Montana Bighorn Sheep Hunting Units & Draw Odds
36 units · 83.5% avg hunter success
Montana's bighorn sheep draw runs on a bonus-point system across 36 units, giving nonresidents a real shot at premium western hunting. The 2026 application window opens March 1 and closes May 1, with results announced May 15. Nonresidents receive 10% of available tags and pay a $50 application fee plus a $1,250 tag fee if drawn. We've tracked five key units with recent harvest data so you can compare success rates and draw accessibility. Zero-point applicants drew tags in all five units in 2024, meaning you don't need points banked to hunt bighorn sheep in Montana—your first entry could be your ticket.
How the Montana Draw Works
Draw system
Bonus points — each point multiplies your chances.
Nonresident allocation: 10% of tags
2026 application window
Mar 1 – May 1(nonresident)
Results: May 15
2026 fees (nonresident, regular)
$50 app · $65 license · $1250 tag · $50 point
Easiest Bighorn Sheep Draws for Nonresidents (2024 Results)
Point levels that drew with certainty, and the best documented zero-point hunts — actual draw results, per hunt.
100% at zero points · Permit 60
100% at zero points · Permit 60
100% at zero points · Permit 60
100% at zero points · Permit 60
100% at zero points · Permit 60
0.0% at zero points · Permit 20
0.0% at zero points · Permit 20
0.0% at zero points · Permit 20
0.0% at zero points · Permit 10
0.0% at zero points · Permit 20
0.0% at zero points · Permit 20
0.0% at zero points · Permit 20
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 300 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 4.3% | — |
| Unit 303 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 0% | — |
| Unit 500 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 3.2% | — |
| Unit 501 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 8.7% | — |
| Unit 502 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 4.8% | — |
| Unit 121 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | — |
| Unit 122 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | — |
| Unit 261 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | — |
| Unit 381 | — | 0.0%Permit 10 | 100% | — |
| Unit 424 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | — |
| Unit 441 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | — |
| Unit 622 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 62.5% | — |
All Montana Bighorn Sheep Units
Montana Bighorn Sheep Draw FAQ
When do nonresident applications open and close for Montana bighorn sheep?
Applications open March 1 and close May 1 each year, with results announced May 15. Plan to submit well before the May 1 deadline to avoid processing delays.
How many bonus points do I need to draw a Montana bighorn sheep tag?
You don't need any bonus points to draw. In 2024, zero-point applicants were drawn in all five tracked units, including Unit 501 which achieved an 8.7% harvest success rate.
What does it cost a nonresident to apply and hunt bighorn sheep in Montana?
The application fee is $50, and the tag fee is $1,250 if you draw. Residents pay $10 to apply and $125 for the tag, so nonresident costs are significantly higher.
What are the harvest success rates for Montana bighorn sheep units?
Harvest success varies by unit. Unit 501 shows the strongest recent success at 8.7%, while Unit 502 ran 4.8%, Unit 300 at 4.3%, and Unit 303 at 0%. These figures reflect 2024 results and should inform your unit selection strategy.
Plan your Montana Bighorn Sheep hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level, see 2022–2024 data, and save units to compare.
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