Area 1 is located along the Montana border in northwest Wyoming. This is a good hunt for average scoring rams. There is a lot of public land to hunt with some designated wilderness that will require nonresidents to hunt with a guide.

The terrain in this area is rough and rugged. Sheep hunters should expect to hunt by horseback or backpack in order to find rams. Like most sheep permits, odds of drawing are low. Hunters should expect a good hunt for a decent representative of the species. Decreasing trend in quality and quantity over the past few years.

Terrain on portions west of Highway 296 is rugged with deep canyons and high elevation mountain peaks. Most drainages are steep and rocky with heavily timbered north and east facing slopes. Portions of the unit have had wildfires in past years creating good sheep habitat that is open enough that you can glass. Some portions east of Highway 296 are not as steep or rugged with a series of benches, meadows and rolling hills. The majority of sheep and sheep habitat are primarily located west of the highway.

Wilderness

Under Wyoming law nonresidents are not permitted to hunt big game or trophy game in any federally designated wilderness areas without the presence of a licensed guide or resident companion. The resident companion must first get a free non-commercial guide license from a Game and Fish office. The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds, small game, or coyotes in wilderness areas.

Highway 296 and 212 run through this area. The Sunlight Road near the southern border and the Lodgepole Creek Road are good access points to the western portion of the unit. Pilot and Index Peaks located near the northwest border can be accessed from the main road. A good map and GPS with land ownership and hunt boundaries overlaid is highly recommended.

Creeks provide riparian habitat with willows, cottonwoods, shrubs, grasses and forbs. Moving up in elevation, vegetation transitions into grassy open southwest slopes. Some sagebrush exists throughout the mid elevations. Northeastern slope are heavily timbered with lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Douglas fir, whitebark pine and limber pine. Higher elevations have wet meadow grasses, forbs, and sedges. Above timberline the landscape is rocky with grassy pockets.

Cody is located near the the area and has several hotels, campgrounds, gas stations, markets, restaurants, bars and a sporting goods store. Hunter Peak Ranch located near the middle of the unit offers lodging and dining. Hunter Creek, Lake Creek, Crazy Creek and Fox Creek Campgrounds offer developed campsites for camping. Camping is also allowed on public lands. Most backcountry guided hunts will be conducted out of wilderness spike camps.