How to identify it
Rams carry massive, curling horns that can weigh up to 14 kg; ewes have much smaller, only slightly curved horns. [1]
Species it is confused with
Check these before deciding what you are looking at. If you are not certain what it is, do not shoot.
- Dall sheep · Ovis dalli
- Mountain goat · Oreamnos americanus
Field notes
- Identification Do not identify Bighorn sheep from colour alone. Compare structure, size, range and the listed similar species before making a field decision.[1]
Where it lives
Alpine meadows, grassy mountain slopes and foothills close to rugged cliffs and bluffs, on drier slopes with limited snowfall. Winter range is typically about 760-1,520 m and summer range 1,830-2,590 m elevation. [1]
How it behaves
Gregarious: small groups of 8-10 are common, occasionally herds of over 100; mature rams live apart in bachelor groups most of the year. [1]
Most populations move seasonally, using larger upland areas in summer and sheltered valleys in winter. [1]
Mainly daytime feeders and largely grazers on grasses, sedges and forbs, taking browse when preferred foods are scarce. [1]
Keen-sighted and able to spot movement up to about 1.6 km away; moves with ease on cliff ledges. [1]
Where it is listed for legal take
These authorities list this species for legal take in their own regulations.
Conservation and protection
- ENDANGERED — peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), U.S.A. (CA) Peninsular Ranges: listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1998-03-18. · ECOS species profile: peninsular bighorn sheep
- ENDANGERED — Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae), U.S.A. (CA) Sierra Nevada: listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1999-04-20. · ECOS species profile: Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep
Where legal take is listed
- Alberta — hunting · 2026 Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations
- British Columbia — hunting · 2026-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis
- Arizona — hunting · 2026-2027 Arizona Hunting Regulations
- California — hunting · 2026-2027 California Mammal Hunting Regulations (updated July 1, 2026)
- Colorado — hunting · 2 CCR 406-2 Chapter W-2 Big Game (05/06/2026; eff. 2026-07-01)
- Idaho — hunting · Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat 2025-26 Seasons and Rules
- Montana — hunting · 2026 Moose, Sheep, Goat, Bison Hunting Regulations
- Nebraska — hunting · Big Game Guide 2024
- Nevada — hunting · CR 26-11 2026 Approved Big Game Quotas
- New Mexico — hunting · 2026-2027 New Mexico Hunting Rules & Information (v08.11.26)
- North Dakota — hunting · North Dakota Hunting Seasons (season dates table)
- Oregon — hunting · 2026 Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations (official ODFW booklet, eRegulations host linked from myodfw.com)
- South Dakota — hunting · 2026 South Dakota Hunting and Trapping Handbook
- Texas — hunting · Desert Bighorn Sheep: 2026-2027 Seasons & Regulations
- Utah — hunting · 2026 Big Game Application Guidebook
- Washington — hunting · 2026 Washington Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations (official WDFW pamphlet)
- Wyoming — hunting · WGFC Ch. 9 Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Hunting Seasons (dated Apr 22 2026)
Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.
Where it is found
Rocky Mountains from southern Canada to Colorado; desert bighorn from Nevada and California to west Texas and into Mexico.
Sources
Every claim above is attributed to one of these published sources.
- BIOLOGICALBighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology · reviewed 2026-09-30
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology