Arizona Bighorn Sheep

Unit 15BW (Lake Mead / Grand Wash)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 15BW sits in the northwestern corner of Arizona along Lake Mead and the Grand Wash Cliffs — one of Arizona's legendary desert bighorn units. With ~4 tags against ~332 recent 3-year applicants, this is a lifetime hunt. Habitat is classic Colorado Plateau desert-to-canyon bighorn country with deep washes dropping to the lake, towering cliff systems, and reliable BLM and NPS water at the shore. Per AZGFD, 15BW produces some of the state's heaviest horn mass and best overall bighorn horn quality, with 175+ B&C rams a realistic target every year.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 15BW

Where to Find Bighorn in Unit 15BW

15BW rams hold in the dramatic canyon-and-cliff systems rising from Lake Mead and the Grand Wash.

Grand Wash Cliffs

The towering cliff systems along the Grand Wash drainage hold the unit's best ram groups. Glass from the rim or approach via boat from the lake.

Lake Mead Shoreline

Coves and side-canyons along the Arizona shore of Lake Mead hold water-fed sheep. Boat-based glassing is a legitimate tactic here.

AZGFD Catchments

Multiple desert-sheep water developments across the unit concentrate rams during dry periods. Pre-hunt intel from AZGFD biologists is mission-critical.

How to Hunt Bighorn in Unit 15BW

15BW is one of the few bighorn units where boat-based scouting and hunting is a real option.

Boat Access

Temple Bar Marina on Lake Mead gives boat access to the Arizona shore of the unit. Many 15BW tag holders run a base camp from the boat and glass the cliff country from the water.

Overland Access

From Meadview and Pearce Ferry Road, BLM two-tracks reach the Grand Wash Cliffs. Primary access for non-boat hunters.

Coordination

We work with AZGFD and the AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Society from results day. 15BW is one of the best units to pre-scout because most rams hold visible territory through the December-January season window.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle75%

Unit 15BW bighorn hunts run at or near 100% success. Ram quality is exceptional — 175-185 B&C class rams are taken most years, with occasional 190+ animals. Widely regarded as the best desert bighorn horn-quality unit in Arizona.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General Rifle	2	130	0.8%	0
Rifle— Late Rifle Dec	2	154	0.0%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

15BW is a lifetime draw. Only ~4 tags against ~332 recent 3-year applicants via the weighted bonus-point system with Hunter Education bonus. Most successful applicants hold 25+ bonus points. The random component keeps hope alive for low-point hunters. Apply every year for life.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Temple Bar Marina has RV campground with hookups. Meadview and Kingman have private RV options.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on BLM outside LMNRA. Within LMNRA, shoreline camping per NPS regulations.

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Trailer Access

Pearce Ferry and Temple Bar Roads handle trailers. Interior BLM tracks require 4WD.

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Water

Lake Mead for non-drinking uses; haul drinking water from Meadview, Kingman, or Temple Bar.

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Road Conditions

Primary routes graded. Side two-tracks require 4WD; wet weather closes clay roads.

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Terrain Difficulty

Very hard. Cliff exposure, loose rock, 2,000+ ft vertical on retrievals. Ankle-supporting boots and rope skills recommended.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low. 4-tag allocation plus boat-required access keeps hunters scattered.

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Weather

December-January: 50-70°F days, 30-45°F nights. Wind off the lake is persistent. Clear dry conditions typical.

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Cell Service

Spotty along lake shore. None in most interior canyon country.

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Nearest Town

Meadview (limited services). Kingman (90 min) for full outfitting. Las Vegas (2.5 hr) for major resupply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt Unit 15BW from a boat?

Yes — boat-based scouting and shore-approach hunting is a legitimate strategy in 15BW. Temple Bar Marina is the primary launch. Many tag holders run a boat base camp for the entire hunt.

What is the best time of year to hunt Unit 15BW?

Arizona bighorn season runs December-January. Pre-hunt scouting starts the week results publish. Most tag holders log 10-15 scouting days before opening to locate their target ram.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

GMU 15BW — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit boundary, Lake Mead sheep habitat, Access · accessed 2026-04-17
2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Bighorn hunt structure, Tag allocation, Season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Park Service · supports: NPS hunting regulations within LMNRA, Boat access points, Shore camping · accessed 2026-04-17