As a whole, sheep in California are doing okay. The famed San Gorgonios will finally have a hunt again for 2025! The White Mountains and the Newberrys will be split between two hunts this year. As a whole, permit numbers will stay the same across the board, except for the Whites and Newberry as they will be gaining permits versus last year, but they will have those permits divided up amongst their two periods. More hunts equals more random permits, which as we know is widely accepted by residents and non-residents alike. As per usual, harvest success was great, besides the few unsuccessful hunters last year in the Whites and Sheep Hole mountains. California is the land of giant rams for the lucky few who end up with tags each year, and it strongly has to do with how conservatively they manage their permit allocation. The rule for bighorn sheep allocation is up to 15% of legal rams counted, meaning California must count seven legal rams (1/2 curl) to issue one permit. It may be hard to draw a sheep permit in California, but for those who are fortunate enough to draw, they will be in for a hunt-of-a-lifetime.
Go on More Hunts with Better Information, Join Huntin' Fool Today!
The hardest part of sheep hunting in California is actually getting the permit. Some of California’s sheep hunts can be extremely difficult, and hunting can take place at elevations over 10,000 feet. If you are not in good shape, make sure you read the comments in the table and only apply for the units that fit your physical ability.
If you are looking for a 175"+ ram, you need to be applying for the Orocopia, Clark/Kingston, and the new Newberry, Rodman, and Ord units. The White Mountains can be good for a 170" type ram, but we cannot stress enough how difficult that hunt is. For 2024, there will be 21 permits. If you draw a Desert bighorn sheep permit, give us a call as we work with the best sheep guides in California.
Consult with Hunters Who Have Hunted in Your Unit, Join Now!
For access to all of our research and data we've collected over the last 20+ years, then join today and access the best research tools for hunting Bighorn Sheep in California including Draw Odds, Consultations and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
The California Bighorn Sheep application deadline is June 2, 2025.
Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!
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| Adult Hunting License | $218.81 |
| Junior Hunting License (under 16) | $16.46 |
| Application Fee per Species (sheep, elk, and antelope) | $8.13 |
| Deer Permit (refundable if unsuccessful) | $368.20 |
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| Bighorn Sheep Permit | $2,122.75 |
| Wild Pig Permit (OTC) | $98.85 |
| Bear Permit (OTC) | $387.85 |
California Bighorn Sheep Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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