Average age 7 years. Hunters averaged 7 days to harvest in 2024.
26	Frank Church Wilderness, Big Creek (unit 26 only). 160–170"+ potential. Steep hikes with significant elevation gain. Rams may be timbered. Horses or airstrip drop beneficial, but backpacking required. Average age 8 years. Hunters averaged 4 days to harvest in 2024.
27-1	Frank Church Wilderness, Upper Middle Fork River West (adds Brush Creek). 150–170" potential. Highly physical—access via remote airstrips or floating the river. Rugged mix of grassy slopes, knife ridges, and timber. Average age 6 years. Hunters averaged 5 days to harvest in 2024.
27-2	Frank Church Wilderness, Bighorn Crags. 155–170" potential. Steep country, timber pockets, rocky ridges—very demanding. Backpacking takes 2+ days; best access by floating the river. Rams move lower later. Average age 7 years. Hunters averaged 8 days to harvest in 2024.
27-3	Frank Church Wilderness, Middle Fork Peak (part of unit 28). 155–170" potential. Slightly better access than other 27 units. Tough timbered country; 60% wilderness. Sheep scattered—physically demanding. Average age 7 years. Hunters averaged 7 days to harvest in 2024.
27-4	Frank Church Wilderness, Upper Middle Fork River East. 155–170" potential. Mostly wilderness—access via isolated airstrips. Backpack or outfitter with horses recommended. Steep knife ridges and grassy slopes. Average age 12 years. Hunters averaged 10 days to harvest in 2024.
28-1	Middle Salmon River, South Side (includes some wilderness). 150–165" potential. Large unit—best by horseback or backpack. Low densities spread throughout. Physically demanding—cover lots of country. Average age 7 years. Hunters averaged 7 days to harvest in 2024.
28-2	Upper Salmon River, Front Range. 150–165" potential. Stable population; enjoyable hunt. Good road access along the river; milder mountains and open hillsides for glassing. Average age 9 years. Hunters averaged 2 days to harvest in 2024.
36	Yankee Fork of the Salmon River (part of unit 27). 155–165"+ potential. Small population along wilderness boundary; very low densities. Requires extensive scouting. Less physical than most units. Harvested ram was 9 years old; hunter spent 4 days in 2024.
36A	East Fork Salmon River (part of unit 36). 155–165" potential. Some road access but primarily backpack or horseback. Rugged summer/fall country—use trails. Rams may be timbered. Average age 7 years. Hunter took 3 days in 2024.
36B	Upper Salmon River, Front Range (parts of 27 & 28). 150–160"+ potential. Rugged, steep country with some perimeter and interior roads. Burns aid glassing. If winter comes early, sheep may move in. Average age 6 years. Hunters averaged 7 days to harvest in 2024.
37	Lost River Range (all of 37 and parts of 50 & 51). 170–180" potential. Montana genetics. Average ram age rising to 8 years. Good access but steep climb. Open basins for glassing; trails support day or backpack hunts. Hunters averaged 4 days to harvest in 2024.
37A	Northwest Lemhi Range. 155–170" potential. Excellent backpack hunt with high success on good rams. Basins for glassing and timber pockets. Day hunting possible but backpack preferred. Average age 9 years. Hunters averaged 5 days to harvest in 2024.
51	South Lemhi Range (parts of 51 & 58). 165–170"+ rams. Some roads get you high; day hunting possible. Sheep mostly in southern range. Both hunters unsuccessful in 2024.
17L	Selway River late hunt. 145–155" potential. All wilderness and very demanding. Low population that moves between states. No early hunt. Steep, rugged border. Harvested ram was 7 years old; hunter took 8 days in 2024.
20AL	Lower Salmon River, South Side late hunt (same boundaries as 20A). 155–165"+ potential. Wilderness only; guide recommended. Rugged slopes and timber. Requires horses and jet boats with long hikes.
21L	Middle Salmon River, North Side late hunt (same as 21). 155–170" potential. Public land and OHV access to glassing spots. Still requires steep hikes; slippery when snowy. Average age 9 years. Hunters averaged 5 days to harvest in 2024.
26L	Frank Church Wilderness, Big Creek late hunt (same as 26). 155–165"+ potential. Weather may push sheep lower for access; otherwise as difficult as early hunt. Hunter hunted 12 days; ram was 5 years old in 2024.
27L	Frank Church Wilderness, Middle Fork late hunt (unit 27 only). 160–170"+ potential. Weather helps push sheep lower, especially from river floats. Mountain passes may close with snow. Harvested ram was 10 years old; hunter took 5 days to harvest in 2024.
28-1L	Middle Salmon River, South Side late hunt (same as 28-1). 160–170" potential. Weather moves sheep lower but can hinder access with snow. Average age 7 years. Hunters averaged 6 days to harvest in 2024.
37L	Lost River Range late hunt (same as 37). Third hunt. 170–180" potential. Later dates bring rut movement but risk weather blocking access.
37AL	Northwest Lemhi Range late hunt (all of 37A). See unit 37A for details. Plenty of mature rams; weather and rut may drive sheep lower near highway and river. 2024 age and days not recorded.

UNIT	COMMENTS
40	Owyhee Front. Mostly made up of BLM land with some private land mixed in. Numerous roads throughout the unit—access is generally good with few private-land issues. Sheep are dispersed in small pockets and can be pushed by recreationalists. Rams here tend to have heavier bases than other units. Still the best California bighorn unit for trophy quality. Potential for a 170" ram. The ram harvested was 9 years old; hunter took 4 days to harvest in 2024.
41	Big Jacks and Little Jacks Creek subunits combined in 2023 due to declining sheep numbers. Decent road access through most of the unit with trail systems into wilderness areas. Overall, flat sagebrush country with some very steep, rugged sections. Average age of rams harvested was 6 years; hunters averaged 12 days to harvest a ram in 2024.
42	Owyhee River Basin. Previously split into early/late hunts, combined into one season in 2023. Draw tags reduced from 6 to 4 in 2024. Road access is limited—plan on hiking to glass the breaks for a better ram. Average age of rams harvested was 5 years; hunters averaged 6 days to harvest a ram in 2024.
55	Jim Sage Mountains and the South Hills. Least physical of all California sheep hunts. Rolling juniper hills with sagebrush flats; eastern half holds most of the sheep. Average age of rams harvested was 9 years; hunters averaged 4 days to harvest a ram in 2024.

HFA002-5

Alaska Peninsula Coast

Species: Brown Bear

Cost: $ 29,500.00

Location: Alaska, United States

HFA091-1

New Mexico Unit 36

Species: Rocky Mountain Elk

Cost: $ 8,000.00

Location: New Mexico, United States

HFA396-3

All-Inclusive Guided Stone

Species: Stone Sheep

Cost: $ 89,250.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA038-5

Trophy Canadian Moose

Species: Canadian Moose

Cost: $ 9,800.00

Location: British Columbia, Canada

HFA127-2

Wyoming Antelope Hunt

Species: Pronghorn Antelope

Cost: $ 4,500.00

Location: Wyoming, United States

HFA245-8

Montana Mountain Lion

Species: Mountain Lion

Cost: $ 6,800.00

Location: Montana, United States

HFA392-4

Idaho Trophy Mule Deer

Species: Mule Deer

Cost: $ 5,900.00

Location: Idaho, United States

IDAHO BIGHORN SHEEP SEASON DATES	2025 SEASON DATES
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Oct 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)
California Bighorn Any Legal Weapon	Sep – Oct 2025 (permit- and unit-specific)

Disclaimer: Extremely limited controlled hunts; dates and access vary by unit. Confirm with IDFG: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/seasons

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IDFG allows for up to one non-resident permit for each hunt code to be drawn with an overall species statewide cap of 10%. This cap applies to the Rocky Mountain and California permit total collectively. This means that 10 permits can be drawn this year by non-residents. Last year, 2,108 non-residents applied for sheep. The draw odds contained in our sheep hunt tables are realistic odds after taking into account the non-resident cap, and you will see almost all units in Idaho have about the same non-resident drawing odds of one-half of one percent. The top three units have two to three times odds because of the high applicant pressure. This is important to keep in mind so that you make sure to select a sheep hunt you’d be happy with and not just chase the worst harvest success units for a chance at putting a tag in your pocket. If your lucky number does come up in the non-resident draw, it might as well be a decent tag!

There were quite a few changes made to Idaho’s sheep hunts this year. For Rockies, quotas in units 20A, 27-4, 27L, 37 first and 37 second will each increase by one tag and two tags will be added to both hunts in 26 and 26-L. A few new late hunts are also being opened in 20AL and 37L. The 30 and 36AL hunts will be closed due to population concerns in these areas. There are herd boundary changes this year, so be aware of units 26-3, 27-1, and 27L as well. For the California bighorn hunts, the hunt in 41 will be reduced from four tags to one and 42 will be cut from five to three tags as the populations in these zones are tracking their decline. Be sure to look over the tables in our magazine for more information.

If you need a Rocky or California bighorn and can stomach the high non-refundable costs, don’t miss applying for Idaho. There is a sheep hunt available for every style of sheep hunt or for the physical fitness you find yourself in. You may apply for either one of the two subspecies, but with no point system, it doesn’t matter if you’ve applied for years or if you apply for Idaho this year, your odds will be as good as anyone’s! Don’t forget, it is worth throwing an additional $20 entry into the ID Wild Sheep Foundation annual raffle, which has a deadline of July 21st to participate this year.

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