Wyoming Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Moose

Unit 3 (Gros Ventre Range)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Moose

Hunt Area 3 covers the Gros Ventre Range east of Jackson — a spectacular limestone and shale mountain complex rising to 11,600 feet at Doubletop Peak. Bighorn sheep inhabit the dramatic cliff systems along the Gros Ventre River canyon, Red Hills, and the upper Gros Ventre slide area. This unit holds a resident ram population well-known among Wyoming hunters for producing mature heads. The draw is still extremely competitive, but Unit 3 is sometimes slightly more accessible than Units 1 and 2 due to occasional tag count variations. Access is challenging but less remote than the Washakie Wilderness units to the north.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 3

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 3

Bighorn sheep in Unit 3 are concentrated in the Gros Ventre Range's limestone and shale cliff systems. The Gros Ventre River canyon, Red Hills badlands, and the high-alpine ridges above Slide Lake are the primary habitats.

Red Hills and Canyon Walls

The colorful Red Hills southeast of Kelly and the Gros Ventre canyon walls between Kelly and Slide Lake are reliable sheep locations throughout fall. These accessible areas see sheep year-round and provide excellent glassing from the lower canyon roads.

Upper Gros Ventre Drainages

Above Slide Lake, the Gros Ventre drainage opens into high alpine terrain where rams summer above 10,000 feet. The Doubletop Peak area and surrounding ridges hold sheep through early October before they descend to lower winter ranges.

Lower Winter Range (Late Season)

By November, sheep concentrate on south-facing clay ridges and rocky outcrops in the lower Gros Ventre canyon — the same terrain visible from the main road east of Kelly. Late-season license holders find sheep more concentrated and accessible here.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 3

Unit 3 offers a mix of accessible canyon-rim hunting and backcountry ridge hunting — more options than the fully wilderness-dependent northern units.

Canyon Rim Glassing

Set up on the canyon rims above the Gros Ventre River with a quality spotting scope. The canyon is narrow enough to glass both walls from a single position. Locate rams early in the morning on south-facing ledges feeding on dry grass and mineral-rich soil.

High-Country Backcountry

For early-season archery or if rams are in summer country, access the upper Gros Ventre via the trail system above Slide Lake. The ridgeline between Doubletop and the Crystal Creek drainages holds rams in late summer. Plan for a 2-day base camp approach from Slide Lake trailhead.

Late-Season Road Access

November hunters benefit from sheep moving to lower canyon terrain accessible within 1–2 miles of the Gros Ventre Road. This is one of the more huntable late-season bighorn situations in Wyoming.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Unit 3 bighorn success rates average 75–85% for tag holders. The combination of accessible lower-canyon habitat and high-country sheep provides multiple hunting opportunities within one season. Most successful hunters fill their tag within the first week.

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 3 bighorn tags are highly competitive — non-residents typically need 12–18 preference points. Tag allocations vary by year but are similar to other northwest Wyoming sheep units. Residents draw with 8–14 points on average. Apply consistently without missing any year.

Moose Hunting in Unit 3

Hunt Area 3 moose habitat encompasses the Gros Ventre River drainage and Bridger-Teton National Forest lands east of Jackson — prime Wyoming moose country characterized by dense willow flats, spruce-fir bottomlands, and the rugged terrain of the Gros Ventre Range. The Gros Ventre drainage from Kelly upstream to the Slide Lake area is one of the most productive moose corridors in northwest Wyoming. Bulls here carry excellent antlers and the unit has a strong reputation for quality trophy potential combined with reasonable access compared to more remote northern units.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 3

Moose in Unit 3 concentrate in the Gros Ventre River corridor from the Kelly Warm Spring area upstream to Slide Lake. This stretch of river bottom combines the willow flats, backwater sloughs, and timber edges that moose depend on for browse and thermal cover.

Kelly Warm Spring Area

The warm spring outflows near Kelly maintain open water and lush vegetation even in cold weather, drawing moose throughout the fall season. The Gros Ventre River flats between Kelly and the canyon mouth are consistent moose producers accessible via the paved road.

Slide Lake Corridor

The valley above Slide Lake narrows into classic moose habitat — dense willows, spruce bottomlands, and the river itself. Bulls use this corridor during the rut, and the area sees fewer hunters than the lower canyon due to the additional road miles.

Side Canyon Willows

Crystal Creek, Ditch Creek, and the smaller side drainages entering the Gros Ventre from the north hold moose in dense willow patches. These side-canyon animals see less pressure than the main-stem bulls.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 3

Unit 3 moose hunting blends road-accessible glassing with targeted river-bottom still-hunting — one of Wyoming's more logistically manageable moose hunts without sacrificing trophy quality.

Dawn River-Bottom Walk

Park at dawn and walk quietly along the Gros Ventre River bottom through willow flats. Moose are most active in the hour before and after sunrise, feeding on willow tips in the open river-bottom before retreating to timber at midday. Move slowly and check all willow patches — a standing moose blends remarkably well.

Rut Calling

September and October rut activity. Set up downwind from active willow areas and use cow moose calls. The Gros Ventre canyon funnels sound effectively — calls carry far. Dominant bulls respond aggressively to perceived competition.

Packout Access

The main Gros Ventre Road provides vehicle access to most moose habitat within Unit 3, making packout significantly more manageable than remote wilderness units. A quartered bull can typically be packed out within 1–3 trips from most kill sites to road access.

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Moose Success Rates

Unit 3 moose success runs 80–90%. The accessible Gros Ventre drainage and high moose density combine for one of the better success rates among northwest Wyoming moose units. Most hunters encounter bulls within the first 3 days.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	3	334	0.9%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 3 moose tags are competitive but somewhat more accessible than the Teton and Yellowstone units. Non-residents typically accumulate 8–12 preference points before drawing. Tag numbers are limited but Unit 3's slightly higher allocation makes it a more achievable target on a 10–15 year accumulation timeline.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Atherton Creek can accommodate smaller rigs. Jackson has full-service RV parks.

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Camp Sites

Atherton Creek Campground (BTNF, near Slide Lake) is the primary developed option. Dispersed camping on BTNF land in upper Gros Ventre drainage.

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Trailer Access

Gros Ventre Road handles standard horse trailers to Slide Lake trailhead. Upper road becomes rougher beyond the campground.

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Water

Gros Ventre River and numerous alpine streams. Treat all water.

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Road Conditions

Gros Ventre Road is gravel east of Kelly. Becomes rougher toward Slide Lake. High clearance recommended in wet conditions or after October snow.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Canyon rim access is manageable; upper basin requires 2,000-foot elevation gain on steep talus.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low — tag numbers are strictly limited.

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Weather

October temperatures 15–50°F in the canyon; colder in the high basin. Early season (September) offers better weather windows. Prepare for October/November snow.

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Cell Service

Limited along Gros Ventre Road near Kelly. None in upper canyon or high country.

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Nearest Town

Jackson (30 minutes). Kelly is the closest community to the Gros Ventre drainage access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 3 bighorn sheep hunting accessible without a horse?

Partially. The lower Gros Ventre canyon sheep habitat is accessible on foot within 2–3 miles. The upper basin above Slide Lake requires a significant foot or horse approach of 5–8 miles.

What is the Red Hills area in Unit 3?

The Red Hills are a distinctive band of red and orange clay and shale hills southeast of Kelly along the Gros Ventre River. They're a highly visible landmark and consistent sheep habitat, particularly for ewe bands and younger rams.

Can I hunt moose in the National Elk Refuge near Jackson?

The National Elk Refuge has its own separate permit system administered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service — these are different from WGFD Unit 3 moose tags. Check USFWS regulations separately if interested in refuge hunts.

What is the typical bull moose size in Unit 3?

Bulls in the Gros Ventre drainage regularly carry 38–48 inch spreads. The rich willow browse in the river-bottom habitat supports excellent antler development. Unit 3 is a legitimate trophy moose unit.

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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 3 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 3 bighorn sheep harvest data, Hunter success rates · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 3 (Gros Ventre Range)

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 3

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 3

Red Hills and Canyon Walls

Upper Gros Ventre Drainages

Lower Winter Range (Late Season)

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 3

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Moose Hunting in Unit 3

Where to Find Moose in Unit 3

Kelly Warm Spring Area

Slide Lake Corridor

Side Canyon Willows

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 3

Moose Success Rates

Moose Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 1 — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 4 — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 3 — Moose

Unit 5 — Moose

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification