Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: https://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1544968
28 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641 Bighorn Sheep 2026 FORECAST Bighorn sheep herds inhabit the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills of western Nebraska, with a current population of approximately 220. Past transplants have established bighorns in some of their historic range. Research monitors herd health, movement, distribution and future transplant locations. Lamb survival in the southern Panhandle was good in 2025, reducing population levels. Lamb survival in the Pine Ridge remains poor, and a significant loss of adults in the Barrel Butte herd resulted in a population reduction. SEASON DATES Dec. 1-22, 2026 BIGHORN SHEEP HUNTING AREA All of Banner, Box Butte, Dawes, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. The exact hunting location will be determined by the Commission, depending on ram availability. PERMITS • One auction and one lottery permit are authorized for 2026. • Only residents may apply for the lottery permit. • The lottery application fee is a nonrefundable $34. • The application period is April 20 – Aug. 7, 2026. • Mailed applications must be received at the Lincoln office of Game and Parks by 5 p.m. CT on Aug. 7, 2026. Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 7, 2026. LOTTERY AND AUCTION Proceeds from lottery entries and auctions have raised more than $1 million for the Bighorn Sheep Program. These proceeds are a critical revenue source for the program. LOTTERY APPLICATIONS AUCTION RESULTS Highest auction bid, with sponsoring organization: 1998 - $87,500, Safari Club International 2000 - $85,000, Foundation for N. American Wild Sheep 2002 - $55,000, Safari Club International 2005 - $83,000, Grand Slam Club Ovis 2009 - $80,000, Foundation for N. American Wild Sheep 2011 - $117,500, Grand Slam Club Ovis 2015 - $130,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2017 - $115,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2018 - $135,000, Grand Slam Club Ovis 2019 - $115,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2021 - $210,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2022 - $330,000, Foundation for N. American Wild Sheep 2023 - $370,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2024 - $240,000, Foundation for N. American Wild Sheep 2025 - $420,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2026 - $370,000, Wild Sheep Foundation Year Total Year Total Year Total 1998 3,443 2008 1,357 2018 1,762 1999 1,996 2009 1,547 2019 2,723 2000 1,806 2010 None 2020 3,172 2001 886 2011 1,762 2021 3,664 2002 1,838 2012 None 2022 3,904 2003 1,595 2013 None 2023 3,524 2004 1,585 2014 1,153 2024 3,685 2005 1,445 2015 2,307 2025 3,111 2006 None 2016 2,597 2007 None 2017 2,754