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Nevada Bighorn Sheep

Unit 252 (River Mountains / Eldorado)

Nevada Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep

Nevada Unit 252 covers the River Mountains and Eldorado Mountains south-southeast of Las Vegas, a core desert bighorn range wedged between Lake Mead and the Colorado River. The unit is a compact block of rugged volcanic ridges and steep canyons inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area — a once-in-a-lifetime Nevada ram tag when drawn.

View Draw Odds Nevada Hunting Guide

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 252

Nevada Unit 252 covers the River Mountains and Eldorado Mountains south-southeast of Las Vegas, a core desert bighorn range wedged between Lake Mead and the Colorado River. The unit is a compact block of rugged volcanic ridges and steep canyons inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area — a once-in-a-lifetime Nevada ram tag when drawn.

Where to Find Bighorn in Unit 252

We scout the volcanic ridges and lakeshore escarpments of Unit 252 from boats on Lake Mead and from overlooks along US-93 and Boulder Highway.

Lakeshore Escarpments

The cliffs rising straight out of Lake Mead above Las Vegas Bay and Callville Bay hold bighorns visible from boat-based glassing platforms — and unhuntable rams ride the rimrock out of range. Focus on the upper benches above the no-discharge zones.

Eldorado Range Interior

South of Boulder City toward Nelson, the Eldorado Mountains hold resident rams on volcanic ridges. Access via BLM two-track from US-95 puts you within striking distance of glassing points.

Saddles Between Sub-Ranges

Bighorns move between the River Mountains and Eldorado Mountains across low saddles — identify and glass these pinch points during cool hours.

How to Hunt Unit 252 Bighorn

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Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rifle65%

Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Late Season41023.9% 0
Rifle— Late Season21051.9% 0
Rifle— Late Season11070.9% 0

Data from 2020 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Over the three-year window we sampled, Unit 252 averaged 212 applicants for 3 rifle ram tags. Nevada's draw applies a weighted bonus-point system — one extra entry per point held, straight count. The live chart on this page pulls current NDOW point-tier statistics.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt bighorn inside Lake Mead NRA?
Yes — Lake Mead NRA permits hunting in compliance with Nevada state regulations, but firearm discharge is restricted within 1/4 mile of developed areas, roads, and waterbodies. Confirm current NPS boundaries before opener.
How tough is the Unit 252 draw?
Unit 252 averaged 212 applicants for 3 rifle ram tags over a three-year window. Nevada uses a weighted bonus-point system — one extra entry per point held, straight count — making point accumulation the primary route to a realistic draw.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. NDOW Big Game Unit Boundaries and Information — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Unit 252 covers River Mountains and Eldorado Mountains · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. Hunting in Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Park Service · supports: Hunting permitted per state regulations, Discharge restrictions near developed areas · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. Desert Bighorn Sheep — Clark County herds — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: River Mountains herd, Eldorado Mountains herd · accessed 2026-04-17