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Colorado Bighorn Sheep

Unit S38

Colorado Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

S38 is a bighorn sheep management zone along the Front Range in Colorado, encompassing canyon country near the Arkansas River drainage. The unit holds a carefully managed Rocky Mountain bighorn population. Tags are among the most coveted in Colorado — expect a very long draw wait.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit S38

S38 is a bighorn sheep management zone along the Front Range in Colorado, encompassing canyon country near the Arkansas River drainage. The unit holds a carefully managed Rocky Mountain bighorn population. Tags are among the most coveted in Colorado — expect a very long draw wait.

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit S38

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How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit S38

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Archery55%
Colorado bighorn sheep success rates statewide run 65–80%, and S38 hunters generally perform well given the concentrated population. The rugged terrain is the primary challenge, not animal availability.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season1323.1% 3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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S38 sheep tags are extremely limited — expect to accumulate 15–20+ preference points as a resident. Non-resident draw odds are nearly zero most years. This is a once-in-a-lifetime tag for most hunters.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Unit S38 a trophy bighorn unit?
The Arkansas River canyon provides ideal rocky habitat and the herd is carefully managed by CPW for quality rams. The rugged terrain limits hunting pressure and allows rams to reach full maturity.
How many preference points does S38 bighorn sheep require?
Residents typically need 15–20+ preference points for S38. Non-residents should realistically expect to wait even longer or not draw in their lifetime without extreme luck.
When is the bighorn sheep rut in Unit S38?
The rut typically runs November through early December. Rams become highly visible as they chase ewes across open rocky terrain, making this the best time for hunters to glass and identify targets.

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