This Washington bighorn sheep guide lays out every 2026 hunt, unit, date, quota, and rule in one place. Hunting Locator organized the official information so residents and non-residents can plan, whether they’re hunting now or applying next spring. For the statewide picture, see our Washington hunting season guide. If you’re packing for a hunt that’s open today, you can find top-quality gear for your Washington hunt in the Hunting Locator store.
The guide covers three areas:
- Every 2026 permit hunt, with dates, units, quotas, and which hunts are still open as of Oct. 21.
- Licenses, application fees, the one-ram lifetime rule, and how to plan for the 2027 draw.
- Where to hunt: public sheep units, private leases and land through Hunting Locator, guided options, and field tips.
Quick Overview: Washington Bighorn Sheep Season 2026
Washington’s 2026 bighorn sheep season runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15, depending on the hunt. All hunts are by special permit draw only, with no over-the-counter tags. There are 34 permits across seven sheep units, and every hunt allows any legal weapon.
Apart from raffle and auction permits, the draw is the only standard route to a tag. Here is every 2026 hunt in one table:
| Category | Hunt | Sheep Unit | Dates | Restrictions | Permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any ram | Selah Butte | Unit 4 | Oct. 1–31 | Any legal weapon | 2 |
| Any ram | Cleman Mountain | Unit 7 | Oct. 1–31 | Any legal weapon | 8 |
| Any ram | Lincoln Cliffs | Unit 12 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | Any legal weapon | 2 |
| Any ram | Quilomene | Unit 13 | Oct. 1–31 | Any legal weapon | 3 |
| Any ram | Swakane | Unit 14 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | Any legal weapon | 2 |
| Any ram | Chelan Butte A | Unit 18 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | Any legal weapon | 2 |
| Any ram | Chelan Butte B | Unit 18 | Oct. 11–Nov. 15 | Any legal weapon | 2 |
| Adult ewe | Lincoln Cliffs Whitestone Unit | Unit 20 Whitestone | Sept. 15–30 | Adult ewe only; any legal weapon | 2 |
| Adult ewe | Swakane | Unit 14 | Oct. 11–31 | Adult ewe only; any legal weapon | 2 |
| Juvenile ram | Cleman Mountain | Unit 7 | Sept. 15–30 | Any legal weapon | 2 |
| Youth | Chelan Butte | Unit 18 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | Adult ewe only; any legal weapon | 1 |
| Youth | Swakane | Unit 14 | Oct. 11–31 | Adult ewe only; any legal weapon | 2 |
| Hunters with disabilities | Chelan Butte A | Unit 18 | Oct. 11–31 | Adult ewe only; any legal weapon | 2 |
| Hunters with disabilities | Chelan Butte B | Unit 18 | Oct. 11–31 | Juvenile ram only*; any legal weapon | 2 |
*Juvenile ram as defined by WDFW. Check the pamphlet for the legal definition.
The permits total 34: 21 any-ram, 4 adult ewe, 2 juvenile ram, 3 youth, and 4 hunters-with-disabilities.
Still open as of Oct. 21, 2026:
- Selah Butte, Cleman Mountain, and Quilomene any ram: through Oct. 31
- Swakane adult ewe and Swakane youth: Oct. 11–31
- Chelan Butte A and B hunters with disabilities: through Oct. 31
- Chelan Butte B any ram: through Nov. 15
Bag limit and lifetime rule. You may take one bighorn sheep per person, either a ram or a designated adult ewe depending on your permit, even if you draw permits in more than one category. You may also harvest only one bighorn ram in your lifetime in Washington. If you’ve already taken a Washington ram, you can’t apply for standard ram hunts.
The lifetime restriction is waived for hunters who previously harvested under, or are applying for, ewe-only, juvenile ram, raffle, or auction permits. In practice, once you take a ram in Washington you’re finished with standard ram hunts, but ewe, juvenile ram, raffle, and auction hunts remain open to you. Seasons, quotas, and these limits are set in the state rule that sets seasons. Sheep, mountain goat, and moose share the same once-in-a-lifetime special-permit structure, so if you’re building a multi-species plan, read our Washington mountain goat hunting season and Washington moose hunting season guide pages.
