Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Montana

Our Bighorn sheep hunts are in an unlimited sheep area north of Yellowstone National Park. The area and the expertise of our guides make it the best opportunity in the lower 48 to harvest a ram.

Bighorn Sheep hunts are 8-day hunts (day in, 6 days hunting, day out). They are progressive backpacking hunts, which begin from our backcountry camp at Independence. We hunt 1 guide to 1 hunter. These hunts often book 2 years out.

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) hunting regulations and dates are released in March of each year. Please check the MFWP website for confirmation of season dates.

Bighorn Sheep Hunt

Location: High elevations of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

Accommodations: Backpacking hunt, tent camp and basecamps, meals provided

8-Day trip: 1 day in, 6 days hunting, 1 day out

License needed: Unlimited Sheep License, permitted area 500-60

License application deadline: May 1st

Fulfill Your Sense of Adventure.

Licensing information for bighorn sheep hunting

An unlimited sheep permit area guarantees you a permit. Sheep permits can be purchased online at MFWP beginning March 1st. The deadline for purchasing a Bighorn Sheep permit is May 1st. You must specify a sheep area when applying for your sheep permit. Please see above hunt package for our permitted area. If you are booking a Bighorn sheep hunt with Absaroka-Beartooth Outfitters, please contact us at 406-579-3866 for information on our sheep area before you apply for your permit.

General licensing information

Important Information for Resident and Non-Resident Hunters before applying for hunting licenses

If you were born after January 1, 1985, you are required to show proof of completing a Montana hunter safety and education course or an approved hunter safety course from any other state or province prior to applying for or purchasing a hunting license whether the hunting license is for rifle or archery.

All first time bow and arrow license purchasers must enter their bowhunter education certificate number (NBEF) or a previous years archery license number from any state or province.

If you intend to purchase a black bear license for the first time, you need to have passed the FWP Bear Identification test. It can be found online at FWP’s website. Click on Education, then Hunter Education. Choose Bear Identification Program.

All licenses requiring a kill tag such as deer, elk, wolf, mountain lion, mountain goat, antelope, etc. will be mailed to you from MFWP. Make sure the address you used when you applied for or purchased your license is the address to which you want your license mailed. If your purchase included a combination license, then the conservation & fishing portion of that will also be mailed to you. Always print a copy of your application and receipt. This is your proof of application. Once the draws are posted you will want to be checking your mail to be sure you receive your license. If you do not receive your license within 3 weeks of the posted draw, call MFWP and let them know. Licenses purchased online not requiring a kill tag must be printed from your home printer. These licenses which are now in your physical possession are valid for immediate use.

If you need to purchase licenses for yourself and immediate family members, you must do so in separate transactions and provide the appropriate identification required for each individual.

Non-residents who do not have an ALS number established and are purchasing a conservation license for the first time must be prepared to provide the last 4 digits of their social security number per Montana Code Annotated to comply with the Federal Welfare Reform Law. A conservation license is required when purchasing a hunting or fishing license.

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Hunting Deposit & Payment Policy

A partial deposit of $1000 is required to book your hunt. If you do not draw a license, the $1000 partial deposit will be rolled over to the following year, if space is available, or refunded. The drawing takes place in mid-April. The remainder of the deposit (50% of the cost of the hunt) is due when the draw is posted and is non-refundable. The balance of the hunt is due 30 days prior to your hunt and is non-refundable. Hunts not fully paid by this date will be considered cancelled. We recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance. Montana Outfitters & Guides Association suggests Global Rescue Travel Insurance. 

All hunts will include an additional fee of $50 for the Hunter/Angler Defense Fund. This fund was set up by Montana Outfitters & Guides Association for the purpose of defending non-resident hunting and fishing rights in the State of Montana. (Information on HADF can be found in the General Hunting Information Packet.)

We accept Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard only) and Checks. Make Checks Payable to: Absaroka-Beartooth Outfitters, Inc.

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