Wyoming Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Moose

Unit 1 (Jackson Hole / Snake River Canyon)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Moose

Hunt Area 1 encompasses the southern end of Grand Teton National Park and the Snake River canyon corridor below Jackson — one of the most iconic bighorn sheep landscapes in the West. Rams in this unit inhabit the steep limestone cliffs and talus fields above the Snake River, with the Gros Ventre bluffs and East Gros Ventre Butte providing additional winter range. Non-resident draw odds are extremely limited — this is a once-in-a-lifetime draw for most applicants, typically requiring 15–20 preference points. Successful hunters encounter rams with bases exceeding 15 inches in spectacular alpine scenery.

View Draw Odds Wyoming Hunting Guide

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 1

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 1

Bighorn sheep in Hunt Area 1 concentrate along the dramatic cliff faces and rocky benches of the Snake River canyon south of Jackson, and on the east-facing escarpments of the Gros Ventre Range foothills. The Hoback Rim and the rocky ridgelines flanking the Snake River corridor between Jackson and Alpine are the core habitat zones.

Snake River Cliffs (Fall/Winter)

Rams and ewe bands use the towering limestone bluffs along the Snake River canyon from Wilson south to the mouth of the Hoback. These walls offer thermal regulation and escape terrain. Glass from the highway pullouts and canyon rim trails early in the morning when sheep are most active on exposed cliff faces.

Gros Ventre Foothills

The lower Gros Ventre River canyon and its side drainages hold sheep year-round. Rocky points and south-facing talus below 7,500 feet are reliable summer and early fall locations. Look for bands of 5–15 animals on grassy benches adjacent to cliff escape routes.

Migration Corridors

During early November, rams move down from higher summer ranges toward winter areas along the river canyon. Pinch points where talus fields meet canyon walls concentrate rams during this transition — prime timing for rifle hunters.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 1

Unit 1 bighorn hunting demands patience, physical conditioning, and long-range glassing skills. The canyon terrain is deceptive — what looks close on a map often requires 2–4 hours of technical hiking.

Spot-and-Stalk from Canyon Rims

Set up on opposite canyon walls with a spotting scope at first light. The Snake River corridor provides natural glassing positions from the west bank looking east. Once rams are located, plan a stalk using drainage folds and ledge systems to approach within shooting range. Move slowly — bighorns have exceptional eyesight and detect movement at 800+ yards.

Calling the Rut

The late-October/early-November rut makes rams less cautious. Dominant rams patrol cliff-top benches searching for ewes. Post-up near active ewe bands and wait for rams to come to you — this is often more effective than active stalking during the rut peak.

Glassing Strategy

Focus glassing on south- and east-facing rocky benches in early morning. Sheep feed on open grass areas between cliff bands and bed on ledges with good downhill sight lines. A 65–80mm spotting scope is essential — rams are often visible from a mile or more.

Pro Members Only

Unlock bighorn sheep tactics for Unit 1

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Unit 1 bighorn sheep success rates typically run 70–85% for hunters who draw a tag. The limited number of tags (often 2–5 per season) and the concentrated sheep population mean successful hunters almost always encounter rams. Most tags are filled within the first 5 days of the season.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.

Search Wyoming Draw Odds

Wyoming bighorn sheep tags in Unit 1 are among the most sought-after in the state. Non-resident applicants typically require 15–20 preference points before drawing, making this a true once-in-a-lifetime tag for most hunters. Resident applicants generally need 10–15 points. Wyoming's 75/25 draw system allocates 75% of tags to max-point holders, with 25% going to a weighted random draw that favors applicants with more points.

The unit issues a very limited number of tags annually — typically 4–8 total across all licenses. Apply early in the preference point accumulation process and plan for a 15–20 year timeline as a non-resident.

Moose Hunting in Unit 1

Hunt Area 1 for moose covers the Snake River bottomlands and Teton foothills south of Grand Teton National Park — classic Wyoming moose habitat where willow-choked river bottoms meet cottonwood galleries and lodgepole pine transition zones. Bulls in this unit frequently exceed 40-inch spreads. The combination of lush riparian corridors and adjacent national forest land produces some of the best trophy moose habitat in the state. Tags are limited and require significant preference points — plan for a 10–15 year non-resident timeline.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 1

Moose in Hunt Area 1 are concentrated in the willow and cottonwood river bottoms of the Snake River corridor and its major tributaries — the Hoback, Gros Ventre, and Buffalo Fork rivers. These waterways provide year-round browse and thermal cover essential to Jackson Hole moose.

Snake River Corridor (September–November)

The Snake River from Jackson south to Alpine Junction is prime moose habitat. Bulls use the dense willow flats and cottonwood galleries for feeding and rut activity in September and October. Access via BTNF lands along the river on public pullouts and unimproved tracks off Highway 89.

Gros Ventre River Bottomlands

The lower Gros Ventre drainage east of Jackson holds significant numbers of moose in the willow-choked bottomland. Kelly Warm Spring area and the flats downstream provide reliable early-morning sightings. This terrain is flatter and more accessible than the canyon country to the south.

