Bighorn Sheep 680
For a long time running this unit and 482 have been known as the pinnacle for Bighorn Sheep, not only in the state but in the country and for good reason. It is not what it was fifteen, ten or even five years ago, but neither am I. As with a lot of big game in Eastern Montana, things are in a bit of a down cycle, but you should still be jumping off the floor a little bit if you are lucky enough to draw this permit, but if you do not draw this permit this year, look at it as building points for when the unit comes back. 482 is already on its way to being king after cutting the quota from 20 to 5. A few of us would not be surprised to see the quota go from 25 closer to 15 and we will see which unit takes the crown. Yes it makes it that much more difficult to draw but this herd could use a revamp.
Summer scouting can be difficult and black flies can be miserable during your scouting trips in the summer heat. Most folks will access areas near the ferry on the western side and areas near cow creek on the east side during summer months. Do not be surprised not to see much during your scouting trips and early fall as these sheep are in big bachelor groups in the trees or in some of the deep crevasses a good distance from the river. If you do see any you may see a band of ten or more rams together as this is kind of the norm with all the sheep herds out east.
Vehicle and side by side access can be an issue in the middle portion of this unit but that may change soon. Not sure this is the best option for the animals, but I understand the publics frustration with vehicle access being closed to all and open to one. Let me just say that if you were willing to make the effort to get back to these areas by hiking or even carrying a bike, it was rewarding. The ability to experience this will change for future tag holders.
As the September season begins, remember to be patient and do not get overly anxious. You have until after thanksgiving to fill your once and a few lifetime tags and the sheep will really start showing themselves shortly after Halloween. If you do find rams early, really look them over. This unit, along with 482, is a great time to invest in or borrow a boat. The sheep in the breaks will become far more active during the month of November not far from the river. Use caution waiting too long though as the Mighty Mo river can get nasty as the season progresses. You are a long way from anything if you beach your boat or break down, this seems to happen more often than you would think. Two boats is a great idea along with some sort of satellite communicator to be safe.
The basic breakdown for the sheep in this unit is you cannot look further east and west in the trees during the early part of the season. Late September and October they start breaking into smaller groups and moving towards some well-known grounds for November. This is hard for me to write but 170+ is more practical now, 180+ is still achievable but difficult while 190+ is probably impossible until we see a cut in the quota.
Best of Luck,
Brandon Guhy