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Colorado Bighorn Sheep

Unit S13 (Collegiate Peaks Bighorn)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

S13 is one of Colorado's premier bighorn sheep units, covering the Collegiate Peaks and upper Sawatch Range between Buena Vista and Leadville. CPW issues about 9 tags per 3-year cycle against roughly 802 applicants, which makes this a multi-decade preference-point hunt under the state's pure preference-point draw. The country is spectacular 14,000-foot alpine, dominated by San Isabel National Forest and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, with classic sheep habitat in the high cirques and talus slopes.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit S13

S13 is one of Colorado's premier bighorn sheep units, covering the Collegiate Peaks and upper Sawatch Range between Buena Vista and Leadville. CPW issues about 9 tags per 3-year cycle against roughly 802 applicants, which makes this a multi-decade preference-point hunt under the state's pure preference-point draw. The country is spectacular 14,000-foot alpine, dominated by San Isabel National Forest and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, with classic sheep habitat in the high cirques and talus slopes.

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in S13

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How to Hunt S13 Bighorn Sheep

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle78%
CPW's bighorn harvest data historically shows S13 tag holders filling at high rates — these hunters have waited decades and invested heavily. Mature rams average in the 170-180 B&C range with occasional larger sheep. Weather and altitude are the primary limiting factors, not ram availability.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season1891.1% 3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Nine tags against 802 three-year applicants means aggregate odds under 1.2%. Under Colorado's pure preference-point draw, the highest-point pool is served first. S13 ram tags typically require the highest preference-point pool — often 25+ resident points and more for nonresidents. Once drawn, you are out of the Colorado ram pool for life under the once-in-a-lifetime rule.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is S13 a once-in-a-lifetime unit?
Yes. Under CPW's once-in-a-lifetime rule, drawing any Colorado bighorn ram tag removes you from future resident ram draws in Colorado.
How many preference points do I need for S13 bighorn?
Typically 25+ resident preference points and more for nonresidents, depending on hunt code and year. CPW publishes historical minimum-point data; S13 sits in the highest tier.
Is S13 entirely wilderness?
Most of the prime sheep country falls within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Motorized travel is prohibited there — plan for on-foot or stock-supported hunts.

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Sources & Verification

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

  1. CPW Hunting — S13 Bighorn Sheep Information — Colorado Parks & Wildlife · supports: S13 boundary, bighorn sheep hunt codes, and season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. 2025 Colorado Big Game Brochure — Colorado Parks & Wildlife · supports: S13 bighorn sheep license limits, once-in-a-lifetime rules, and preference-point framework · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. Pike-San Isabel National Forest — Collegiate Peaks Wilderness — USDA Forest Service · supports: Wilderness boundaries, trail access, and alpine sheep habitat in S13 · accessed 2026-04-17