Nevada Bighorn Sheep

Unit 173 North (Monte Cristo Range)

Nevada Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Nevada Unit 173 North (Monte Cristo Range) offers desert bighorn sheep hunting in the volcanic ridges, playa basins, and desert mountain ranges of south-central Nevada. Desert bighorn are Nevada's most sought-after big game animal, and draw odds for bighorn tags are among the most competitive in the state. This unit's rocky cliff bands, talus slopes, and isolated ridge systems provide the rugged terrain that desert sheep require year-round. Tags are extremely limited and preference points accumulate for years before most hunters draw.

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Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 173 North

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 173 North

Nevada Unit 173 North — Monte Cristo Range desert bighorn sheep inhabit the rocky cliff bands, talus slopes, and ridge systems of the volcanic ridges, playa basins, and desert mountain ranges of south-central Nevada. Locating sheep requires patience, quality optics, and systematic glassing of rocky terrain — the hallmark of any successful desert bighorn hunt.

Primary Cliff and Ridge Habitat

Desert bighorn in Unit 173 North are concentrated in areas of broken rocky terrain — volcanic rimrock, limestone cliff faces, and steep talus slopes where their surefootedness provides an escape advantage from predators. These habitats are visible from a distance with quality 15x binoculars. Glass systematically across cliff faces and ridgelines in early morning before thermals complicate movement patterns.

Water Sources

In Nevada's desert environment, water is the critical limiting resource for bighorn sheep. Natural springs, seeps, and NDOW-maintained water developments attract sheep reliably in the heat of day and early morning. Contact the relevant NDOW district office for current water development locations in Unit 173 North — this information is often the single most valuable pre-hunt intelligence.

Movement Patterns

Desert bighorn typically spend mornings feeding on open slopes and middays resting on shaded cliff ledges or in cave-like alcoves. Evening movement returns to feeding areas and water. Mature rams often segregate from ewes and younger rams outside of the rut — look for them on the highest, most rugged terrain in the unit.

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How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 173 North

Hunting desert bighorn in Nevada Unit 173 North — Monte Cristo Range is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires meticulous planning, top-tier optics, and physical readiness for rugged desert terrain. The low tag numbers and difficult draw mean most hunters will have decades of preference points accumulated — make the most of your one opportunity.

Pre-Season Scouting is Non-Negotiable

At minimum one dedicated scouting trip to Unit 173 North before the season is essential. Desert sheep are resident in specific terrain features — identifying which cliff systems, ridges, and water sources hold animals in this particular unit is intelligence that cannot be replicated in the field during a compressed hunt window. A successful desert bighorn hunt almost always begins with thorough pre-season reconnaissance.

Glassing Strategy

Set up tripod-mounted 15x binoculars before first light on high vantage points overlooking multiple cliff systems. Scan methodically from top to bottom of each cliff face, then scan open bench and slope areas where sheep may be feeding or traveling. Mature rams often bed on cliff ledges in mid-morning after feeding — patience with the glass after initial movement periods is as important as the dawn push.

Stalk Execution

Once a ram is located and a target animal identified, plan your stalk step-by-step before moving. Desert bighorn terrain is challenging to navigate quietly — volcanic rock and loose talus create noise. Wind direction in canyon systems shifts unpredictably with thermals. Have a backup approach route planned if the primary stalk is compromised. Take your time; a single opportunity may not repeat.

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle65%

Nevada desert bighorn harvest success typically runs in the 65-85% range across units, reflecting strong sheep populations managed under conservative tag quotas. Most unsuccessful hunts result from the extreme difficulty of the terrain and the limited time window rather than deficiencies in animal numbers. Hunters who invest in pre-season scouting and arrive with specific knowledge of ram locations in their unit achieve the highest success rates. Ram quality in Nevada's managed units is generally excellent due to low hunting pressure and conservative harvest.

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Early Season	2	1,443	0.1%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Nevada desert bighorn draw odds are among the lowest for any western big game species — plan for 15-25+ years of point accumulation in most units. Unit 173 North applicant pressure and odds are shown in the ProHunt draw odds chart above. Nevada's preference point system provides additional draw entries but does not guarantee a draw — the random element means some hunters draw with fewer points while others wait for many years. Apply first choice to your highest-priority unit consistently rather than changing choices year to year.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed BLM camping available throughout the unit. Developed campgrounds may be available near major access roads — check Recreation.gov or local forest service office.

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Water

Limited to scarce — carry all drinking water. Confirm any wildlife water developments with local NDOW district before relying on them.

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Road Conditions

Mix of paved highway access and dirt/gravel BLM roads. High-clearance 4WD recommended for backcountry access. Road conditions vary seasonally — check before travel.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous — rocky cliff and talus terrain at various elevations. Desert heat a significant factor.

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Hunting Pressure

Varies by unit and species. Nevada's draw system limits hunters, keeping pressure manageable for those who draw tags.

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Weather

Nevada hunting seasons span September through November. Conditions range from warm and dry in early seasons to cold and snowy in late seasons. Prepare for significant temperature swings between day and night.

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Cell Service

Limited to none in most backcountry areas. Satellite communicator strongly recommended for remote hunting in this unit.

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Nearest Town

Tonopah, NV (US-95/US-6) — fuel, limited groceries; Hawthorne, NV for western units

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Permit Notes

Nevada NDOW Bighorn Sheep tag required. Confirm current season dates, legal weapons, and unit boundaries in Nevada Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations at ndow.org.

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Sources & Verification

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

NDOW Hunt Information — Unit 173 North Bighorn Sheep — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Unit boundaries, Season dates, Tag allocation, Draw statistics · accessed 2026-04-18