Washington requires the following before you hunt. Verify each item with WDFW:
- Hunter education: Required if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1972.
- Special permit application: Submitted during the spring window. You don’t need a hunting license to apply.
- License and permit purchase after drawing: Buy promptly after notification. Unclaimed permits can go to alternates, so check your notification for the deadline.
- “Any legal weapon”: All methods are allowed, but weapon-specific rules still apply, such as archery equipment rules.
- Mandatory horn inspection and marking: Bring the horns to a WDFW office within 10 days of harvest. Verify current requirements.
- Hunting activity report: Required for each permit awarded.
Washington Bighorn Sheep Hunting Seasons
The 2026 hunts fall into three groups: any ram, ewe and juvenile ram, and youth and hunters with disabilities. Most Washington sheep are California bighorns, and per current WDFW information, no Rocky Mountain bighorn draw permits are offered in 2026. Rocky Mountain opportunities come through partnership raffles. Per current WDFW information, the Wenaha, Umtanum, Manson, and Mountain View units are closed for 2026.
Any Ram Permit Hunts
Seven hunts offer 21 any-ram permits, all with any legal weapon:
| Hunt | Unit | Dates | Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selah Butte | 4 | Oct. 1–31 | 2 |
| Cleman Mountain | 7 | Oct. 1–31 | 8 |
| Lincoln Cliffs | 12 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | 2 |
| Quilomene | 13 | Oct. 1–31 | 3 |
| Swakane | 14 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | 2 |
| Chelan Butte A | 18 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | 2 |
| Chelan Butte B | 18 | Oct. 11–Nov. 15 | 2 |
Cleman Mountain’s 8 permits are the largest single quota. Chelan Butte (Unit 18) and Swakane (Unit 14) have a reputation among hunters as the state’s top California bighorn units, though that is reputation and not a guarantee. Chelan Butte B is the latest-running hunt, going through Nov. 15.
An any-ram permit uses your one Washington ram. If you’re still in the field on Selah Butte, Cleman Mountain, or Quilomene, you have about 10 days left; the tips section below covers field preparation.
Adult Ewe and Juvenile Ram Hunts
Three hunts target ewes and juvenile rams, and all are exempt from the lifetime ram limit:
| Hunt | Unit | Dates | Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Cliffs Whitestone (adult ewe) | 20 Whitestone | Sept. 15–30 | 2 |
| Swakane (adult ewe) | 14 | Oct. 11–31 | 2 |
| Cleman Mountain (juvenile ram) | 7 | Sept. 15–30 | 2 |
These hunts remain available after you’ve taken a ram, and harvesting under them doesn’t block a future ram application. A juvenile ram is a young ram, and WDFW holds the legal definition, so check the pamphlet before you hunt.
Strong populations in some herds can support ewe harvest, which also helps reduce disease risk such as pneumonia from contact with domestic sheep. Quotas are small, but these categories offer another realistic route onto the mountain.
Youth and Hunters with Disabilities Hunts
| Hunt | Unit | Dates | Weapon/Animal | Permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelan Butte (youth) | 18 | Sept. 15–Oct. 10 | Adult ewe only | 1 |
| Swakane (youth) | 14 | Oct. 11–31 | Adult ewe only | 2 |
| Chelan Butte A (disabilities) | 18 | Oct. 11–31 | Adult ewe only | 2 |
| Chelan Butte B (disabilities) | 18 | Oct. 11–31 | Juvenile ram only | 2 |
Youth applicants under 16 pay $5.05 per species category to apply. The disabilities hunts require meeting WDFW’s eligibility criteria, so confirm your qualifying status with WDFW before you apply. The terrain is steep and rocky, so fitness, conditioning, and safety matter, particularly for young hunters; the tips section covers the basics.
Which category fits you?
- Under 16: youth hunts plus any open category
- Qualifying disability: disabilities hunts plus any open category
- Already took a Washington ram: ewe, juvenile ram, raffle, and auction only
- Everyone else: all general categories
Washington Bighorn Sheep Licenses and Permits
Washington runs on an apply-first, buy-later system. You don’t need a big game hunting license to enter the special permit draw. Only drawn hunters buy the license and permit.
