At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Be prepared for remote wilderness hunting
- Carry a satellite emergency locating device
- Carry a GPS to make sure you stay in the unit
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
This unit has Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunting in a big part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and part of the Payette National Forest outside wilderness boundaries.
Located in Idaho and Valley counties, this area produces some big Rocky Mountain bighorns but is difficult to hunt.
This unit is largely remote country in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and is about 40 miles east of McCall. The Salmon River Mountains are mainly steep peaks and ridges between canyons and draws. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is the eastern border. Part of the unit is outside the wilderness, but is similar in topography. Mount Eldridge at 9,207 feet in elevation is in that sector. Some of the northern half is moderate terrain, like flattened ridges north and east of Dead Mule Peak, the West Fork Basin on the northern edge and the valleys and ridges east of Cold Mountain Ridge.
Most of this unit is in the wilderness and hard to reach with a vehicle. Main access is typically by horseback. Some hunters choose to hire outfitters. Others with their own stock hunt this unit on their own. Backpack hunters can hunt the edges of the wilderness. Roaded parts of the unit are relatively small, such as the mining district near Big Creek and a small area near Thunder Mountain and Lightning Peak.
Spruce, fir and pines cover most of the ground here, especially ridges and the north and east-facing slopes above 6,000 feet. Large parts of the wilderness were burned in massive forest fires. The fires have opened the forest, creating places for grass and browse plants to grow. Most southern and western slopes are steep and dry, covered mostly with grass and brush. Most of the high terrain is rugged and rocky with patches of grass, small trees and brush. Willows and poplars line some of the creeks in this unit.
Plan to pack in a backpack or wall tent. No towns with motels are close enough to the unit to stay at everynight. The Forest Service has no campgrounds in the unit, even outside the wilderness.
Roughly 596 square miles
99.7% public land
Elevations from 4,600-9,300 feet