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Unit 28-2

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2020
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Quick Tips

  • Keep food and game carcasses out of the reach of bears
  • Fish for trout in Williams and Iron lakes
  • Fish for steelhead in the Salmon River
SpeciesGeneral SizeTrophy Potential
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep160"-170"170"+

On The Ground

Many roads are in this Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunting area located south of Salmon and west of U.S. Highway 93.

This is one of the most accessible sheep hunting units in Idaho and produces good hunting opportunities for tag holders.

Terrain

This unit is south of Salmon and includes Sheep Horn Mountain, Iron Mountain, King Mountain, Degan Mountain, the eastern part of Taylor Mountain and part of Table Mountain. Taylor Mountain is the highest point within this area but other higher peaks and ridges exceed 8,000 feet. Some of the terrain is made up of rolling hills and ridges, but parts are steep enough to hold sheep usually found on hills of 30-80 degree inclines. The Salmon River runs north along the eastern boundary. The valley has several residential areas and some farm ground. Land in this unit is managed by the BLM or the Salmon-Challis National Forest with the exception of a few small private inholdings.

  • Roughly 469 square miles

  • 93.9% public land

  • Elevations from 4,100-9,200 feet

The western half of the unit is higher and more forested than the eastern half. Trees found here include pines, firs, aspens and spruces. Maple brush, alders, willows and birches can be seen growing along some creeks and in pockets. Sagebrush and wild grasses cover most open land. Exposed rock formations are found on the steepest slopes in this area. Talus slides can also be found on some of the steepest mountains and canyon sides.

Sheep live almost exclusively on BLM or Forest Service land. The area is within a couple of miles of a road or motorcycle trail. The most remote area found within this unit is around Taylor Mountain, but several motorcycle trails access this area from Iron Lake south. Most motorcycle trails and some roads are subject to seasonal closures that typically start in early September.

  • Many primitive roads are rough and suitable for ATVs

  • Four-wheel-drive is recommended on dirt roads

  • The Forest Service publishes a vehicle restriction map online

Hunters can camp along dirt roads. At least eight campgrounds or RV parks are in the unit or on its eastern boundary. The BLM maintains a campground at Williams Lake, which has a boat ramp and offers trout fishing. Other sites include Heald’s Haven RV Campground east of Williams Lake, Shoup Bridge Campground on Williams Creek Road near Lemhi, Cougar Point Campground on the North Fork of Williams Creek and Iron Lake Campground in higher country near the western edge. Lodging available in Salmon includes Sacajawea Inn, Syringa Lodge and Stagecoach Inn next to the Salmon River.

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