Bighorn Sheep

SD Bighorn Sheep Hunting Guide

SDBig Game
Ovis canadensisSouth DakotaBig Game

Also known as: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Bighorn

The bighorn sheep or bighorn is a species of sheep native to North America. It is named for its large horns. A pair of horns may weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb); the sheep typically weigh up to 143 kg (315 lb). Recent genetic testing indicates three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: O. c. sierrae.

Hunting Season

Black Hills: Sep 1 - Dec 31; Custer State Park: Sep 1 - Dec 31. Drawing only, apply Apr 22 - May 19.

Bag Limit: 1 ram per license (drawing permit only). Restricted to South Dakota residents only.
Size Limit: Full-curl or better ram. Legal ram must have a complete curl horn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regulations for hunting Bighorn Sheep in South Dakota

Bighorn sheep hunting in South Dakota is limited to residents only and is available through a highly competitive drawing. Seasons run Sep 1-Dec 31 in the Black Hills and Custer State Park. Only full-curl rams are legal. The application period is Apr 22-May 19. Due to small herd sizes, very few permits are issued annually.

When is Bighorn Sheep hunting season in South Dakota?

Black Hills: Sep 1 - Dec 31; Custer State Park: Sep 1 - Dec 31. Drawing only, apply Apr 22 - May 19.

What is the bag limit for Bighorn Sheep in South Dakota?

1 ram per license (drawing permit only). Restricted to South Dakota residents only.

What's another name for Bighorn Sheep?

Bighorn Sheep is also known as Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Bighorn in South Dakota.

How big do bighorn sheep get?

weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb); the sheep typically weigh up to 143 kg (315 lb)

Size

weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb); the sheep typically weigh up to 143 kg (315 lb)

References

State Category Directory Subcategory Content Source
South Dakota Hunting Regulations Season Dates Black Hills: Sep 1 - Dec 31; Custer State Park: Sep 1 - Dec 31. Drawing only, apply Apr 22 - May 19. Link
South Dakota Hunting Regulations Regulations Bighorn sheep hunting in South Dakota is limited to residents only and is available through a highly competitive drawing Link