Best State for a Sheep Tag?

[uncleB]

Originally Posted by norsepeak

There are a couple of units in Montana that are over the counter for sheep, but the units are on a quota and are very rugged. Also the sheep are few and far between in those units, but they do get some good rams out of them. That's the cheapest way to hunt sheep, just buy the license and put in for the drawing but put in the units that have over the counter tags, and then after the drawing you just have to purchase the tag, and you are on your way.

the units that norsepeak talks of in Montana are not really over the counter but are called "unlimited" because anyone can purchase a licence through the draw for these units. If 200 people buy these tags and there is a quota of 2 sheep for the unit all 200 people must call in every night to Montana FWP to see if the quota has been filled. the tags cost $785 that is very reasonable, but the "unlimited" tags are for the most part in the worst areas with the fewest sheep. there is one "unlimited" area that a Ram has not been harvested in 2 years. put in on the normal draw and wait it out.
UB

[Troutslayer]

Originally Posted by uncleB

the units that norsepeak talks of in Montana are not really over the counter but are called "unlimited" because anyone can purchase a licence through the draw for these units. If 200 people buy these tags and there is a quota of 2 sheep for the unit all 200 people must call in every night to Montana FWP to see if the quota has been filled. the tags cost $785 that is very reasonable, but the "unlimited" tags are for the most part in the worst areas with the fewest sheep. there is one "unlimited" area that a Ram has not been harvested in 2 years. put in on the normal draw and wait it out.
UB

Very few people put in for those tags for a number of reasons. The terrain is really rugged and access is poor. People hike like 20 miles over nasty stuff to get to where those sheep are. The genetics are not that great either and I wouldn't think you would end up shooting a really big one. I think less than 20 people bought those tags in recent years and the quota was 4 if I remember correctly. The district I put in for this year has 1% odds but I have several preference points. It has great genetics and big rams. For an out of stater it's not too terribly expensive to put in for Montana, certainly better than most of the western states. If you do draw it'll cost you.

[goodgrouper]

As troutslayer mentioned, Montana is a great state to apply for sheep tags. Just make sure you don't apply for the second choice or you could end up getting a ewe tag!

For a non-res, the fee is just shy of $800 but you will get all but about $40 back if you don't draw. The only downside is Montana requires a cashier's check or money order. No credit cards. Also, once you put in, you can only miss two or three years before they will erase your points so you are kind of "locked in" to coming up with around $800 every year until you draw.

[DWK]

Thanks for the additional guidance!

I've drawn several elk/deer combo tags in MT over the years and they usually let people apply by 'puter and credit card (for a small "convenience fee"). I wonder if they've changed the money order rule on sheep?

In any event, I'll have to give MT some thought.

I appreciate everyone's help.