Unit 503-20 (HD 503 — Bighorn Ram Permit)
Montana Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep
Permit 503-20 is a limited ram permit for HD 503 in western Montana. FWP's three-year record shows 509 applicants for roughly 3 tags — another once-in-a-lifetime draw. The HD covers high country with USFS and wilderness ownership where rams use cliffy winter ranges and alpine summer basins.
Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 503-20
Permit 503-20 is a limited ram permit for HD 503 in western Montana. FWP's three-year record shows 509 applicants for roughly 3 tags — another once-in-a-lifetime draw. The HD covers high country with USFS and wilderness ownership where rams use cliffy winter ranges and alpine summer basins.
Where to Find Bighorns in HD 503
HD 503's rams stay on cliffy south and west aspects during winter and climb into high alpine basins through the summer. Per the FWP Hunt Planner, the huntable ground is USFS with Wilderness sections that constrain motorized access.
How We Hunt HD 503
Bighorn Sheep Success Rates
Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds
| Season | Tags | Applicants | Draw % | Pts Req |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifle— General | 3 | 630 | 0.5% | 0 |
Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.
Open in Draw Odds EngineFrequently Asked Questions
Is 503-20 a trophy ram permit?
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Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.
- 2026 Deer, Elk, and Antelope Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 503 bighorn regulations · accessed 2026-04-17
- FWP Hunt Planner — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 503 geometry, USFS/Wilderness layers · accessed 2026-04-17
- FWP Drawing Statistics — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Permit 503-20 applicants and quotas · accessed 2026-04-17