Washington Hunting Licenses
After you’re drawn, you must purchase the required big game hunting license and permit fee before claiming your tag. All dollar figures below are approximate:
| Item | Resident | Non-Resident | Youth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special permit application (per species category) | $9.61 | Approximately $152.30 | Approximately $5.05 (under 16) | Non-refundable; no license needed to apply |
| Bighorn sheep license/permit (if drawn) | Approximately $457 | Approximately $2,279; non-resident packages can run upwards of several thousand dollars | Approximately $78 | Confirm current fees with WDFW |
| Senior / disabled rates | Reduced rates may apply | — | — | Check WDFW for eligibility and current pricing |
| California bighorn state raffle ticket | Approximately $15.68 | Approximately $15.68 | — | Alternative route to a tag |
Fees adjust periodically, so confirm everything in WDFW’s 2026 Big Game pamphlet before you apply or buy. Hunter education rules apply to non-residents too if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1972. Verify with WDFW.
Washington Hunting Permits
The permit side works like this:
- Which permits and how many: 34 total, split into 21 any-ram, 4 adult ewe, 2 juvenile ram, 3 youth, and 4 hunters-with-disabilities permits.
- How the draw works: It’s a random draw with no separate non-resident quota, so residents and non-residents compete for the same permits. That reflects WDFW’s current system, so confirm before applying. Demand far exceeds 34 permits, and odds are long.
- Application process and timing: Apply online through WDFW. The window typically opens in April and closes in late May. Watch WDFW for the 2027 dates.
- After you’re drawn: Purchase your license and permit promptly after notification. Unclaimed permits can go to alternates, so check your notification for the deadline.
- Raffle and auction routes: California bighorn raffle tickets run about $15.68. Wild Sheep Foundation partnership raffles cover Rocky Mountain bighorns. Raffle and auction harvests are exempt from the lifetime ram limit.
- Multi-state planning: Many applicants pair sheep with goat and moose applications. See the overview above for those guides.
Your 2027 action checklist:
- Confirm your hunter education status.
- Budget the application fee for each category you want.
- Decide between ram and ewe, juvenile ram, or youth categories.
- Consider raffle tickets as a second path.
- Watch for the spring application window.
Where to Hunt Bighorn Sheep in Washington
Washington sheep hunting takes place almost entirely inside designated sheep units, and much of that ground is public. Private access and guides can fill out your plan.
Best Public Lands for Washington Bighorn Sheep
Much sheep habitat lies on public land, including WDFW wildlife areas such as the Quilomene and Swakane areas and the L.T. Murray area. Check the 2026–27 sheep unit boundaries before you go. Each unit offers the following:
- Selah Butte (Unit 4): Any ram, 2 permits, Oct. 1–31.
- Cleman Mountain (Unit 7): Any ram (8) plus juvenile ram (2). The state’s largest ram quota.
- Lincoln Cliffs (Unit 12): Any ram, 2 permits, early season.
- Quilomene (Unit 13): Any ram, 3 permits, on WDFW wildlife area ground.
- Swakane (Unit 14): Any ram, adult ewe, and youth ewe. Reputation as a top California bighorn unit.
- Chelan Butte (Unit 18): Any ram A and B, youth ewe, and both disabilities hunts. Reputation as a premier unit.
- Whitestone (Unit 20): Adult ewe, 2 permits.
Some units mix public and private ground, so know the boundaries and get permission before crossing private land.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Sheep tags come only from the draw, but access to nearby ground still matters. Private land near sheep units can help with base camps, scouting, and the deer and elk hunting you’ll do in non-draw years.
Leasing private land. A lease gives you reliable access, fewer crowds, and use across multiple seasons. When you evaluate a property, weigh proximity to your unit, legal access, the game present, and what the landowner expects from you. You can browse Washington hunting leases to see what’s currently listed.
