Wyoming Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Moose

Unit 22 (Absaroka Range South)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Moose

Wyoming Hunt Area 22 encompasses the southern Absaroka Range in Fremont County, where the volcanic peaks and deep canyon systems create prime bighorn sheep habitat between 7,000 and 12,000 feet. This unit borders the Wind River Indian Reservation to the south and the Washakie Wilderness to the west, limiting access to specific USFS corridor routes. Rams in Unit 22 reach 160–175+ class, making this one of Wyoming's trophy-quality sheep draws. The extreme terrain and limited access routes make thorough pre-season scouting essential.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

Unit 22 sheep are concentrated in the high Absaroka volcanic terrain above 9,000 feet, with seasonal use of lower canyon systems during the rut.

High Volcanic Basins (9,000–12,000 ft)

The southern Absaroka basins hold ram groups through the summer and early fall. Glass the cliff faces and open meadow margins above treeline — sheep in this terrain use both the open feeding slopes and the cliff security cover in tight proximity. Identify basins with good cliff exposure and water sources for highest sheep density.

Canyon Headwalls

The deep canyon systems draining toward the Wind River have dramatic headwall cliffs that sheep inhabit year-round. Glass canyon walls systematically from the rim before committing to a descent into the drainage. Sheep on canyon headwalls are often visible at extreme range with quality optics.

Boundary Awareness

Unit 22 borders the Wind River Indian Reservation — know the boundary precisely before hunting. WGFD boundary maps are essential pre-hunt reading. Sheep may cross boundaries freely, but hunters cannot follow without tribal permits.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

Unit 22 rewards hunters who invest in thorough pre-season scouting and are prepared for multi-day technical mountain hunting.

USFS Access Corridors

Access into Unit 22's core sheep country is channeled through specific USFS trail corridors — the Washakie Wilderness boundary limits motorized access. Identify legal access routes from the Shoshone NF trail system before your hunt and plan camp locations accordingly.

Extended Base Camp Strategy

Plan for 7–10 days minimum in the field. The sheep country in the southern Absaroka is not day-huntable from road access — hunters need established high camps to cover ground efficiently. Stock packing is a significant advantage for the supply logistics of extended camps.

Rut Opportunity

October–November rut activity can concentrate rams in breeding groups and push them into more accessible terrain. Monitor weather windows for post-storm hunting when rams are actively moving after being held down by snow. Rut-chasing rams are less cautious than summer-range rams.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Wyoming sheep hunters statewide achieve 85–95% success. Unit 22's trophy-class rams and technical terrain attract serious, prepared hunters — success rates for those who scout pre-season and commit to extended hunts are high. The boundary complexity requires careful attention to legal hunting areas.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

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Unit 22 offers some of Wyoming's largest rams, driving strong applicant pressure. Tag numbers are very limited — typically 1–3 per season. Non-residents should plan for 14–20 preference points. The combination of trophy quality and wild terrain makes this one of the most sought-after Wyoming sheep draws.

Moose Hunting in Unit 22

Wyoming Hunt Area 22 for moose encompasses the southern Absaroka Range and upper Bighorn Basin drainages in Fremont and Washakie counties. Moose in Unit 22 inhabit a diverse range of habitats from the high-elevation willow parks and spruce-fir forest at 9,000+ feet down to the lower canyon willow corridors draining toward the Bighorn Basin. The unit's Absaroka terrain produces large-bodied bulls with excellent antler development. Bull quality in Unit 22 reaches 45–55-inch class, making this one of Wyoming's more productive moose units for trophy potential.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 22

Unit 22 moose are distributed across a wide elevation range in the Absaroka terrain, from high mountain willow parks to lower canyon riparian corridors.

High-Elevation Willow Parks (8,500–10,000 ft)

Wet meadow willow parks in the upper Absaroka drainages are prime summer and early-fall moose habitat. These areas hold bulls through the velvet period and into the rut. Identify the major wet meadow complexes on USFS maps — moose concentrate where willow density is highest and standing water is present.

Spruce-Fir Forest Interface

Moose in the Absaroka use the dense spruce-fir timber for shade and security, moving to adjacent willow meadows for feeding. Hunt the timber-meadow interfaces at dawn and dusk when moose are most active. Bulls bed in the timber during mid-day warm periods.

Lower Canyon Drainages (6,500–8,500 ft)

Canyon drainages flowing toward the Bighorn Basin have willow-lined bottoms accessible from lower trailheads. During the October rut, bulls may descend these drainages as they range more widely in search of cows. Canyon moose are often more accessible than high-country animals.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 22

Unit 22 Absaroka moose hunting combines high-country wilderness hunting with some lower-drainage access options — a versatile unit for different fitness levels and hunting styles.

