Colorado Bighorn Sheep

Unit S11 (Rocky Mountain National Park / Cache la Poudre)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn Sheep GMU S11 covers the alpine terrain of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Cache la Poudre headwaters in Larimer County. CPW issues a very limited number of bighorn sheep licenses for this unit annually — typically fewer than 5 tags — through the preference point draw. The dramatic tundra ridgelines and high-country parks of the Front Range provide accessible yet challenging bighorn habitat near Fort Collins.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit S11

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in GMU S11

Bighorn sheep in GMU S11 inhabit the alpine tundra, talus fields, and rocky ridgelines above treeline in the northern Front Range. Summer concentrations occur on high-country parks and cliff faces above 11,000 feet.

Summer and Early Season Range

Sheep are highly visible on the open tundra and rocky peaks of the Cache la Poudre headwaters area in late summer. Glass from saddles and prominent ridgelines to locate rams before the season opens. Population counts from summer range establish where rams will be during early season.

Fall Rut Movement

November brings the bighorn rut. Rams move more extensively between ewe bands and are less predictable but more visible during this period. The rut window can be the best opportunity to locate a specific class of ram you identified earlier in the season.

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How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in GMU S11

The Front Range alpine terrain of GMU S11 demands high-elevation hiking fitness and good glassing skills across open tundra.

Pre-Season Scouting

Multiple pre-season scouting trips are essential for GMU S11. The open alpine terrain allows scouting from distance with a spotting scope. Locate and track individual rams throughout summer to predict fall movements and identify the best trophy in the unit before season opens.

Approach Tactics

Plan approaches using ridge contours and talus fields to break your silhouette. Sheep have exceptional vision and will detect movement at extreme distances on open tundra. Move only when the sheep's head is down feeding, and freeze immediately when they look up.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle78%

Colorado bighorn sheep hunters statewide average 65–85% harvest success. With very limited tags and extended season timeframes, hunters have adequate time to be selective. The open Front Range terrain of GMU S11 aids in locating rams. Review CPW Big Game Statistics for current S11 harvest data.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	1	9	11.1%	3
Rifle— 1st Season	5	322	1.6%	3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

GMU S11 bighorn sheep tags are among Colorado's most coveted draws. Typically fewer than 5 licenses are issued annually. Maximum preference points are required for any realistic draw opportunity. Apply every year beginning as early as possible — this is a true once-in-a-lifetime hunt for most Colorado hunters.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Terrain Difficulty

Extreme — alpine tundra, talus, and high ridgelines above 11,000 ft

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Hunting Pressure

Negligible — fewer than 5 tags issued annually

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Nearest Town

Fort Collins (approx. 45–60 mi via CO-14 Poudre Canyon)

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Permit Notes

Extremely limited draw; maximum preference points required; apply every year through CPW draw in April

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many bighorn sheep tags are issued for GMU S11?

CPW typically issues fewer than 5 bighorn sheep licenses for GMU S11 annually. These are among the rarest tags in Colorado. Check CPW's Big Game Statistics page each year for the most current quota data.

Can bighorn sheep hunting occur near Rocky Mountain National Park in GMU S11?

GMU S11 includes terrain adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park but hunting is not permitted within park boundaries. Bighorn sheep that use both park and adjacent Routt or Roosevelt NF land may be hunted when outside park boundaries. Verify exact GMU boundaries with the CPW Hunting Atlas before planning any hunt.

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Sources & Verification

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

CPW Big Game Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Bighorn sheep GMU structure, License quota, Season framework · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Bighorn sheep harvest totals, Hunter success rates, Tag quota history · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Big Game Draw — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Preference point system, Application period, Draw results · accessed 2026-04-17
CPW Hunting Atlas — Bighorn GMU S11 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife / CSU NREL · supports: GMU boundary geometry, Alpine habitat data, Cache la Poudre drainage · accessed 2026-04-17