Idaho Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 27-1 (Lochsa / Selway)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 27-1 covers the Lochsa River and upper Selway River drainages in the Clearwater Mountains of north-central Idaho — rugged, roadless canyon terrain where Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep inhabit the rocky faces and benches above the Wild and Scenic rivers. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness borders the southern and eastern edges, and the combination of wilderness access requirements and difficult canyon terrain makes this an expedition-level bighorn hunt. Highway 12 along the Lochsa provides the main access corridor.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 27-1

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 27-1

Bighorn sheep in Unit 27-1 occupy the canyon breaks and rocky terrain above the Lochsa and upper Selway rivers. The canyon walls here are timbered on upper slopes but expose rocky faces and talus where sheep find their preferred escape terrain.

Lochsa River Canyon Walls

The Lochsa River canyon is accessible along Highway 12, which parallels the river for many miles. Glass the canyon walls and rocky outcrops above the highway. Sheep use the rocky sidehill terrain between 2,500 and 5,500 feet, moving between rocky escape areas and timbered benches where forbs and grass grow in openings.

Upper Selway Drainages

The Selway River and its tributaries on the southern edge of Unit 27-1 hold sheep in the canyon faces and rocky terrain approaching the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary. Access from the Selway requires either horse packing or backpacking from the Selway Falls trailhead area.

Rocky Outcrops and Talus Slopes

Isolated rocky outcrops and talus fields in the timber provide year-round sheep habitat in Unit 27-1. These features are less obvious than open canyon systems — use a quality spotting scope to methodically work timber edges and rocky openings where sheep may be visible feeding in the early morning hours.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 27-1

Unit 27-1 presents the challenge of hunting bighorn sheep in partially timbered terrain — a different skill set from the open canyon bighorn hunts to the south and west.

Highway 12 Corridor Glassing

The US-12 corridor provides access to canyon wall glassing opportunities along the Lochsa. Set up elevated positions before dawn and glass the rocky faces systematically. The north shore of the Lochsa is the Idaho bank — confirm land ownership and unit boundaries before accessing private land.

Backpack Into the Selway Wilderness

For sheep in the wilderness portion of the unit, a backpack or horse-pack approach from Selway Falls or O'Hara Bar trailheads accesses the upper Selway canyon country. Plan for 5–7 day trips to cover terrain adequately. Non-residents in wilderness areas require a licensed Idaho outfitter.

Timbered Canyon Glassing

Unlike open desert canyon hunts, Unit 27-1 requires glassing into timber edges and rocky openings. Sheep visible from the highway may disappear into timber cover during the day — mark locations and approach carefully. Midday bedding in timber makes timbered canyon hunting more demanding than open canyon work.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

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

Unit 27-1 RMBS success rates average 55–75% — slightly lower than the open canyon units due to the timbered terrain making sheep harder to locate and approach. Tag holders who hire outfitters familiar with specific Lochsa and Selway drainages report higher success rates. The wilderness portion of the unit produces quality mature rams.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	12	110	10.9%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 27-1 is a sub-unit designation in IDFG's draw system — check the current bighorn sheep hunt planner for the specific hunt number associated with Unit 27-1. Draw odds are typically under 2% for residents annually, with wait times averaging 15–20 years. Apply consistently every year and be prepared for a long wait.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Camping along the Lochsa River corridor on Nez Perce-Clearwater NF provides the best base camping. Kooskia and Orofino have RV facilities for base camp staging.

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Camp Sites

Numerous developed campgrounds along Highway 12 in the Lochsa corridor. Dispersed camping on forest land. Wilderness camping for Selway access — no vehicle access.

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Trailer Access

Highway 12 is fully accessible to trailers. Horse trailers can access Selway Falls and O'Hara Bar trailheads with standard rig — confirm with USFS before hauling.

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Water

The Lochsa and Selway rivers provide abundant water. Filter all backcountry water. Creeks and springs on upper terrain are reliable in September but less so by November.

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Road Conditions

Highway 12 is paved along the Lochsa. Forest roads above the canyon are gravel to rough two-track — 4WD and high clearance recommended. Selway access roads are maintained gravel.

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Terrain Difficulty

Strenuous to extreme. Timbered canyon with 2,000–4,000 foot vertical relief. Navigation in dense timber requires GPS skills. Physical conditioning essential.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low. Sub-unit designation limits tag numbers to minimal levels. The wilderness portion sees almost no hunting pressure outside of tag holders.

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Weather

September in the Lochsa corridor is moderate — 45–65°F. October brings rain and cooling temperatures, 35–55°F. November can see significant snowfall at higher elevations — plan for winter conditions.

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Cell Service

Spotty service along Highway 12 near towns. No service in the Selway wilderness or on upper canyon terrain. Satellite communicator is essential equipment.

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Nearest Town

Kooskia (basic services, fuel). Orofino and Lewiston for full services. Lowell (small community) is the closest services for deep Lochsa canyon access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Unit 27-1 different from other Idaho bighorn units?

Unit 27-1 covers partially timbered canyon terrain in the Lochsa and Selway drainages — different from the open sage-and-grass canyon hunts in central and western Idaho. Locating sheep requires glassing into timber edges and rocky openings rather than scanning open canyon faces. This adds difficulty but the wilderness backdrop and low hunting pressure create a unique hunt experience.

Is Highway 12 accessible during bighorn sheep season?

Yes — Highway 12 along the Lochsa River is generally open and accessible throughout the fall bighorn season. Snow can close higher forest roads off the corridor by November, but the highway itself typically remains passable through the season. Check IDOT road conditions before traveling in late November.

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Sources & Verification

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

Idaho Bighorn Sheep Hunting Regulations 2025 — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 27-1 RMBS season dates, Tag quota, Season structure · accessed 2026-04-18
IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 27-1 draw odds, Applicant and quota data · accessed 2026-04-18
2025 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Wilderness area outfitter requirements, Controlled hunt numbers · accessed 2026-04-18