Washington Bighorn Sheep Hunting 2025

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

May 28, 2025

UP-FRONT FEES
Special Permit Application - Adult (Per Species)	$152.30
Special Permit Application - Youth under 16 (Per Species)	$5.05
Elk & Deer General License	$1,020.06
Elk & Deer General License (Youth)	$56.13
Elk General License	$685.60
Elk General License (Youth)	$29.82
Deer General License	$599.07
Deer General License (Youth)	$29.82
Black Bear License	$306.10
Black Bear License (Youth)	$17.68
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Sheep, Moose, or Goat License	$2,279.00
Sheep, Moose, or Goat License (Youth)	$77.90
Reflects the July 1, 2025 Pricing Increase

UP-FRONT FEES
Special Permit Application - Adult (Per Species)	$9.61
Special Permit Application - Youth under 16 (Per Species)	$5.05
Elk & Deer General License	$116.85
Elk & Deer General License (Youth)	$56.13
Elk General License	$69.29
Elk General License (Youth)	$29.82
Deer General License	$61.70
Deer General License (Youth)	$29.82
Black Bear License	$32.86
Black Bear License (Youth)	$17.68
POST DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Sheep, Moose, or Goat License	$457.40
Sheep, Moose, or Goat License (Youth)	$77.90
Reflects the July 1, 2025 Pricing Increase

WASHINGTON MOOSE (SPECIAL PERMIT) SEASON DATES
Any Legal Weapon	Oct - Nov, 2025 (varies by unit)
WASHINGTON MOUNTAIN GOAT (SPECIAL PERMIT) SEASON DATES
Any Legal Weapon	Sep - Nov, 2025 (varies by unit)
WASHINGTON BIGHORN SHEEP (SPECIAL PERMIT) SEASON DATES
Rocky Mtn / California Bighorn	Sep - Nov, 2025 (varies by unit)

Note: All Washington big game seasons vary by GMU, weapon type, and special permit. Always confirm in the current WDFW Big Game Hunting Regulations before planning. See: https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/big-game

YEAR	RESULTS POSTED
2025	June 10
2024	June 12
2023	June 14
2022	June 14
2021	June 10
2020	June 10
2019	June 12
2018	June 15

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501-1091
ph. 360-902-2200

APPLY CHECK POINTS

There will be 16 total ram permits available in the 2025 draw, which is a three-tag decrease over last year. These will be 15 California bighorn sheep permits and 1 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit. Washington attracts sheep hunters from everywhere because of their trophy quality for California bighorns and Rocky Mountain bighorns. All of the permits are up for grabs in the draw each year with no separate non-resident quota. In 2024, Washington had over 40,000 applications for bighorn sheep permits. Permit winners should keep in mind that there are a few tribal permits available each year that are in addition to the permits issued through the state draw, so there may be additional hunters on most units. The Umtanum, Selah Butte, Manson, and Mountain View units will be closed for 2025.

UNIT	UNIT DESCRIPTION
Wenaha	180-185"+ potential but a very difficult hunt should be expected. This unit lies within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and would be considered the most remote and tough sheep area in Washington. This sheep herd will summer in Washington, and by early October, it will be migrating south into Oregon’s Wenaha unit where the sheep rut. Be prepared to hire a guide service and have plenty of time for this physically demanding hunt to locate the rams within the unit. The 2024 hunter reported 4 days to harvest a ram. The tag allocation usually rotates between Oregon and Washington, but both states have a tag available for 2025.

UNIT

UNIT DESCRIPTION

Wenaha

180-185"+ potential but a very difficult hunt should be expected. This unit lies within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and would be considered the most remote and tough sheep area in Washington. This sheep herd will summer in Washington, and by early October, it will be migrating south into Oregon’s Wenaha unit where the sheep rut. Be prepared to hire a guide service and have plenty of time for this physically demanding hunt to locate the rams within the unit. The 2024 hunter reported 4 days to harvest a ram. The tag allocation usually rotates between Oregon and Washington, but both states have a tag available for 2025.

