Resident sheep tag |
$199.75 |
Nonresident sheep tag |
$2,626.75 |
Junior resident sheep tag |
$199.75 |
Junior nonresident mentored sheep tag |
$2,626.75 |
Resident controlled hunt application |
$16.75 |
Nonresident controlled hunt application |
$45.75 |
Resident sheep tag | $199.75 |
Nonresident sheep tag | $2,626.75 |
Junior resident sheep tag | $199.75 |
Junior nonresident mentored sheep tag | $2,626.75 |
Resident controlled hunt application | $16.75 |
Nonresident controlled hunt application | $45.75 |
The California subspecies of bighorn sheep live in units along the southern part of Idaho. The terrain in this part of Idaho is not as physical as the mountains in other parts of the state, where Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are found. Populations have done well and remain stable over recent years. California bighorn sheep are considered a once-in-a-lifetime species. Most hunts take place in the month of September with weather generally very mild, like the terrain. Although they are categorized in Boone and Crockett as Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, California bighorns typically do not score as high as Rocky Mountain sheep. A top California bighorn in Idaho will score in the low 170s B&C. Only one California bighorn sheep has been entered into the B&C awards from Idaho. Mild weather and mild terrain make this an enjoyable hunt if you are lucky enough to draw a tag.
** Boone and Crockett classifies Rocky Mountain Bighorns and California Bighorns under the same classification. Units below may include Rocky Mountain Bighorns. Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are considered if any part of the unit is found within any part of the county.
Applications are submitted online
All California bighorn tags are offered as controlled hunts through the drawing
Only one California bighorn sheep can be harvested in a lifetime
If you are successful in harvesting, then you will have a two year waiting period before you can apply again for the other sheep species
The minimum age to hunt was lowered from 12 years to 10 years of age
Controlled hunts with 10 or fewer permits, no more than one nonresident permit may be issued
A maximum of 10% of controlled hunt tags go to nonresidents
In actuality, nonresidents get far less than 10% of controlled tags
Rams rarely exceed 165” B&C
California bighorns live in areas with relatively gentle terrain
Early season dates may have hot weather