Buying hunting land. Owning land in Washington gives you permanent access and a property you can pass down. Look closely at legal access, easements, game habitat, and long-term value. Land for sale is also available through Hunting Locator, so you can compare leasing and buying in one place.
Hunting Locator is a SaaS platform that connects hunters directly with landowners who will lease or sell land. You can search by state and game type, then contact landowners directly. To start, browse current Washington leases and land listings.
Guided Hunts for Washington Bighorn Sheep
Some drawn hunters hire a guide for a once-in-a-lifetime tag. Many Washington units are public and hunted DIY, so a guide is optional. When you vet one, check the following:
- Licensing and insurance: Confirm the outfitter is properly licensed and insured in Washington.
- Unit-specific experience: Ask about experience in your drawn unit.
- Access arrangements: Ask how they handle public and private boundaries.
- Field care and horn inspection: Ask whether they help with meat care, capes, and getting horns to WDFW within 10 days.
- Physical demands: A good guide is candid about the terrain and your fitness.
- References: Ask for recent client references and call them.
You can connect with Washington landowners and outfitters through Hunting Locator. Drawn sheep hunters in the Cleman, Selah, and Quilomene country often scout elk ground at the same time, so our Washington elk hunting season guide is worth a read.
Bighorn Sheep Hunting Tips
These fundamentals are widely shared among sheep hunters. Use them as a checklist before you head up the mountain:
- Glass more than you walk: Spot-and-stalk starts with long glassing sessions from high vantage points. Quality binoculars and a spotting scope pay off, and you can find optics for long-range glassing in the store.
- Use wind and terrain on the stalk: Work along ridgelines and rock cover, and stay above sheep when you can.
- Get in shape early: Steep, rocky ground punishes poor conditioning. Train with weighted hikes well before your season.
- Wear sturdy boots and a load-hauling pack: You need ankle support and grip for talus, plus a pack that carries meat and horns out. The Hunting Locator store carries both.
- Layer for October and November swings: Expect cold mornings, warm afternoons, and possible late-season weather on Chelan Butte B.
- Know your legal animal: Confirm ram, ewe, or juvenile ram per your permit and WDFW definitions before you shoot.
- Practice at realistic distances and angles: Steep uphill and downhill shots are common in sheep country.
- Plan field care and the horn inspection: Keep meat cool, and schedule your WDFW visit within 10 days. File your hunting activity report.
- Hunt safely: Tell someone your plan, carry navigation and first aid, and watch your footing.
If you need glassing or steep-country gear before your hunt closes, the Hunting Locator store stocks it.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Plan the rest of your Washington year with these guides and tools.
Washington planning:
- Washington hunting season guide: The statewide overview of seasons and rules.
- Washington hunting leases and land: Browse private leases and land listings across the state.
- Hunting Locator homepage: Search leases, outfitters, and guides nationwide.
- Hunting Locator gear store: Get the right gear for each species.
Big game guides:
- Washington deer hunting season: Dates and rules for deer.
- Washington elk hunting season: Plan your elk hunt.
- Washington black bear hunting season: Bear seasons and regulations.
- Washington cougar hunting season: Cougar dates and rules.
- Washington mountain goat hunting season: Another once-in-a-lifetime draw.
- Washington moose hunting season: Moose permits and units.
- Washington bighorn sheep hunting season: Bookmark this page for 2027 updates.
Birds and small game:
- Washington turkey hunting season: Spring and fall turkey details.
- Washington waterfowl hunting season: Duck and goose seasons.
- Washington small game hunting season: Upland and small game dates.
FAQ
When is bighorn sheep season in Washington in 2026?
Washington’s 2026 bighorn sheep seasons run from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15, depending on the hunt. All hunts are by special permit only. The latest hunt, Chelan Butte B any ram, runs through Nov. 15, while most other hunts close by Oct. 31.
Which Washington bighorn sheep hunts are still open?
As of Oct. 21, 2026, Selah Butte, Cleman Mountain, and Quilomene any-ram hunts run through Oct. 31. The Swakane ewe and youth hunts and the Chelan Butte disabilities hunts also close Oct. 31. Chelan Butte B any ram stays open through Nov. 15.
