At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Don't pack into areas where you can't get out if snow gets deep
- Carry a satellite emergency location
- Buy and elk or deer tag
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
Hunters discussing Idaho's Unit 27-1 acknowledge that accessing this unit via the river requires significant effort, with options for a 100-mile float followed by air extraction from remote strips. The challenging terrain and low success rates make it clear that preparedness and determination are essential, although the opportunity to use horses could be a practical advantage. There is some confusion over draw odds, with multiple hunters weighing in, noting the difference between resident and non-resident pools and how caps affect these odds. Overall, hunters should be ready for a tough hunt and utilize all available resources for access, while also ensuring they fully understand the nuances of the draw odds relevant to their specific circumstances.
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
This unit is remote and can be hard to reach with a lot of roadless terrain in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. More Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tags are issued for hunting in this unit than for any other unit in the state.
This is one of the best Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep units in the state, but it is a difficult area to hunt bighorn sheep. Hunters can hire outfitters or invest time in scouting and hunting to fill their tags.
This is known as one of the most isolated wilderness sheep units in the West. It has a big part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in the Boise and Payette National Forests. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River skirts the eastern edge of the unit. Land is mainly mountainous here with canyons and rugged mountains.
This area is roadless except for a road on the northwestern edge on Thunder Mountain. Sheep can typically be found in the most remote parts of the unit. Hunters should try to either hire an outfitter for this unit, or bring pack horses.
There is a lot of open land with grassy slopes, brush and timber patches. In other areas hunters can see high mountain meadows, alpine basins and rugged mountains. North and east-facing slopes and deep draws are usually timbered with spruces, pines and firs. Some areas have been burned by forest fires and are good for game.
Most guided hunters stay in wall tent camps. Hunters should try to stay overnight near sheep areas in small tents.
Roughly 319 square miles
100% public land
Elevations from 4,900-9,700 feet
No motor vehicles in wilderness areas
Four-wheel drive is recommended on Thunder Mountain