Big horn sheep hunting basics
Inhabiting some of the most remote, challenging and unarguably the most beautiful areas of the western North American, bighorn sheep are truly impressive of all the large mammals. Bighorn sheep have an important place in the North American tribal mythology.
Three species of mountain sheep are found in North America, Bighorn sheep, Dall sheep, and the Stone sheep. Bighorn are further classified into three subspecies like the Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, Sierra Nevada Bighorn sheep, and the Desert Bighorn sheep. The Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep are almost twice the size of the Desert Bighorn sheep. A full-grown Rocky Mountain Bighorn ram weighs around 300 pounds while the Desert Bighorn ram weighs 150 pounds. The Sierra Nevada Bighorn ram (also called as the California Bighorn) is an intermediate between the two types.
Hunting of big horn sheep is an exhilarating and challenging experience. wether it is the hunting dall sheep or hunting desert big horn sheep you will find these creatures live in places that most men never knew existed.
A rocky mountain big horn ram can live were the air is so thin most men would pass out  simply walking.
They are adapted to inhabit some of the most hostile climatic conditions from snowy alpine regions to hot and dry canyons preferring the most remote, rocky, and rugged landscape to avoid predators such as cougars, coyotes, and eagles.
Hooves with sharp outer edges and soft rubbery soles make them superb climbers. Bighorn forage on grass and shrubs depending on availability.
Males (ram) have large spirally curved horns though both the males and females (ewes) have horns, the massive size of the male horn gives them the name bighorn sheep. Horns grow throughout the year except during the mating season also called as the ‘rut’. During the mating season a ring is formed on the horns, this is used to determine their age. Skull and horns may weigh almost 40 pounds in a full grown male. Various color shades like light brown to chocolate gray can be found, with the only common feature being the white rump and lining on the back of the legs.
Although they live in herds they do not follow a strict hierarchy except during the mating season when the rams try to assert their supremacy to gain mating rights over ewes. Charging and colliding heads and horns is the most spectacular sight and can be heard from several miles. Ewes give birth to lambs in the most inaccessible and rugged terrain, with enough food and cover from predators.
Hunting season is generally between second week of September and end of November. It is divided into two parts - general and archery. In the archery season, hunting is permitted only with bow and arrows while in the general season both firearm and bowhunting is permitted.
In British Columbia thinhorn/stone sheep season is open August 1st and August 15th for bighorn in some areas. License and permits are required and hunters are advised to contact the state’s fish and wild life and parks offices for detail guidelines.
A heavy horned mature ram is the most coveted trophy by sheep hunters. Alberta is home to some of the biggest rams ever hunted, and highly respected and reputed sheep outfitting industry. Traditionally sheep hunting is done using packhorses and tent camps. Archery only zones can be accessed on foot with backpack.
Hunting Challenges/Values
Because of the remote location of the habitat bighorn sheep live in and their excellent eyesight, bighorns present both a physical challenge and a test of a hunter’s proficiency and stamina. Adding to the challenge are the weather conditions. These can change rapidly while pursuing a bighorn, and hunters need to be well prepared for drastic changes in weather. These bighorns are hunted mainly for their majestic mounts but the meat is also considered excellent table fare.

Interesting Tidbits
Rams have been observed in head to head combat for as long as 24 hours. A desert subspecies (Ovis Canadensis nelsoni) is found from Nevada and California to west Texas and south into Mexico. Bighorns have a complex 9-stage digestive process that allows them to maximize removal of nutrients from food of marginal quality. Scientific specimens collected and sent to a lab clearly indicated that significant numbers of lambs are lost as a result of the pneumonia/lungworm complex.
For the state rules and regulations for your big horn sheep hunt Click Here