The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will open the bighorn sheep hunting starting August 1 through August 31 in the Owl Creek drainage portion of bighorn sheep Hunt Area 5. According to WGFD, "The new early opening date for the select area is to provide hunters an opportunity to harvest any bighorn sheep to minimize commingling with domestic sheep." Domestic sheep pose a disease risk to the native bighorn sheep population.

Governor Mark Gordon granted WGFD authority for the new season dates through an emergency rule that amended Chapter 9 - bighorn sheep and mountain goat hunting seasons. The emergency rule for extending hunt season dates was necessary to address the time period when domestic sheep are present in the Owl Creek drainage.

Each licensed bighorn sheep tag holder for Area 5 will receive a letter from WGFD with additional information.

If you or any other hunters have questions about the August 1 opener, the Owl Creek drainage limitation, or access please contact the Cody Regional Office at (307) 527-7125.