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.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit S42

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

This is a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. Prepare accordingly.

Scout Pre-Season

Multiple scouting trips in July and August let us locate shooter rams. Rams hold core ranges and a July sighting usually means a September encounter.

Glass Rams, Count Curl

Counting curl through the scope before committing is essential. Many young rams look bigger than they are at distance.

Fitness and Pack

Sheep country punishes poor fitness. Train all summer and arrive ready to hike above 12,000 feet.

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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

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	1	7	14.3%	3
Rifle— 2nd Season	1	7	14.3%	3
Rifle— 1st Season	1	132	0.8%	3
Rifle— 2nd Season	1	56	1.8%	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

Planning Notes

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Road Conditions

Paved access to trailheads. Forest roads gravel and high-clearance in places.

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Terrain Difficulty

Difficult. High-altitude rocky terrain above 11,000 feet. Not a hunt for unprepared hunters.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low. Limited tags keep pressure minimal.

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Weather

Weather windows are short. Snow and high wind are common above 12,000 feet by late September.

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Cell Service

None in backcountry; satellite communicator is essential.

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Nearest Town

Buena Vista

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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.

CPW Bighorn Sheep Hunting — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Sheep unit boundaries, Once-in-a-lifetime rules, Herd distribution · accessed 2026-04-17
2025 Colorado Big Game Brochure — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Sheep season dates, Quota structure, Preference-point draw rules · accessed 2026-04-17
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