Hoback River Junction Area

The confluence of the Hoback and Snake rivers marks a transition zone where bulls shift between feeding areas during the rut. Spruce-fir benches above the river bottoms serve as bedding cover — check these areas midday when bulls leave the open willows.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 1

Moose hunting in Unit 1 centers on the riparian corridor — access willows and river bottoms quietly at dawn and dusk for the best encounters. The rut in late September and October makes bulls vocal and more visible.

Rut Calling

Bull moose respond aggressively to cow calls and antler raking during the September/October rut. Set up downwind from active willow flats and call with a birch-bark or commercial moose call. Dominant bulls may charge the call — be ready for a quick shot at close range in dense cover.

Still-Hunting Willows

Post up on elevated terrain overlooking willow flats at first light. Moose feed actively in the willows through early morning and again in the last hour of daylight. Once a bull is located, plan a quiet approach through the willow maze using wind direction and cover to close the distance.

Packout Logistics

A mature bull moose yields 400–700 pounds of boned meat. Plan for a packout well in advance — a horse or pack animal is strongly recommended in the Snake River bottom terrain. Several outfitters in Jackson offer meat pack-out services for DIY hunters.

Pro Members Only

Unlock moose hunting tactics for Unit 1

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Moose Success Rates

Unit 1 moose success rates run 75–90% for tag holders. The dense moose population in the Snake River and Gros Ventre bottoms ensures most hunters encounter bulls within the first few days. The main challenge is packout logistics, not finding animals.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	1	79	1.3%	0
Rifle— General	1	1,317	0.1%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Wyoming moose tags in Unit 1 are among the most limited in the state, issued at roughly 10–20 licenses per season across all types. Non-resident applicants typically require 10–15 preference points. The 75/25 draw structure means max-point holders get priority access to most tags.

Apply annually to accumulate preference points. Residents draw with 7–12 points on average. The limited tag numbers preserve moose densities and trophy quality in this high-profile unit.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

Jackson has full-service RV parks. Snake River area campgrounds accommodate most rigs. Book early in hunting season.

⛺

Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Bridger-Teton NF land adjacent to the Snake River canyon. Snake River KOA and Hoback Campground near canyon access. No camping inside Grand Teton NP without permit.

🛻

Trailer Access

Main access roads handle standard trailers. Canyon-specific access roads are narrow and not trailer-friendly.

💧

Water

Abundant. Snake River and Hoback River provide water throughout the unit. Treat all backcountry sources.

🛣️

Road Conditions

Highway 89 along the Snake River corridor is paved and accessible year-round. Forest roads require high clearance in places; early snow possible by October.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Strenuous. Canyon walls involve 1,000–2,500 feet of vertical gain over loose talus and cliff bands. Technical scrambling required in places.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Very low — tag numbers are extremely limited. Once you draw, you will likely have the unit to yourself.

🌦️

Weather

Fall in the Jackson Hole area brings rapid weather changes. Temperatures range 15–50°F in October–November. Snow possible anytime after September. Wind is significant in canyon terrain.

📱

Cell Service

Moderate along Highway 89 and in Jackson. Limited or none in canyon interiors. Satellite communicator strongly recommended.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Jackson (30 minutes). Full services — groceries, fuel, gear, lodging. Wilson is closer to main access points.

Pro Members Only

Unlock logistics for Unit 1 bighorn sheep

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

How many preference points do I need to draw Unit 1 bighorn sheep?

Non-residents typically need 15–20 preference points for Unit 1 bighorn sheep — one of Wyoming's most competitive draws. Start accumulating points as early as possible. Resident applicants generally need 10–15 points.

Are there grizzly bears in Unit 1?

Yes. Unit 1 is within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly recovery area. Carry bear spray at all times and practice proper food and carcass storage. Report all encounters to WGFD.

Can I hire an outfitter for Unit 1 bighorn sheep?

Yes, and it's strongly recommended given the terrain complexity. Several licensed outfitters based in Jackson specialize in bighorn sheep hunts along the Snake River canyon and Gros Ventre foothills.

How hard is it to draw a Unit 1 moose tag in Wyoming?

Very difficult for non-residents — expect 10–15 preference points before drawing. Start accumulating points immediately. Residents draw with slightly fewer points due to the 90/10 resident/non-resident quota split.

What is the typical bull moose size in Unit 1?

Bulls in the Teton/Snake River unit frequently reach 40–50 inch spreads. The high-quality browse in the river bottomlands supports exceptional antler development. This is one of Wyoming's premium moose units.

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.

Wyoming 2025 Big Game Regulations — Hunt Planner — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 1 bighorn sheep season structure, License quota, Hunt area boundaries · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Hunting Regulations Hub — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Bighorn sheep seasons and license classes, Preference point system · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Harvest Reports & Surveys — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 1 bighorn sheep harvest data, Hunter success rates · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 1 (Jackson Hole / Snake River Canyon)

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 1

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 1

Snake River Cliffs (Fall/Winter)

Gros Ventre Foothills

Migration Corridors

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 1

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Moose Hunting in Unit 1

Where to Find Moose in Unit 1

Snake River Corridor (September–November)

Gros Ventre River Bottomlands

Hoback River Junction Area

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 1

Moose Success Rates

Moose Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 2 — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 3 — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 1 — Moose

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Hunt with ProHunt Pro+AI

Sources & Verification