Wyoming Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 24 (Wind River Range North)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Wyoming Hunt Area 24 covers the northern Wind River Range in Sublette and Fremont counties, one of Wyoming's most spectacular mountain environments with peaks exceeding 13,000 feet and extensive glacier-carved terrain. Bighorn sheep in Unit 24 inhabit the high tundra benches, cliff systems, and alpine basins of the Wind Rivers, with seasonal distribution concentrated above 10,000 feet during hunting season. Rams in this unit reach 160–175 class. The Winds offer a wilderness sheep experience matched by few destinations in North America.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 24

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 24

Unit 24 sheep concentrate on the high Wind River terrain above 10,000 feet, using glacially sculpted basins and cliff systems as primary habitat.

Alpine Tundra Benches (10,500–12,500 ft)

The Wind River Range above treeline features extensive tundra benches and high basins that support sheep feeding habitat. Glass these open areas at dawn from elevated vantage points across opposing drainages — sheep are visible at extreme range on the open tundra terrain. The flat-light morning conditions before full sunrise often reveal sheep silhouettes against the sky.

Cliff and Talus Systems

The granite cliff systems and talus fields of the northern Winds provide sheep with security cover adjacent to feeding terrain. Identify major cliff exposures from USGS topographic maps and glass systematically before approaching. Rams bed in protected locations mid-day before moving to feeding terrain at last light.

Water Sources

The Wind Rivers have extensive high-alpine lake systems. Sheep return regularly to accessible water sources — identify the alpine lakes and reliable springs within your scouting zone and monitor these locations during low-activity mid-day periods.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 24

Unit 24 Wind River sheep hunting requires the highest level of preparation for alpine wilderness hunting in North America — the rewards match the demands.

Multi-Day Wilderness Camp

The northern Wind Rivers require multi-day approaches to reach productive sheep country. Plan for 8–14 days total in the field to allow weather flexibility and sufficient scouting time. Stock packing is a major logistical advantage — the Winds have extensive maintained trail systems accessible to horses and mules from multiple trailheads.

Elevation Acclimatization

Spend 1–2 nights at intermediate elevation (7,000–9,000 ft) before going to sheep country at 11,000+ ft. Altitude affects judgment, stamina, and shooting performance — acclimatize before hunting.

Granite Terrain Navigation

Wind River granite terrain involves extensive off-trail travel on talus and boulder fields. Practice navigation on granite terrain before your hunt. Route-finding skills are as important as shooting ability in this environment.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Wyoming sheep hunters achieve 85–95% success statewide. Wind River sheep hunters who commit to the multi-day wilderness approach and scout thoroughly before their hunt consistently locate rams. The Wind Rivers' open terrain above treeline provides excellent glassing opportunities that translate to high success rates for prepared hunters.

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 24 Wind River sheep tags are extremely limited — typically 1–3 per season. The spectacular wilderness hunting environment and high ram quality drive consistent applicant pressure. Non-residents should plan for 14–20 preference points. Apply annually through the WGFD system.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Pinedale has RV facilities. Trailhead areas have limited flat camping.

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Camp Sites

Bridger Wilderness backcountry — dispersed camping. No-trace protocols required. Stock-supported base camps common. Developed campgrounds at Elkhart Park and Big Sandy trailheads.

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Trailer Access

Major trailheads (Elkhart Park, Big Sandy) handle horse trailers. Coordinate with Bridger-Teton NF for stock regulations.

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Water

Extensive alpine lake system throughout. Carry filtration — giardia present in heavily-used wilderness areas.

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Road Conditions

WY-353 and access roads to trailheads are gravel. Check Bridger-Teton NF for current conditions, especially late September through October.

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Terrain Difficulty

Extreme. Granite terrain, 11,000–13,000 ft elevation. Extensive talus and boulder travel.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low — wilderness character and limited tags keep pressure minimal.

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Weather

Wind River weather is notoriously severe. October brings heavy snow events. Temperatures -15 to 55°F. Expect multi-day weather holds. Wind at altitude is extreme.

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Cell Service

No cell service. Satellite communicator mandatory for all Wind River backcountry travel.

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Nearest Town

Pinedale (approx. 15–35 mi west) — full services, experienced Wind River outfitters, gear resupply. Boulder (approx. 10–20 mi west) — very small community.

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Permit Notes

Bridger Wilderness stock permits may be required. Contact Bridger-Teton NF before planning stock travel.

Note: Unit 24 is world-class sheep hunting in one of North America's premier wilderness ranges. The logistics commitment is substantial — but hunters who experience the northern Wind Rivers consistently describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Wind River sheep in Unit 24 accessible without a stock outfit?

Unit 24 sheep country can be reached on foot, but a stock-supported outfit dramatically improves logistics. The productive sheep basins in the northern Winds require 15–25 mile approaches from major trailheads — establishing a well-stocked base camp at 10,500 feet is much more feasible with horses or mules. Foot-only hunters should plan for a 2-day approach with full backpack loads.

What is the draw timeline for Unit 24 bighorn sheep?

Wyoming sheep draw applications open in January and results are typically posted in June. Non-residents need approximately 14–20 preference points to be competitive for Unit 24 ram tags. With Wyoming's 75/25 draw structure, max-point holders draw first with a 25% random component for remaining tags. First-year applicants receive 1 point for non-drawing.

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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 24 bighorn sheep season structure, Tag quotas, Wind River Range unit boundaries · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Hunting Regulations Hub — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: License classes, Season proclamations · accessed 2026-04-18