Drawing a nonresident bighorn sheep tag in Unit 17L, Idaho, has proven to be both an exhilarating and, unfortunately for one hunter, a frustrating experience due to a tag allocation error. This incident highlights the complexity of the state's draw system, where allocations are determined by both hunt-specific and statewide nonresident quotas. The confusion around calculated draw odds underscores the importance of understanding statewide applicant dynamics and the multifaceted nature of the process. Hunters should take this as a lesson to thoroughly understand both state regulations and broader application frameworks when planning future hunting trips.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 165"+ |
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This is one of three Idaho units that Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep can be hunted in the last two weeks of October. It is in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and borders Montana.
Sheep hunts in general can be challenging and this unit is one of the harder units in the state to harvest a ram due to the thick timber and remote country. Most of the unit is so remote that pack animals are necessary.
Almost the entire unit is made up of mountains. The Selway River runs along part of the unit and varies from about 4,000 feet in the south to about 3,050 feet as it leaves the unit on the western edge.
The Magruder Corridor (Forest Road 468), runs along the southern and part of the western boundaries. No motorized vehicles are allowed inside the unit, which is in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. To reach the Magruder Corridor from Grangeville, drive east on Highway 14 to Forest Road 222, then to FR 468, which is 65 miles east of Grangeville. A bunch of trails in the wilderness allows hunters to reach other parts of the unit. No wilderness permits are required, but certified weed-free feed must be provided for livestock. Hunters are advised to call a Forest Service district office for details on fire, camping, group size or grazing restrictions. Hunters can drive to the edge of Unit 17 at Selway Falls on Falls Point Road.
Brush, grass and trees, including ponderosa pines, grow along the Selway. North and east slopes above are typically heavily forested by firs, cedars, pines and spruces, while south and west-facing exposures are mostly grassy with pockets of brush and scattered trees. Some old burns feature heavy brush and young trees. Aspens are rare. The higher mountains are mostly rocky and open with scattered trees, willows, forbs and wildflowers with grassy basins.
Selway Falls Campground is a mile from the wilderness boundary on the Selway River and has seven campsites. Several campgrounds can be found near the Magruder Corridor, which runs through the lower half of Unit 17 and separates the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Roughly 241 square miles
99.9% public land
Elevations from 3,050-8,700 feet
No ATVs or any wheeled vehicles are allowed in the wilderness