Idaho Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 28-2 (Selway River Drainage South)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 28-2 covers the southern Selway River drainage — the terrain south of the main Selway corridor within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep here utilize the south-facing canyon walls and rocky benches of the Selway's tributary drainages that drain southward toward the Middle Fork Salmon watershed. This unit offers a slightly different access configuration than 28-1, with trailhead options from the south through the Salmon River face of the Bitterroot Mountains. Tags are strictly limited and draw odds are very long.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 28-2

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 28-2

Unit 28-2 sheep are concentrated on the rocky canyon faces and talus fields of the south Selway drainage — terrain that drains toward the Salmon River rather than down the main Selway.

South-Facing Canyon Slopes

The rocky south-facing slopes of the drainage divides within Unit 28-2 receive maximum solar exposure and support the sparse grass and forb communities bighorn prefer. These slopes are visible from ridge approaches from the south and are the primary concentration areas during the hunting season.

Tributary Head Basins

The head basins of the south-draining tributaries often have small rocky cirques and cliff bands where sheep escape from predators and hunters. Pre-season scouting these basins from above can reveal sheep groups that are otherwise invisible from valley-bottom approaches.

Canyon Bottom Mineral Lick Areas

Natural mineral licks in the lower canyon sections draw sheep periodically. IDFG wildlife biologists can sometimes direct tag holders to known mineral lick locations — confirming with the regional biologist before your hunt is worth the call.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 28-2

Unit 28-2 can be accessed from the south via the Salmon River corridor (the "South Fork" approach) or from the north via the Selway Falls road and the Selway River trail. South access puts hunters below the sheep terrain, requiring an uphill approach into the drainage systems.

South Approach from Salmon River Face

Several trailheads on the Salmon River face of the Bitterroot Mountains provide southerly access to Unit 28-2. These trails climb steeply from the Salmon River toward the divide — a demanding approach that most visiting hunters don't make. The less-used access means less-pressured sheep.

North Approach via Selway River Trail

Hiking in from Selway Falls and branching south on tributary trails is the most common approach. Plan 3–4 days in to reach the southern unit boundaries. Coordinate with the regional wildlife biologist for current sheep locations and movement information.

Spot-and-Stalk on Rocky Faces

Once sheep are located on canyon faces, the spot-and-stalk approach is primary. The broken rocky terrain provides concealment during the stalk — use rock outcrops and ridge contours to stay hidden while closing distance on a spotted ram.

Pro Members Only

Unlock bighorn sheep tactics for Unit 28-2

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

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

Unit 28-2 tag holders achieve success rates of 55–75%. The more complex access from multiple directions means hunters invest significant time in the approach. Hunters who pre-scout with the regional IDFG biologist and confirm active sheep locations before their hunt maximize time in productive terrain.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	1	53	1.9%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 28-2 draw odds are extremely limited — resident applicants face odds under 1% annually with average wait times of 20+ years. Quota is typically 1–3 tags per year. Apply consistently and consider the unit as a long-term strategy within your overall Idaho bighorn sheep application portfolio.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

No RV access from the south approach. Stage from Salmon or North Fork for south-approach hunters. Lowell area for north-approach hunters.

⛺

Camp Sites

Wilderness tent camping throughout the unit. No developed facilities. Pack in everything needed for 10–14 days.

🛻

Trailer Access

Not applicable inside the wilderness. Horse trailers can access select USFS trailheads at the wilderness boundary.

💧

Water

Abundant water from tributary streams and springs throughout the unit. Filter all water.

🛣️

Road Conditions

No roads within the wilderness unit. Trailheads at the southern boundary accessible via FS roads from North Fork/Salmon area — confirm road conditions with USFS.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Extremely strenuous. Steep canyon terrain, loose talus, and remote wilderness navigation without marked trails in much of the unit.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Extremely low. Tag numbers so limited that you will likely have the sheep terrain entirely to yourself.

🌦️

Weather

Similar to 28-1 — wetter than central Idaho wilderness units. September brings 45–70°F days, October 30–50°F with potential snow. Full wilderness gear required.

📱

Cell Service

No cell coverage. Satellite communicator required.

🏘️

Nearest Town

North Fork (limited services). Salmon for full services and outfitters familiar with this terrain.

Pro Members Only

Unlock logistics for Unit 28-2 bighorn sheep

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Unit 28-1 and Unit 28-2 for bighorn sheep hunting?

Unit 28-1 covers the main Selway River canyon terrain accessible primarily from the Selway Falls trailhead or by float plane to Moose Creek. Unit 28-2 covers the southern Selway drainage, which can be accessed from both directions but primarily from the south via the Salmon River corridor. Both units offer wilderness bighorn sheep hunting; 28-2 tends to have somewhat less hunting traffic due to its more complex access.

Should I hire an outfitter for Unit 28-2?

For hunters without extensive Idaho wilderness experience, an outfitter is strongly recommended. The terrain navigation, multi-week provisioning, and physical demands of Unit 28-2 are beyond casual wilderness hiking. Licensed outfitters with Selway-Bitterroot experience bring established camp locations, local sheep knowledge, and logistical support that dramatically increases both safety and success probability.

Plan Your Hunt with ProHunt Pro+AI

Unlock advanced tactics, the Tag-to-Trail Planner, AI hunt strategy assistant, and personalized camp and trip execution plans.

Upgrade to Pro+AI — $79/yr

Sources & Verification

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

Idaho Bighorn Sheep Hunting — IDFG — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 28-2 RMBS season and quota, Southern Selway bighorn population · accessed 2026-04-18
IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 28-2 draw odds and historical data · accessed 2026-04-18