Hunters have experienced varied success in Unit S73, Colorado, suggesting a mixed outcome for those pursuing sheep, particularly non-residents without the guidance of a local expert. Since its inaugural issue in 2005, the area has housed a healthy sheep population, mainly harvesting on the east side of the Continental Divide. There appears to be confusion surrounding the reported harvest statistics, with reported discrepancies in state reports regarding the number of tags issued and rams harvested, impacting perceived success rates. Overall, hunters are encouraged to focus on specific drainages such as Hell Creek and Newcomb Creek for potential sheep sightings and consider engaging a local guide to enhance the likelihood of a successful hunt, especially if they are non-residents.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
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Northeast of Steamboat Springs along the Continental Divide is the Mt. Zirkel herd with an estimated population of 60 Rocky Mountain bighorns. Area includes Mt. Zirkel Wilderness on Routt National Forest.
Hunters should be in excellent condition and be prepared for a very difficult hunt on rugged alpine tundra. Bighorn rams can sometimes drop into drainages making them difficult to spot and stalk.
This wilderness area is home to the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte Rivers, as well as nearly 70 lakes. Several large peaks are between Round Mountain in the south to Red Elephant and Buck Mountain in the north. Encampment River heads north joining the North Platte River near Encampment, Wyoming. Red and Bear Canyons and Fryingpan Basin make up some of the rugged backcountry areas.
Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area with Routt National Forest provides thousands of acres of public land. Wilderness travel is restricted to foot or horseback. County and Forest Service Roads worth considering are FSR 1100 and 431 and County Road 24 and 22.
Alpine tundra along the Continental divide is covered with wildflowers, moss and lichens. Some areas of barren ground willows are near seeps and streams. Below timberline dense stands of spruce, fir and pine cover the mountain slopes. Open grassy parks break up some portions of these forests. In lower elevations ponderosa and lodgepole pine dominate the landscape. Foothills have oak brush, mountain mahogany and bitterbrush.
Routt National Forest improved campgrounds include: Big Creek Lakes, Seedhouse, Summit Lake and Teal Lake Campgrounds. There are a lot of camping opportunities in this wilderness area. Steamboat Springs is a year round ski resort and ranching community in the Yampa Valley. The community is served by a regional airport, offers a regional medical facility and has restaurants, motels and hotels.
Roughly 458 square miles
76.9% public land
Elevations from 8,115-12,180 feet