Quick Tips
- Wilderness limits vehicle access, cover as much on foot as possible
- Glassing hard can uncover sheep, be persistent
- Limited water for drinking when packing into wilderness
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
This area is located between Grand Junction and Gateway with the Colorado National Monument located in the north central portion of the unit. Desert bighorn sheep are thriving in this unit and populations are rising beyond estimates.
Due to great management, limited predation and no diseases in the herd, rams are growing up to their genetic potential. There are over 200 sheep in the area, but the Black Ridge Wilderness with limited access and Colorado National Monument that cannot be hunted, access can be difficult.
Terrain
Terrain here is rocky, with sandstone rim rock with plateaus that are loosely covered with cedar trees. Hunters have to be aware of the area and sometimes have to pass on sheep due to recovery issues and difficult terrain that makes recovery impossible. The Colorado river is the best source of water in the unit, limited water found in sandstone water pot's and deep runoff drainages at the bottom of canyons in the wilderness area. Terrain can be moderate to extreme all within a couple miles of an area, be prepared.
Roughly 117 square miles
62.6% public land
Elevations from 4,500-6,500 feet
Vegetation
High mountain desert terrain with tall sandstone cliffs and box canyons hold cedar tree covered plateaus. The sandy ground allows short growing sagebrush, yucca plants and cactus. Cottonwood trees can be found in isolated canyons and draws that hold on to rain water. The Colorado river has a good amount of cottonwood trees and tamaracks along the shore line.
Access
Most of the unit is privately owned or a national monument, but fortunately most of the area that the sheep inhabit in the unit is public land or wilderness which makes hunting sheep easier. River access via river raft or jet boat is the best forms of vehicle access. Wilderness is horse or foot access only and if packing in on foot or horses, make arrangements to bring water with you due to minimal sources of water. Hunters need to be in great physical shape, expect to walk 1-7 miles a day to find sheep through moderate to extreme terrain. The river has easier access physically and can produce more opportunities for sheep. Walking in through the wilderness, a hunter has the ability to be away from other hunters.
Four-wheel drive recommended
ATVs recommended
Camping and Lodging
Grand Junction, Glade Park and Fruita provide the best lodging, food, gas and other hunting supplies, camping on Colorado River and wilderness permitted in most areas.
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