Unit 124-20
Montana Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep
Hunting District 124-20 is an extremely limited special permit bighorn sheep hunt managed by Montana FWP in northwestern Montana. The '20' suffix indicates a special permit class — bighorn sheep tags in Montana are among the most coveted and difficult to draw in North America. Only a handful of tags are issued per district annually, and draw odds can be less than 1% for residents. This hunt covers rugged cliff, canyon, and alpine terrain where bighorns thrive.
Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 124-20
Hunting District 124-20 is an extremely limited special permit bighorn sheep hunt managed by Montana FWP in northwestern Montana. The '20' suffix indicates a special permit class — bighorn sheep tags in Montana are among the most coveted and difficult to draw in North America. Only a handful of tags are issued per district annually, and draw odds can be less than 1% for residents. This hunt covers rugged cliff, canyon, and alpine terrain where bighorns thrive.
Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in HD 124-20
Bighorn sheep in HD 124-20 inhabit steep cliff bands, rocky ridgelines, and alpine talus fields in northwestern Montana. Rams are typically found in separate bands from ewes and lambs outside the rut, using higher, more exposed terrain. During the November and December rut, rams move widely in search of ewes. Spotting scope glassing from opposite ridges is the most productive method for locating animals.
How to Hunt HD 124-20 Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn Sheep Success Rates
Drawn bighorn sheep tag holders in Montana enjoy very high success rates — typically 80–100% — given the limited tag numbers and quality of animals. FWP's harvest reports include bighorn sheep data by district. Contact FWP regional biologists for pre-season population surveys and current ram assessment data for HD 124.
Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds
| Season | Tags | Applicants | Draw % | Pts Req |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifle— General | 6 | 1,692 | 0.4% | 0 |
Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.
Open in Draw Odds EngineHD 124-20 bighorn sheep tags are among the most coveted in Montana. The '20' special permit class is drawn through FWP's annual lottery. Montana uses a weighted bonus point system — each unsuccessful application year earns points that improve your probability in future draws. Still, expect to apply for many years before drawing a bighorn sheep tag. Check FWP's special drawing statistics for HD 124-20 for the most current applicant and tag quota data.
Unit Logistics & Expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to draw a bighorn sheep tag in Montana?
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Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.
- FWP Plan-a-Hunt — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD boundaries, Bighorn sheep range, Public land access · accessed 2026-04-17
- FWP Hunt Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Season dates, Special permit requirements, Legal ram criteria · accessed 2026-04-17
- FWP Special Drawings — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Special permit draw, Weighted bonus points, Tag quotas — extremely limited, Application deadlines · accessed 2026-04-17