Hunters discussing Hunt District 501 in Montana shared valuable insights for those considering an unlimited sheep tag. A common point was that while an unlimited tag doesn't reduce your accumulated points, you can't earn new points that year unless you buy them in the summer, making strategic decisions around point management essential. It's crucial to apply for these units as the first choice, and hunters should establish communication plans as they are responsible for staying updated on quota status while in the field. There is also a noted interest in forming hunting groups for the challenging terrain, with offers to join scouting missions to familiarize oneself with the area, highlighting the benefit of collaboration and preparation.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 140"-160" | 165"+ |
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This hunt district is in the Absaroka- Beartooth Wilderness Area in south central Montana. It is a rugged mountainous area with many high peaks and numerous subalpine and alpine basins with pristine lakes filled with trout. This unit is located north of Yellowstone National Park.
The wonderful thing about this hunt district is it is unlimited, which means anyone can buy a bighorn sheep tag and go hunting. It is a huge area and the sheep can be difficult to locate. This district has spectacular scenery and is beautiful sheep country. This area has a respectable and stable sheep population. There are approximately 75 to 100 sheep in the district. Any legal ram is a trophy in an unlimited district.
The northern portion of the district starts out in the creek bottoms and it is a gradual start but soon gets steep. The mountains are very steep from the creek to the tops of the peaks. The valleys are quite long and the headwaters are above timberline. From here it is talus slopes and boulder fields leading you up to the rocky ridges, rock peaks and immense plateaus that make up a majority of the area. The southern portion of the unit starts with the high elevation plateaus. There are numerous subalpine basins and many of them have lakes in them.
There are numerous access points into this district. Generally the access on the north start at 6,000 feet in the Stillwater River, and both East and West Rosebud, the exception is the Benbow Mine access at 9,000 feet. On the south the trailheads start at high elevation, Goose Lake, Lake Abundance and Kersey Lake trailheads. There are good Forest Service trails throughout the area. Most of the hunting will be on foot.
From the stream bottoms to mid slope it is timbered with spruce, fir and pine conifers. The next elevation is covered with subalpine grasses and scattered conifers. This area is mixed with boulder fields and rocky ridges. From here you are into the steep talus slopes leading up to the rocky peaks, only moss and lichens are found in this zone. Most of the district is high elevation plateaus of alpine grasses and forbs.
You need to bring all of your camping gear and camp in the wilderness. There are spectacular places to camp throughout this area. Most are next to an alpine lake full of trout.
Roughly 411 square miles
69% public land
Elevations from 6,000-12,000 feet
ATVs are not allowed in any part of this unit
Hiking will be strenuous, it is all very steep terrain, rocky and at high elevation