UNIT	UNIT DESCRIPTION
Cleman Mountain	The population has increased as of the most recent survey to 154 sheep. There are plenty of mature rams available with 165"+ potential. Mostly public land with good access. Most of the sheep in this unit are found in the Naches River breaks at elevations that range from 1,200’ to 5,100’. This unit has a bit of everything from steep and thick high country down to more rolling foothills. Two native tribes harvest rams annually on this unit and typically do not report their harvest. Hunters averaged 5 days of hunting in 2024.
Lincoln Cliffs	Population of 120 sheep. 160-165"+ potential. Most sheep in this unit are located in the central part on the south side of the Columbia River low elevation. For the most part, it is not a physically tough hunt if you can get access from above. Access via boat is a great idea for this hunt. Outside of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, there is very little public land to hunt as less than 4% of the unit is public land. onX and prior research are a must for this hunt with private property issues. Two hunters will be pursuing a ewe on this unit during the first two weeks of the season. Hunters averaged 8 days of hunting in 2024.
Quilomene	The population has increased. 2023 was the most recent survey with 186 sheep. There are some old, mature rams available, but with typically having smaller bases, the potential is 160-165". This western side of the Columbia River can be very physically demanding and will require long hikes or the aid of a boat for shore drop-offs. This can be a more physical hunt. Hunters averaged 1 day of hunting in 2024.
Swakane	Population is near 200 sheep with 90+ rams in the unit. This is the best California bighorn sheep unit in the state with 175"+ potential. Typically, this unit will produce a 180" ram every couple years. The terrain ranges from steep, rocky, and open to thick timber pockets. This is a highly sought-after permit, and typically, the auction hunter will hunt this unit. Great public access and good road systems throughout. Elevations range from 1,000’ to 5,000’. Two native tribes harvest rams annually on this unit and typically do not report their harvest. Hunters averaged 1 day of hunting in 2024.
Chelan Butte	Population of around 150 sheep, which is a decline in the overall population since the high of 260 in 2015. There are some bigger rams available with 170"+ potential on this hunt. This unit features relatively easy terrain and great public access via roads and trails. This would be great for anyone including an archery hunter. Elevations range from 1,000’ to 4,200’. One youth hunter will be pursuing a ewe on this unit during the same season. Hunters averaged 3 days of hunting 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

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The Mountain View Rocky Mountain sheep unit has experienced a major die-off where they believe they had 70% adult mortality in the herd. The unit will not be available in the draw for 2025. The Rocky Mountain sheep herd in Southeastern Washington falls under the Hells Canyon Initiative Restoration Program where animals are tested and removed to curb the effect of M. ovi-associated pneumonia. It is important to realize that this herd is managed in conjunction with the Washington DFW, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon State, and the Nez Perce Tribe.

The only change for the California bighorn sheep units was that the Manson unit will not have any draw tags available for 2025. Surveys have shown a declining population over the last couple of years, and the biologists decided to close the unit. All of the other California sheep units available in the draw for 2025 are doing well, and the lucky people who draw tags should have a fun, high success hunt. If you are looking for the top scoring California bighorn sheep units, you should be applying for Swakane and Chelan Butte.

For non-residents wanting to hunt bighorn sheep, make sure you consider the Washington Wild Sheep Foundation raffle for one Rocky Mountain ram permit. Each entry only costs $20 and is truly a true chance at a ram-of-a-lifetime. In 2023, a Huntin’ Fool Application Service client drew the raffle permit and killed a 189” Boone and Crockett ram.

The only hunts with ewe permits available this year will be in the Lincoln Cliffs, Swakane, and Chelan Butte units. The ewe permits available in the Chelan Butte unit are only available for youth hunters and disabled hunters. The only juvenile ram hunt available this year will be for disabled hunters only in the Chelan Butte unit.

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Washington Bighorn Sheep

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Dates & Fees | Washington Bighorn Sheep Hunting