Montana Bighorn Sheep Hunting Units & Draw Odds
35 units · 84.1% avg hunter success
Montana runs a bonus-point draw for Bighorn Sheep across 35 units. Nonresidents get 10% of the available tags and compete in the same draw pool as residents, though with higher fees: $50 application fee plus a $1250 tag fee if drawn. Applications open March 1 and close May 1, with results posted May 15. This page breaks down recent draw results and harvest success by unit so you can target your application strategy. Zero-point applicants have drawn in Montana's Bighorn Sheep draw—it happens—but your real odds depend on which unit you pick and how many seasons you're willing to apply. Use the unit data below to compare success rates and find the hunt that matches your goals.
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% | 77% |
| Unit 303 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 0% | 91% |
| Unit 500 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 3.2% | 100% |
| Unit 501 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 8.7% | 70% |
| Unit 502 | — | 100%Permit 60 | 4.8% | 76% |
| Unit 121 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | 72% |
| Unit 122 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | 67% |
| Unit 261 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | 58% |
| Unit 381 | — | 0.0%Permit 10 | 100% | 39% |
| Unit 424 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | 73% |
| Unit 441 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 100% | 54% |
| Unit 680 | — | 0.0%Permit 20 | 71.4% | 63% |
All Montana Bighorn Sheep Units
Montana Bighorn Sheep Draw FAQ
When do Montana Bighorn Sheep applications open and close for nonresidents in 2026?
Applications open March 1 and close May 1. Results are posted May 15. The nonresident application fee is $50, and the tag fee if you draw is $1250.
Do I need bonus points to draw a Montana Bighorn Sheep tag?
Not necessarily. In recent years, zero-point applicants have drawn tags in Montana's bonus-point system across multiple units. Your odds depend on the specific unit you apply for and the total number of applicants that year.
What percentage of Montana Bighorn Sheep tags go to nonresidents?
Nonresidents receive 10% of available tags in the draw. Residents and nonresidents compete in the same draw pool, but nonresidents pay higher fees ($50 application, $1250 tag versus resident fees of $10 application and $125 tag).
Which Montana Bighorn Sheep units have the best harvest success?
Unit 501 showed 8.7% harvest success in 2024, the highest among the units with available data. Units 502, 300, and 500 ranged from 3.2% to 4.8%. Unit 303 reported zero harvest success in 2024. Success rates vary year to year, so review multiple seasons if data is available.
Plan your Montana Bighorn Sheep hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level and compare every unit in the state.
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