Ask a sheep hunter how long it took to draw a bighorn tag and the answer is often measured in decades. The reasons come down to simple math and strict rules.
Few tags, many applicants
Bighorn herds are small, and states issue only enough permits to take a few mature rams from each herd. Thousands of hunters apply for those permits every year. Even in states with healthy herds, the total number of tags is small compared with deer or elk.
Points help, but slowly
Preference point systems reward patience, but when many hunters hold maximum points, new applicants can wait a very long time. Bonus point systems keep every applicant in the running, so a first-year hunter sometimes draws ahead of a veteran.
Once in a lifetime
Many states allow only one bighorn per lifetime. That rule spreads the tags among more hunters, but it also means every applicant is chasing a single, final chance in that state.
How hunters improve their odds
- Apply every year in several states
- Consider less popular units and late seasons
- Buy raffle tickets from wild sheep organizations
- Hunt Dall sheep in Alaska, where tags for residents are easier to get
The wait is part of the hunt. Hunters who use the years to get fit, scout sheep country and build their gear are ready when the tag finally comes.