At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Some high country lakes have good trout fishing
- Forest grouse are common, bring a shotgun
- Bring a GPS and extra batteries
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
This bighorn sheep hunting unit is located mostly in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness north of the Salmon River.
This is a good area for hunters who enjoy a challenging hunting experience. Some sheep migrate to high, remote mountains miles from the Salmon River, but others stay in the river breaks. Horses are recommended to access the remote habitat.
This unit is north of the Salmon River from Horse Creek to Big Mallard Creek and is mostly in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The terrain is mountainous and has deep canyons, rocky ridges, high peaks, large rock slides and many lakes. The Salmon River drops from 2,860 feet in elevation from the confluence of Horse Creek to 2,434 feet at Big Mallard Creek. Land rises rapidly above the river to points and ridges that are 5,000 to more than 8,900 feet above sea level. Sheep Hill is located four miles north of the river. High points include Harrington Ridge, Sabe Mountain and Salmon Mountain. Many slopes and canyons are between 6,500 and 7,500 feet in elevation and are heavily timbered.
The highest peaks and ridges are rocky, open and barren while lower elevations have vast acreages that are heavily forested with pines, spruces and firs. Old burns and some logging areas with dense brush, small saplings, many large rockslides and avalanche chutes that deer favor. The south-facing exposures above the Salmon River are grassy, rocky and open steep slopes with brush and trees growing in draws and canyons. Much of the forest floor is covered with bear grass. Some large meadows and old burns are lush with grass, wildflowers and forbs.
Hunters can camp along roads such as the Orogrande-Dixie Road and the Magruder Corridor on the north and hike or ride horses into the unit. Hunters who do not want to camp away from roads can camp at the Poet Creek Campground on the Magruder Corridor. The 14 Mile Trailhead is north of Boston Mountain and is also on the Magruder Corridor. The trailhead leads into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness on the Cache Creek Trail and the Boston Mountain Trail and has two camp pads, an unloading ramp, hitch rails, stock feeders, a restroom and three information panels about the wilderness.
Roughly 466 square miles
99.8% public land
Elevations from 1,965-8,900 feet
Most of the unit is in wilderness or is rugged, remote and accessible only to hunters who backpack or travel by horse. Backcountry hunters without horses should consider hiring an outfitter. Hunters can reach parts of the western edge on roads such as the Mackay Bar Road and Orogrande-Dixie Road, which lead to primitive forest roads. The Magruder Corridor gives road access on the north end to the upper drainages of Mallard, Bargamin and Sabe creeks. Popular trailheads are located east of the unit at Corn Creek on the Salmon River and north of Boston Mountain on the Magruder Corridor.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on roads
Wheeled vehicles are prohibited in wilderness
Hunters can float the Salmon River to access the southern edge
Float permits and daily fees are required to float the Salmon River
Details on acquiring permits are available here