Wyoming Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 18 (Bighorn Mountains North)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Wyoming Hunt Area 18 covers the northern Bighorn Mountains in Sheridan and Johnson counties, including the Medicine Wheel Passage scenic area and the high Bighorn NF terrain above Dayton and Burgess Junction. Bighorn sheep occupy the alpine ridges and cliff systems at 9,000–12,000 feet in one of Wyoming's most accessible alpine sheep units. Ram quality ranges from 155 to 172 class, with the high-elevation terrain supporting a consistent population. The proximity to the Bighorn Mountains scenic byways makes pre-hunt scouting logistically straightforward compared to the remote northwest Wyoming units.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 18

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 18

Unit 18 sheep concentrate on the high rocky ridges and cliff systems of the northern Bighorn Mountains, accessible via the US-14A (Medicine Wheel Passage) and US-14 scenic corridors.

Medicine Wheel Passage Alpine Zone (9,500–12,000 ft)

The alpine terrain along the US-14A corridor near the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark holds sheep year-round. The open, rocky high country allows excellent glassing from the road system and nearby ridge access before the wilderness boundary. Rams favor the cliff-banded ridges east of the highway corridor.

Bighorn NF North — Upper Drainages

The creek headwaters draining north toward Sheridan and the Lodge Grass / Tongue River systems hold sheep in the rocky headwall terrain. Less visited than the road-accessible areas, these drainages hold mature rams with lower pressure.

Rut Distribution

October–November rut spreads rams across ewe groups on the sub-alpine benches. The road-adjacent sheep near US-14A are often observed from the highway during the rut — use this visibility to locate rams before developing your approach plan.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 18

Unit 18 is notable for relatively accessible alpine sheep terrain — the Bighorn Mountains road system puts hunters within 3–6 miles of the prime sheep zone, reducing the approach demands compared to the remote northwest Wyoming units.

Road-System Pre-Hunt Glassing

Use US-14A and US-14 to glass the high terrain before the season. The road system crosses the Bighorn crest and provides elevation-gain assistance — you can scout from 9,000+ feet without a multi-day approach hike. Identify rams, count individuals, and mark locations.

Approach from the Crest

After locating target rams, approach from the road system toward the sheep country. Using the road elevation advantage, your approach hiking is dramatically reduced compared to units that require starting from valley trailheads at 5,000 feet. This physical advantage allows more time for glassing and multiple approach attempts.

Standard Alpine Tactics

Approach from above, use terrain breaks for concealment, and manage wind carefully. The open alpine terrain requires full-body camouflage and slow, deliberate movement within sight of sheep.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Wyoming bighorn sheep success runs 85–95% statewide. Unit 18's accessible approach terrain contributes to high success rates — hunters who draw are rarely defeated by the physical demands of the terrain as in the more remote units. The challenge is drawing.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

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

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Unit 18 bighorn sheep are among the more sought-after Wyoming tags given the accessible terrain and solid ram quality. Non-residents typically need 12–17 preference points. Tag numbers are limited — typically 2–4 ram tags per season. Apply annually.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Campgrounds along the scenic byways accommodate RVs. Sheridan has full RV facilities.

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Camp Sites

Developed USFS campgrounds along US-14A (Medicine Wheel area) and US-14. Dispersed camping on Bighorn NF.

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Trailer Access

US-14A and US-14 handle horse trailers to major trailheads. Very accessible compared to most Wyoming sheep units.

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Water

Multiple creek headwaters and alpine lakes in the northern Bighorn crest area. Treat all sources.

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Road Conditions

Paved scenic byways to the crest. Forest service access roads are gravel. High-elevation roads close with early-season snow — verify road status before the hunt.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. More accessible than the northwest Wyoming units due to road system elevation. Still involves significant hiking on steep, rocky terrain above 10,000 ft.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low — tag numbers are minimal. The scenic highway attracts tourist traffic but not hunters.

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Weather

High elevation (9,000–12,000 ft). Early October alpine blizzards possible. Sub-zero wind chills on exposed ridges. Plan for 4-season gear through November.

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Cell Service

Limited along scenic byways at the crest. None on north-facing backcountry slopes.

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Nearest Town

Dayton (approx. 20–30 mi north via US-14) — small community with basic services. Sheridan (approx. 45–60 mi north) — full services.

Note: The Bighorn Mountains Medicine Wheel Passage is an iconic Wyoming landscape. Non-hunters visiting the Medicine Wheel area often inadvertently glass sheep from the road. Pre-hunt scouting along the US-14A corridor is highly productive and logistically simple.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see bighorn sheep along the Bighorn Mountains scenic byways in Unit 18?

Yes. Bighorn sheep are regularly observed from US-14A (Medicine Wheel Passage) on the Bighorn crest. The road system crosses prime sheep habitat and provides excellent pre-hunt scouting opportunities. During October, rams are sometimes visible from the highway during the rut.

Is Unit 18 sheep hunting more accessible than other Wyoming units?

Yes — the Bighorn Mountains road system crosses the sheep range at 9,000+ feet, significantly reducing the approach hiking required compared to units where hunters must hike from 5,000-foot valley trailheads. This makes Unit 18 more physically manageable while still providing an alpine sheep experience.

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Sources & Verification

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

WGFD Hunt Planner — Bighorn Sheep — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 18 bighorn sheep season structure, Tag quotas, Unit boundaries · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Hunting Regulations Hub — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: License classes, Season proclamations · accessed 2026-04-18