High Willow Park Hunting

Scout the major wet meadow complexes in the upper drainages before the season. Moose return to productive willow parks predictably — once you identify an active area, plan a camp at the drainage head and glass the willow flats at first and last light. Pre-season scouting trips in August identify bulls before velvet drop.

Rut Calling

Absaroka moose are highly responsive to rut calling in October. Set up in timber edges adjacent to willow parks and use cow moose vocalizations to attract bulls. Rut-crazed bulls will close distance aggressively — be prepared for close-range shooting in timber and brush.

Canyon Drainage Strategy

If high-country weather is severe during your hunt, target the lower canyon drainages as an alternative. The canyon willow corridors provide moose habitat accessible with shorter approaches — a useful contingency when mountain weather grounds high-country operations.

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Moose Success Rates

Wyoming moose hunters achieve 85–95% success statewide. Unit 22's productive high-elevation willow parks and experienced guide network make this a consistent producer for tag holders who scout the drainage systems before season. Bull quality is above average — this unit produces 45–55-inch class animals regularly.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	1	72	1.4%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 22 moose tags are limited — typically 4–10 tags per season. Non-residents need approximately 10–16 preference points. The unit's trophy quality drives consistent applicant pressure. Apply annually through the WGFD draw system.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Dubois has RV facilities. No RV access to sheep country.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Shoshone NF. No developed camps at sheep elevations — backpack or stock-supported camps required. Shoshone NF permits may be required for stock use.

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Trailer Access

Stock trailers can access lower trailheads. Coordinate with Shoshone NF for current conditions and stock regulations.

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Water

Alpine streams and basin lakes. Snowmelt sources decrease by October. Carry filtration.

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Road Conditions

Shoshone NF access roads are gravel and subject to early snow closure. Confirm road status before departure.

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Terrain Difficulty

Extreme. Southern Absaroka terrain involves major elevation gain and technical cliff systems. Pack stock is a significant logistical advantage.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low — extremely limited tag numbers.

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Weather

Early October snowfall common at 10,000+ ft. Temperatures -10 to 55°F. Prepare for week-long storm holds.

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Cell Service

None. Satellite communicator mandatory.

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Nearest Town

Dubois (approx. 30–60 mi southeast) — full services including outfitters, gas, groceries, lodging. Lander (approx. 60–80 mi east) — full services.

Note: Unit 22 is trophy sheep country — one of Wyoming's best. The remote terrain and limited access are offset by the quality of rams and the wild character of the Absaroka hunting experience. Licensed outfitters operating in this area provide significant logistical advantages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Unit 22 border the Wind River Indian Reservation?

Yes — Unit 22's southern boundary runs along the Wind River Indian Reservation line in Fremont County. Hunters must know this boundary precisely. Sheep move freely across reservation lines, but non-tribal hunters cannot pursue game onto reservation land without tribal authorization. WGFD boundary maps are required pre-hunt reading.

What class of rams can hunters expect in Unit 22?

Unit 22 is among Wyoming's premier sheep units for ram quality. Mature rams in the 160–175+ class are achievable. The combination of the Absaroka volcanic terrain, limited hunting pressure, and quality genetics produces some of the largest bighorn sheep in the state. This quality is reflected in the draw competition — expect to need 14–20 preference points as a non-resident.

What elevation do moose in Unit 22 use during hunting season?

Unit 22 moose use a wide elevation range — from the high willow parks at 8,500–10,000 feet down to canyon drainages at 6,500–8,000 feet. Early season (September) finds bulls concentrated at high elevation; the October rut can move animals to lower drainages. Hunters have the option of targeting either elevation zone depending on conditions and fitness level.

How does Unit 22 rank for trophy moose potential in Wyoming?

Unit 22 is above average for Wyoming moose trophy quality. The Absaroka terrain's productive willow complexes and limited hunting pressure allow bulls to reach full maturity. Hunters targeting trophy bulls should focus on the high-elevation drainage systems where older, undisturbed bulls concentrate. The unit regularly produces 45–55-inch class animals.

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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 22 bighorn sheep season structure, Tag quotas, Unit boundaries, Reservation boundary proximity · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Hunting Regulations Hub — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: License classes, Season proclamations, Boundary regulations · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Hunt Planner — Moose — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 22 moose season structure, Tag quotas, Unit boundaries · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 22 (Absaroka Range South)

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

High Volcanic Basins (9,000–12,000 ft)

Canyon Headwalls

Boundary Awareness

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 22

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Moose Hunting in Unit 22

Where to Find Moose in Unit 22

High-Elevation Willow Parks (8,500–10,000 ft)

Spruce-Fir Forest Interface

Lower Canyon Drainages (6,500–8,500 ft)

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 22

Moose Success Rates

Moose Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 21 — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 24 — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 22 — Moose

Unit 20 — Moose

Unit 25 — Moose

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification