Wyoming Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Moose

Unit 9 (Shoshone NF — South Fork)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Moose

Wyoming Hunt Area 9 encompasses the South Fork of the Shoshone River drainage and the high Absaroka terrain east of Yellowstone in Park County. Bighorn sheep occupy the steep rocky ridges and limestone cliff systems on both sides of the South Fork canyon, from the Carter Mountain area south through the Washakie Wilderness boundary. This is technical mountain sheep country at 8,500–11,500 feet with limited tag numbers and exceptional ram quality — a trophy-class destination for dedicated sheep hunters.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 9

Unit 9 bighorn sheep are distributed across the high Absaroka ridgelines and South Fork canyon rims in the Shoshone National Forest.

South Fork Canyon Rims (8,500–10,500 ft)

The rocky canyon walls flanking the South Fork of the Shoshone River between Cody and the Yellowstone boundary hold resident sheep bands. Ewes and younger rams are visible along the canyon rims year-round; mature rams retreat to the highest cliff systems and remote basins, especially during the non-rut period.

Absaroka High Country

The high alpine terrain above 10,000 feet along the Absaroka crest holds rams through the summer and early fall. Glass from Shoshone NF ridge routes overlooking the major tributary drainages — Ishawooa Creek, Deer Creek, and Blackwater Creek — for sheep on the opposing cliff faces.

Rut Movements (October–November)

During the rut, rams descend from the highest terrain and are found with ewe groups on the grassy benches and lower cliff systems. This is the best window to observe and approach mature rams.

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 9

Unit 9 is serious wilderness sheep hunting requiring multi-day backcountry commitment and exceptional physical fitness.

Pre-Hunt Glassing

Spend the first day or two glassing from high vantage points before committing to a stalk. The South Fork canyon and Absaroka ridges offer extensive visible terrain — patience at the glass pays dividends when locating mature rams.

Canyon Approach Tactics

Use canyon topography to your advantage. Approach sheep from above and across the wind. Cliff-face sheep are alert to movement below them — gain elevation and work laterally before descending to close the final distance.

Horseback Access

The remote basins of the South Fork drainage are best accessed by horse. Outfitters based near Cody regularly work this drainage and can significantly reduce the physical demands of a backcountry sheep hunt.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Wyoming bighorn sheep success rates statewide run 85–95% for tag holders. Unit 9 tags are extremely limited, but hunters who draw connect on quality rams at a high rate. The challenging terrain filters out casual 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 9 bighorn sheep are among Wyoming's most coveted tags. Non-residents should expect to accumulate 15–20+ preference points before drawing. Wyoming's 75/25 split gives max-point holders priority. Tag numbers are extremely limited — typically 1–4 ram tags per season.

Moose Hunting in Unit 9

Wyoming Hunt Area 9 provides quality Shiras moose hunting in the South Fork of the Shoshone River drainage south of Cody. The willow flats, beaver ponds, and riparian corridors of the South Fork and its tributaries provide ideal moose habitat from 6,500 to 9,500 feet. Mature bulls in the 40–50 inch class are realistic, and the unit's grizzly-country setting adds an element of wilderness authenticity. Tags are limited but more accessible than sheep, typically requiring 5–10 preference points for non-residents.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 9

Moose in Unit 9 are tied to the willow-dominated riparian corridors of the South Fork Shoshone and its major tributaries.

South Fork Willow Flats (6,500–8,000 ft)

The expansive willow flats along the South Fork below Pitchfork Ranch and in the Deer Creek confluence area are prime early-season moose habitat. Bulls use these flats heavily from late September through October, especially during the rut (late September through mid-October). Access is via South Fork Road (WY-291) and connecting USFS trails.

Tributary Drainages

Blackwater Creek, Deer Creek, and Ishawooa Creek all carry willows and beaver work that attract moose. Bulls in the drainage heads push into spruce-fir timber during midday and return to willow edges at dawn and dusk.

Rut Timing

The Shiras moose rut peaks in late September to early October — bulls are most vocal and most visible during this window. Calling (grunts and scapular raking) is effective from late September through mid-October.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 9

Unit 9 moose hunting is a combination of slow walking the willow corridors and aggressive rut calling from set positions near confirmed bull sign.

Willow Corridor Hunting

Walk slowly through willow flats early in the morning and near sunset. Moose are large animals but surprisingly invisible in dense willows — listen for branch-breaking, grunting, and the sound of antlers thrashing brush. Move into the wind and stop frequently to glass ahead.

Rut Calling

During the late-September rut, set up near fresh moose sign — large tracks, stripped willows, and ground scrapes — and use cow calls and antler raking to draw in bulls. Shiras bulls are responsive callers but require patience; give each setup 30–60 minutes before moving.

Pack-Out Planning

A mature bull moose yields 500–700 pounds of boned meat. Plan your kill location with pack-out in mind — moose do not pack out easily from deep willow flats. A horse or pack frame with multiple trips is the norm in this drainage.

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Moose Success Rates

Wyoming moose success rates run 70–85% statewide. Unit 9's willow-rich terrain concentrates moose and makes location straightforward. Hunters who time their hunt to the rut (late September through mid-October) achieve the highest success.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	0	72	0.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 9 moose tags for non-residents typically require 5–10 preference points. Wyoming's 75/25 draw split applies. Moose tags statewide are significantly more accessible than sheep but still require multi-year point accumulation for most non-residents.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

RV facilities available in Cody. No hookup sites near the South Fork sheep country.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Shoshone NF throughout the South Fork drainage. Developed campgrounds at Buffalo Bill State Park and along the North Fork corridor.

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Trailer Access

South Fork Road (WY-291) reaches several trailheads. Road conditions vary — 4WD and high clearance required for upper access.

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Water

South Fork Shoshone and numerous tributaries provide reliable water. Treat all backcountry sources.

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Road Conditions

South Fork Road is paved to the state park boundary, then gravel. Upper forest roads are rough and may be impassable after early snow.

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Terrain Difficulty

Extremely strenuous. Technical cliff and scree terrain at high elevations. Not suitable for hunters without significant mountain experience.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low — tag numbers are minimal.

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Weather

Sub-zero overnight temperatures possible in October. Heavy snow events can occur rapidly. Satellite communicator mandatory.

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Cell Service

No service in backcountry. Limited along South Fork Road near Cody.

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Nearest Town

Cody (30–50 mi northeast). Full services including outfitters, gear shops, fuel, lodging.

Note: A licensed Wyoming outfitter is strongly recommended for Unit 9 sheep. The South Fork drainage is grizzly country — carry bear spray and follow food storage protocols at all times.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to draw Unit 9 bighorn sheep in Wyoming?

Extremely difficult. Non-resident applicants typically need 15–20+ preference points. Wyoming issues only a handful of ram tags annually in Unit 9. Apply every year to accumulate points and draw when your point total is competitive.

Are horses required for Unit 9 sheep hunting?

Not required, but strongly recommended. The South Fork Absaroka terrain is remote and physically demanding. Outfitter horse support dramatically improves access to the best sheep basins and simplifies pack-out of a ram.

What size moose can I expect in Unit 9?

Shiras moose in Wyoming's Park County drainage average 40–50 inches of antler spread. Mature bulls 5+ years old regularly reach 50 inches. The South Fork is quality moose country relative to Wyoming's overall Shiras population.

Do I need a horse to hunt moose in Unit 9?

Not for the hunt itself, but strongly recommended for pack-out. A mature bull moose produces 500–700 pounds of meat, and the South Fork willow flats are not easy dragging country. Horse packers and outfitters are available in the Cody area.

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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 9 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, Draw structure · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Hunt Planner — Moose — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit 9 moose season structure, Tag quotas, Unit boundaries · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 9 (Shoshone NF — South Fork)

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Bighorn Sheep in Unit 9

South Fork Canyon Rims (8,500–10,500 ft)

Absaroka High Country

Rut Movements (October–November)

How to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Unit 9

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Moose Hunting in Unit 9

Where to Find Moose in Unit 9

South Fork Willow Flats (6,500–8,000 ft)

Tributary Drainages

Rut Timing

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 9

Moose Success Rates

Moose Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 8 — Bighorn Sheep

Unit 9 — Moose

Unit 11 — Moose

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification