Montana Unit 501 Bighorn

[Highcountry Dreams]

I am going to give the Unit 501 Unlimited sheep hunt a try next year. Do any of you have any experiences with this hunt. I know it is extremely tough and the odds are low, but I plan to hunt it every other year until I am successful (or too old to get to the rams). I plan on a week long hunt followed by a week of mule deer hunting in Wyoming. Any comments or PM's about your experiences are welcome.

 

[Stringmusic]

I guessing a 2 ram quota for that unit. I don't know much about the unit, but if your archery hunting then you chances will go up. If your waiting until rifle season, then you will take your chances. Knowing some die-hard hunters out there wanting a ram, you should plan on having your ram located before the season opens. I know a guy who will spend five days on the mountian prior to opening day this year. Feels like a ton of preasure to me, but if you want a chance then I guess some will go through that process.

Talk to the FMP after the season to get an idea of how long it took, and the number of applicants for this year.

 

[Highcountry Dreams]

Thanks for the info Stringmusic. Is bowhunting better for this hunt just because of pressure or due to other factors? I didn't realize there was a seperate bow season for the unlimiteds. When is that season?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

That unit does not have an archery only season. Opener is 09/15 for all weapons. The quota is 3 legal rams. Trophy quality is low, but you do get to hunt sheep! At least you will know that you will draw!

It is rough hunt in rough country for smaller sheep, so there really aren't that many hunters out there, but it is my understanding the quota can be met very quickly. Then your season is over.

 

[Highcountry Dreams]

Thanks Bitterroot Bulls. As far as the success rates and the season being over quickly, those are the reasons I am hunting deer in Wyoming the week following this hunt. I am planning to be searching for Rams 3 full days before the opener and hunting another 4 days, then going to Wyoming. Thanks again for the comments.

 

[Stringmusic]

Yes I was mistaken. I was thinking there was an archery season. Talked to my buddy who has a unlimited tag this year and their are a ton of hunters on the mountain two days before the season. Plenty of preasure that goes with a unlimited ram hunt.

 

[Montana]

Highcountry... How'd you do? Any luck?

 

[Highcountry Dreams]

Montana,
I was looking at doing the sheep hunt in 2012. This year I hunted Muleys in NM and CO, pics are posted in the "Field Photos" forum. Next year I was planning to do the Unlimited Sheep and Wyoming Mule Deer, but the news from the Wyoming highcountry is not very encouraging and it may take a few years to recover. If the Mule deer don't recover I may combo the unlimited sheep with a Montana Big Game Combo.