Wyoming Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 19 (Bighorn Mountains South Absaroka)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Wyoming Hunt Area 19 spans the southern Bighorn Mountains and the transition zone into the Absaroka Range foothills in Washakie County. Bighorn sheep in Unit 19 use the high limestone escarpments, talus basins, and alpine ridges between 7,500 and 11,000 feet. The unit produces mature rams in the 155–170-class range, with a hunting environment defined by rugged alpine terrain and technical approaches from lower-elevation trailheads. Tag numbers are extremely limited — typically 1–2 ram tags annually — placing this among Wyoming's most coveted sheep draws.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 19

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 19

Unit 19 sheep concentrate on the high limestone cliff systems and alpine basins on the southern Bighorn crest and Absaroka transition terrain.

High Alpine Basins (9,000–11,000 ft)

The cirque basins and talus fields below the major ridgelines of the southern Bighorns hold ram groups through late summer and into fall. Glass the cliff faces and boulder fields above treeline for bedded or feeding sheep. Early morning finds rams feeding on alpine meadow margins before retreating to cliff security cover mid-day.

Limestone Escarpments

The east-facing limestone escarpment systems in this unit provide year-round security habitat. Rams use the cliff faces for predator avoidance and thermal regulation. Identify the major cliff systems from topographic maps and glass systematically from opposing ridges at distance.

Seasonal Movements

Rams begin rutting behavior in October and November, moving more aggressively across the terrain and becoming more visible. Pre-rut glassing in late September establishes which basins hold mature rams before tag holders make their approach plans.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 19

Unit 19 demands serious alpine fitness and multi-day backpack camp commitment — the prime sheep country sits far above the trailheads.

Multi-Day Backpack Approach

Plan a base camp at 9,000–10,000 feet to glass efficiently across the high basins. The southern Bighorn access trails gain 3,000–4,000 feet from the valley floors — a full-day approach is typical. Establish camp on a protected ridge or basin edge with sightlines across multiple cliff systems.

Long-Range Glassing

Cover maximum terrain from stationary vantage points before committing to a stalk. Sheep in high alpine terrain are alert to movement on open slopes. Glass with high-quality optics at 400–600 yards minimum before planning approach vectors.

Wind and Approach

Alpine thermal currents reverse direction morning and evening — plan approaches for mid-day thermals when winds are more predictable. Use ridge systems and terrain features to conceal movement and keep wind in your face at all times on the final approach.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Wyoming bighorn sheep tag holders statewide achieve 85–95% success rates. Unit 19's remote alpine terrain demands physical fitness and multi-day commitment, but hunters who scout thoroughly and prepare for the approach terrain have high conversion rates once rams are located.

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 19 bighorn sheep tags are among Wyoming's most limited — expect 1–2 ram tags per season. Non-residents typically need 12–18 preference points to draw. The southern Bighorn/Absaroka terrain and high ram quality keep applicant pressure high. Apply annually and accumulate points consistently.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Worland has RV facilities. Limited at trailheads.

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Camp Sites

Bighorn National Forest campgrounds along US-16 (Ten Sleep Canyon corridor). Dispersed backcountry camping above 9,000 ft within the NF.

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Trailer Access

US-16 handles trailers to Ten Sleep Canyon. Trailhead parking is limited.

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Water

Alpine streams and snowmelt lakes throughout the high country. Carry filtration.

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Road Conditions

US-16 paved to Ten Sleep Canyon. USFS roads are gravel — 4WD recommended late season.

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Terrain Difficulty

Strenuous. 3,000–4,000 ft elevation gain from valley trailheads. Alpine terrain above 9,000 ft.

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Hunting Pressure

Extremely low — tag numbers are minimal.

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Weather

Alpine conditions (9,000–11,000 ft). October temperatures 10–50°F with rapid storm cycles. Snow possible at any time.

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Cell Service

None in backcountry. Limited on US-16 corridor.

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Nearest Town

Worland (approx. 30–50 mi west on US-16) — fuel, groceries, lodging. Ten Sleep (approx. 20–30 mi northwest) — small community, limited services.

Note: Unit 19 is a true wilderness sheep hunt. Physical conditioning well in advance is essential — the sheep country is only reachable on foot after multi-hour climbs from the valley floor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the terrain in Unit 19 for bighorn sheep hunting?

Unit 19 is one of Wyoming's most demanding sheep hunts physically. The prime sheep country sits at 9,000–11,000 feet with 3,000–4,000 feet of elevation gain from valley trailheads. Multi-day backpack camps are required for effective hunting. Hunters should be in excellent cardiovascular condition well before the season.

How many preference points are needed for Unit 19 bighorn sheep?

Non-residents typically need 12–18 preference points for Unit 19 ram tags. Tag allocation is extremely limited (1–2 tags per season). Wyoming's 75/25 draw system means max-point holders draw first, with a random component for remaining tags. Apply annually.

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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 19 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