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Colorado Bighorn Sheep

Unit S49 (Arkansas River Canyon)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Sheep Unit S-49 covers the Arkansas River Canyon between Salida and Canon City, one of Colorado's most-accessible desert-like bighorn hunts. Rams use the steep rocky canyon walls along US 50 and the Browns Canyon area.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit S49

Sheep Unit S-49 covers the Arkansas River Canyon between Salida and Canon City, one of Colorado's most-accessible desert-like bighorn hunts. Rams use the steep rocky canyon walls along US 50 and the Browns Canyon area.

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit S-49

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How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit S-49

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Archery55%
Rifle78%
Colorado sheep hunts post very high success rates. S-49's accessibility and habitat consistency tracks the state trend.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Archery— 1st Season2434.7% 3
Rifle— 1st Season21931.0% 3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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S-49 sheep is once-in-a-lifetime with a deep point pool. Nonresident allocation is capped.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How accessible is S-49?
Very, by sheep-unit standards. US 50 and Browns Canyon give trailhead-to-canyon access.
Once-in-a-lifetime?
Yes — Colorado bighorn licenses are OIL.

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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 — Bighorn Sheep — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: Sheep Unit S-49 boundary, Once-in-a-lifetime draw · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. 2025 Colorado Big Game Brochure — Colorado Parks and Wildlife · supports: 2025 sheep season dates, Manner of take · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. BLM Royal Gorge Field Office — Bureau of Land Management · supports: BLM access along the Arkansas River canyon · accessed 2026-04-17