Montana OTC/Unlimited Sheep tag Help!

akrem44

New Member
Sep 7, 2014
39
0
So i am thinking of trying for the OTC/unlimited sheep tag and am wondering if it has any chance of pulling a ram. I am a wildland firefighter and am in very good shape. My body and I are willing to put in 10+ miles a day to get the job done and will sleep in any conditions. I have alot of heart and no quit . I guess what im getting at is if i put in proper amount of scouting and some luck if it would be worth it. To be honest i really really want to sheep hunt more than anything and if there is somewhat of a chance i am more than likely headed up there. I do have family with land and a cabin close by so i will have the opportunity to scout ahead of time. Any input on if you have or know someone who has done this hunt would not go unforgotten. Please and thanks Andrew
 

Umpqua Hunter

Veteran member
May 26, 2011
3,576
88
61
North Umpqua, Oregon
Plan on doing what you are describing for 7-10 days for 5 years. Those repeated trips (to the same unit of course) and years of experience would likely put you in descent odds of killing a sheep.
 

Musket Man

Veteran member
Jul 20, 2011
6,457
0
colfax, wa
These quotas are usually filled in the first couple days of the season. My advise would be to scout all you can and try to take a ram on the first day. Its a pretty tough hunt and the quality of rams is not great from what I know.
 

Musket Man

Veteran member
Jul 20, 2011
6,457
0
colfax, wa
I have been looking at these tags because its about the only way you can get a tag without alot of points or luck or both. It sounds like you shouldnt expect the same quality of rams you would in a LE unit. The qouta being filled depends on alot of things but sounds like you should fill your tag in the first day or 2 or there is a good chance the hunt will be closed. If I went I would get there a week or so before it opened and try to get it done the first day.
 

30Hart

Active Member
Aug 30, 2012
230
0
Utah
UH is spot on in his assessment...the guys that are successfull put in multiple years in an area. It can be some of the roughest country on the planet. Most guys that are successfull are residents because its easier for them to put in the time till they get one. I would say you'd have to committ 5-7 years to ensure success. Most guys go in a week before season and try and setup on a ram...some guys don't see a ram in the week...
 
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akrem44

New Member
Sep 7, 2014
39
0
Thanks for all the input i really appreciate it. Hoshour thanks for that link i have contacted them and am planning on heading up there for 2 weeks in July/August and heading back from end of August to the end of the season. I know i have my work cut out for me and thats ok cause i will be in some of the most beautiful country and doing what i love. Cant wait to get some boots on the ground!
 

amber

New Member
Jan 25, 2015
1
0
I have alot of heart and no quit . I guess what im getting at is if i put in proper amount of scouting and some luck if it would be worth it. To be honest i really really want to sheep hunt more than anything and if there is somewhat of a chance i am more than likely headed up there.
 

luckynv

Active Member
Aug 3, 2014
274
1
Henderson, Nv
There is a complete write up of the unlimited hunt in the last Wild Sheep Foundation Magazine. These hunts show on Montana's website and some of the units over the last couple of years that I have looked at them never tagged out. All 5 units are right around the North Entrance to Yellowstone and are very rugged to say the least. However at least one of the units has archery for at least a week before the Rifle hunt. Also once the tags are filled you have 48 hours more to hunt. Good luck and let us know how you do, this is a dream for a lot of us!!! God bless
 

okielite

Banned
Jul 30, 2014
401
0
NW Nebraska
Would be interesting to know the story on each tag purchased for these areas. I have a neighbor who has had quite a bit of success over the years in the unlimited units. I believe they have killed at least 5 sheep over the years. But it took lots of work and dedication.

IMO a sheep from an unlimited unit is the #1 trophy in NA.
 

tomcat

Member
Mar 25, 2013
52
0
This is the only reasonably priced sheep hunt in North America without drawing a tag. I have done a lot of research into this hunt and came to the conclusion that you can be successful if you are tough enough and willing to put in the time. At worst you will be sheep hunting and at best you will come out with a bighorn. These units were limited entry draw tags years ago and people applied for them. They are rough country with low sheep densities, but they are huntable and produce rams for those that work hard. The truth is most people are intimidated by the terrain and the idea that they must be impossible to navigate. I don't think this is the case.
Good Luck and be mentally tough.
 

Wyoming Hart

Very Active Member
Oct 10, 2014
858
165
Spring Run, PA
I haven't seen likewise anywhere, but if you get this tag, are you exempt from the 7 year wait? Meaning that you can essentially get this tag every year. Sounds like the draw is the only time that the wait comes into the equation.
 

Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
I haven't seen likewise anywhere, but if you get this tag, are you exempt from the 7 year wait? Meaning that you can essentially get this tag every year. Sounds like the draw is the only time that the wait comes into the equation.
The seven year wait applies if you punch your tag.
 

25contender

Veteran member
Mar 20, 2013
1,638
90
I have actually looked at these unlimited tags closely and might take a break from Elk hunting for a few years.to give it a go. I love the country where these unlimited sheep tags are.
 

25contender

Veteran member
Mar 20, 2013
1,638
90
I could be wrong but all the unlimited areas are open to gun or bow during their open season. There is no mention of a archery season only in any of the unlimited areas in the latest regulations. If I am wrong someone can correct me.
Sounds Amazing. The early Archery unit sounds very intriguing.
 

Iron Mike

Active Member
Oct 23, 2014
369
1
Tumalo, Oregon
I am seriously thinking about this hunt. If I could find the right partner I may start planning. I have a co worker in Montana who works with Outdoorsman all over the state and believes he knows one or two that have been successful. If I find out any good info I will post.
 

6mm Remington

Very Active Member
Mar 27, 2011
977
48
Western Montana
If you wanted to bump your learning curve I think you could book a hunt with Jack Atcheson JR. out of Butte Montana. Great family from a long line of outfitters beginning with Jacks father. Might be worth a few calls to see how much it would run you. Best of luck.