Quick Tips
- Quality optics can be helpful
- Make sure to scout
- Topo maps and Google Earth can be helpful
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 140"-155" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Southeast of Moab and south of Grand Junction lies the Dolores River and its rugged canyons. Desert Bighorn hunting was opened in 2010. There is a growing herd of bighorns in the area.
The terrain will challenge any tag holder as the river canyons are steep with few entry and exit points. Colorado Parks and Wildlife population estimate the combined herd to be over 150 Desert Bighorns. Be prepared for long shots up, down or across canyon walls.
Terrain
Steep impassible canyon walls along Slick Rock and McIntyre Canyon create a challenge for any tag holder. Island Mesa takes up the Colorado/Utah line. Grassy Hills, Anderson Mesa, Peter’s Knob, Coyote Wash and Skein Mesa add to the ruggedness of the landscape. Rocky, arid and uninviting areas away from the Dolores River bottom helps define what a tag holder might experience.
Roughly 276 square miles
92.2% public land
Elevations from 4,980-7,180 feet
Vegetation
Pinyon/juniper, sagebrush, yucca and sparse grasses offer a big contrast to the creek and river bottoms that are lined with grass, willows and cottonwoods. Grasses and willows can be found near most springs.
Access
BLM lands provide hundreds of square miles of public lands. County Roads, old four-wheel-drive tracts and pack trails that connect with Colorado Route 141 and 90. Some to consider are City Road R25, Gypsum Valley Road connecting to 10Y, 4R off of CO 141, or off of Utah City Road 313 south of La Sal Junction on East Lisbon Valley Road leads into McIntyre Canyon. Island Mesa leads to North Rim of McIntyre Canyon off County Road 4R. County Road Y9 runs along the Dolores River off of Colorado Route 90.
Camping and Lodging
Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands. Naturita, Nucla, and Dove Creek offer limited motels, cafe and gas. Grand Junction and Moab are the closest communities offering a variety of motels, hotels, restaurants, medical facilities, gas and diesel.
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