Colorado Bighorn Sheep

Unit S73 (South Park / Tarryall Bighorn)

Colorado Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

S73 covers the Tarryall and South Park bighorn herds in central Colorado, between Breckenridge, Fairplay, and the Platte River Mountains. CPW issues roughly 12 tags against 761 three-year applicants, keeping this a multi-decade preference-point hunt under pure preference-point scoring. Country features rolling alpine and subalpine terrain at 10,000–13,000 ft, mostly on Pike-San Isabel National Forest land with scattered BLM tracts, and a herd that has been built back up through reintroductions and transplants.

View Draw Odds Colorado Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit S73

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in S73

Tarryall and South Park rams live on alpine grass shelves and rocky ridges between 11,000 and 13,000 ft.

Tarryall Peaks

The Tarryall Range holds core bighorn groups. Windswept alpine benches give reliable glassing country.

South Park Ridges

South-facing slopes above the park hold rams through mid-fall. Known rams often repeat the same summer ranges for years.

Alpine Basins

Cirque basins between drainages concentrate sheep when weather pushes. We glass from across valleys rather than pushing up the same drainage as the rams.

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How to Hunt S73 Bighorn Sheep

Once-in-a-lifetime tag — we plan in weeks, not days, and bring the right team.

Scout Summer Rams

Multiple July and August scouting trips are non-negotiable. Named rams on named shelves win this hunt.

Use High-End Optics

Spotting scopes and tripods are not optional. We identify legal rams and distance-estimate before any stalk.

Plan the Pack

South Park and Tarryall rams often fall miles from the truck. Horses, llamas, or a human pack team all need to be locked in before the hunt.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle78%

CPW's harvest data historically shows S73 tag holders filling at strong rates. Rams typically score in the 170s B&C with an occasional older ram higher. Success hinges more on weather and access than on sheep availability.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— 1st Season	4	23	17.4%	3
Rifle— 1st Season	3	285	1.1%	3

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Twelve tags against 761 three-year applicants means single-digit aggregate odds. Colorado's pure preference-point draw serves the highest pool first; S73 typically requires high-teens to 20+ resident points, with nonresident minimums higher still.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Road Conditions

US-285, CO-9, and CO-77 are paved. Forest roads are graded gravel and high-clearance; wilderness and alpine access is on-foot.

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Terrain Difficulty

Steep to very steep at high elevations — 10,000 to 13,000+ ft.

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Hunting Pressure

Minimal on sheep tags; hikers share trails but not alpine sheep country.

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Weather

Afternoon thunderstorms through August; snow possible above 11,000 ft starting in September.

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Cell Service

Decent in Fairplay and along US-285; none in the backcountry alpine.

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Nearest Town

Fairplay is the hub; Jefferson, Alma, and Breckenridge provide lodging and services.

Note: We plan backup routes off South Park in case forest spur roads slide closed, and carry full emergency gear for unexpected overnights.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is S73 a once-in-a-lifetime unit?

Yes. Drawing a Colorado bighorn ram tag removes you from all future resident ram draws under CPW's once-in-a-lifetime rule.

How many preference points do I need for S73 bighorn?

Typically high-teens to 20+ resident points, with nonresident minimums higher. Check CPW's annual minimum-point reports for specifics.

Is S73 entirely wilderness?

Large portions fall within Lost Creek Wilderness and similar areas — motorized travel is prohibited there. Plan for foot or stock-supported hunts in those zones.

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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 Hunting — S73 Bighorn Sheep Information — Colorado Parks & Wildlife · supports: S73 boundary, bighorn hunt codes, and season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
2025 Colorado Big Game Brochure — Colorado Parks & Wildlife · supports: S73 bighorn license limits, once-in-a-lifetime rules, and preference-point framework · accessed 2026-04-17
Pike-San Isabel National Forest — South Park Ranger District — USDA Forest Service · supports: Public land coverage, trail access, and bighorn habitat in S73 · accessed 2026-04-17