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Colorado Bighorn Sheep

Unit S42 (S42)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Sheep unit S42 is a Rocky Mountain bighorn once-in-a-lifetime hunt in central Colorado. We treat S42 as a serious long-points build under Colorado's pure preference-point system, with quality rams and low hunter density justifying the wait.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit S42

Sheep unit S42 is a Rocky Mountain bighorn once-in-a-lifetime hunt in central Colorado. We treat S42 as a serious long-points build under Colorado's pure preference-point system, with quality rams and low hunter density justifying the wait.

Where to Find Bighorns in S42

S42 rams hold on high-elevation rocky escape terrain with proximity to grassy feeding benches.

Rimrock and Cliff Bands

Rams use cliff bands as bedding and escape cover. We glass cliff edges at first light for rams silhouetted against the sky.

Feeding Benches

Grass-dominated alpine benches below cliff bands produce daytime feeding. Rams cycle between feed and escape throughout the day.

How to Hunt Bighorns in S42

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle78%
S42 ram hunter success typically runs 60-80%. The high success, limited quota, and quality age structure make it one of the more rewarding Colorado sheep builds.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season1714.3% 3
Rifle— 2nd Season1714.3% 3
Rifle— 1st Season11320.8% 3
Rifle— 2nd Season1561.8% 3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine
S42 bighorn ram tags under Colorado's pure preference-point system typically require 18-24 points for residents. Non-residents face longer odds because of limited quota. This is a lifetime build.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many preference points do I need for S42 bighorn?
S42 ram tags typically require 18-24 points for residents under Colorado's pure preference-point system. Non-residents need more because of limited quota.
Is S42 bighorn a once-in-a-lifetime hunt?
Yes. A successful Colorado bighorn hunter cannot apply again for a Colorado bighorn tag.

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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 Bighorn Sheep Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Sheep unit boundaries, Once-in-a-lifetime rules, Herd distribution · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. 2025 Colorado Big Game Brochure — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Sheep season dates, Quota structure, Preference-point draw rules · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. CPW Bighorn Harvest Statistics — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Per-unit ram harvest, Hunter success rates, Age and horn-length trends · accessed 2026-04-17