Comprised of scenic mountains located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests near the southeastern edge of the state. Bordered by Wyoming Highways 130 & 230 on the west, Interstate 80 on the north, U.S. Highway 287 on the east and the Colorado state line on the south, this unit is comprised mainly of National Forest land throughout the Medicine Bow Mountains and the Snowy Range. Bighorn sheep are found only in the Snowy Range.

Sheep are concentrated mainly in the Platte River Wilderness and adjacent lands in the southwest portion of the unit. Sheep have been seen as far north as French Creek, and those that wander are typically rams. Sheep tend to stay in the steep, rugged canyons close to the Colorado border. Good rams can be found with hard work and the average age class of rams taken is 8+ years.

Unit spans from the valley floor of the North Platte River near the towns of Encampment and Saratoga, east across the Medicine Bow Mountains to the foothills along the eastern edge on the National Forest. It is steep and rugged, thickly timbered with timberline occurring about 10,500’ in the Snowy Range. Where the sheep are located, the terrain is a mixture of steep, timbered canyons and rocky ridges.

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.

Public Access in this unit is excellent. Access to the Platte River Wilderness is just a short drive east of Wyoming Highway 230. Several roads take you to the wilderness boundary where you can find a few trails. Most hunting is by hiking. Packing in with horses is not necessary. Backpacking is possible, but day hunting is the norm. Most areas that hold sheep are in close proximity to roads.

Ponderosa pines, junipers, grassy breaks and aspens cover the lower extremes of the sheep range, with mountain brush more prevalent as you go higher. No recent fire activity has affected the habitat.

Encampment and Saratoga are the closest towns of any size, and offer several options for lodging. One motel in Encampment is the Bighorn Lodge. Some motels in Saratoga are the Sage and Sand Motel, Silver Moon Motel and the Riviera Lodge. Groceries, gas and other amenities are available as well. Camping is allowed on all public ground for up to 16 days in one location. There are several designated campgrounds located throughout the unit. You may also camp in remote locations.