Does anyone know if there is a unit in Montana where one can just by an over the counter Bighorn tag? If so, is the hunting decent? Thanks in advance

Do a bit of reasearch on the OTC tags in MT....

They are one of the hardest hunts in North America.. There's a reason they're OTC!!

They aren't exactly OTC tags. The licences are unlimited, but you must apply for them by May 1. There were 5 units in 2008. They have very few sheep and alot of hunters. Some of the units are only open for a few days.

I used to buy a tag every year, but quit buying when the F&G put a 7 year wait on your next tag.

I got these Bighorns from a couple of the unlimited units in the mid 80's.

The unlimited tags are a joke now.Many hunters but very low quota and very rough hunt but now there are wolves all over and now the numbers of all game are down. Example will be the elk herd--10 yrs ago before the dam wolves they gave out over 2000 cow elk tags and 75 bull tags, now its 23 bull tags and 100 cow tags and only fill 65% of the tags. Apply for the great areas in Montana and play your luck, you will be happier IF you draw. Apply by end of April. Good Luck

www.african-montana-taxidermy.com

A tag for the unlimited area will run you $750.00 There is usually a couple of areas in the Beartooths and the quota has been 3 rams in the past. The season closes in 48 hours after the quota is met . Tough hunt and not alot of sheep. There is a few outfitters that guide in the unlimited areas. I would stay away from Rolling Boulder Outfitters. You can check with FWP to see how many licenses were sold and when the quotas were met.

quote:

now there are wolves all over and now the numbers of all game are down.

Isn't that the truth!

Just ask Bill Hoppe or Warren Johnson of Gardiner, MT what has happened to their elk outfitting businesses since the wolves were brought in.

Or look at the number of Bighorn Sheep, Moose and Elk licenses (as Oakman stated) that were available in the units just north of Yellowstone Park in 1995 compared to the number in those same units in 2008.