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Idaho Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 20AL (Lemhi Mountains South — Archery)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 20AL is the archery-only limited tag variant for the southern Lemhi Mountains — the same dramatic terrain as Unit 20A, but requiring hunters to get within archery range of one of Idaho's most cautious big game animals. The archery window typically runs ahead of the rifle season and offers a unique opportunity to pursue bighorn in early fall conditions before the rut. Tags are even scarcer than the rifle permits, making this one of the rarest bowhunting opportunities in the state.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 20AL

Unit 20AL is the archery-only limited tag variant for the southern Lemhi Mountains — the same dramatic terrain as Unit 20A, but requiring hunters to get within archery range of one of Idaho's most cautious big game animals. The archery window typically runs ahead of the rifle season and offers a unique opportunity to pursue bighorn in early fall conditions before the rut. Tags are even scarcer than the rifle permits, making this one of the rarest bowhunting opportunities in the state.

Where to Find Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Unit 20AL

Sheep locations in Unit 20AL mirror the rifle unit — Pahsimeroi Valley east face and Lemhi Valley west face of the southern Lemhi Range. During the archery season (typically late August through September), sheep are at their highest elevations of the year.

Alpine Zone Early Season

In the archery season, bighorn are often at or above treeline on the high rocky ridgelines. Glass from valley roads up to the skyline — sheep on open rocky terrain are visible at great distance. Early season sheep are less pressured and may tolerate closer approach than late-season animals.

How to Hunt Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Unit 20AL (Archery)

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Success rate data not yet available for this species in this unit.

Archery bighorn success rates in Unit 20AL are typically 40–60% — lower than rifle hunts but still respectable given the challenge. Hunters who prioritize patient spot-and-stalk approaches and glass extensively before moving report the best outcomes.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled21513.3% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine
Unit 20AL archery tags are issued in tiny numbers — often just 1–2 permits annually. Draw odds are fractional and this is among the rarest hunting permits issued in Idaho. Most applicants never draw this tag in a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 20AL archery season timing compare to the 20A rifle season?
The archery (20AL) season typically opens in late August or early September, running ahead of the rifle season which opens in mid to late fall. Archery hunters encounter sheep in summer range before significant hunting pressure, but outside the rut — rams are less visible than during the November rut period.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

  1. IDFG Big Game Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit boundaries, Season structure, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-18
  2. IDFG Big Game Hunting — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Species info, Draw system, License requirements · accessed 2026-04-18