Josh,
If you are serious about getting a bighorn, you are young and will probably get drawn if you apply in enough states. I've drawn a Desert (AZ) and Rocky (MT). In some states, most of the available licenses go to the hunters with the highest number of Pref or bonus points. There is still a chance to get drawn in these states, even with few bonus points, as these states set a side a few tags for the general pool of applicants. Each state is a bit different. I will give a very brief summary below.
1) Colorado: You must apply for 3 years before you have a chance at getting drawn. After 3 years, you will can get draw, but better odds, the more points you have.
2) Wyoming: Apply here also, but it might take 15-20 yrs until you have max points. There is still a chance to get drawn with even 1 point, but very small percentage. WY gives out the highest number of sheep tags of any state.
3) Idaho has no preference points system and everyone has the same odds, so you could get drawn next year, just as easily as someone who as applied for 10 year. Idaho has some tough area so apply wisely.
4) Montana is home to the highest number of big sheep. Not all areas produce huge ones, but most do. Apply here for sure.
5) New Mexico: There is no bonus points system here, so it is like Idaho. Great Sheep, but limited tags. I'd apply for Desert Sheep here as 1st choice.
6) Nevada: Apply for both California Bighorn and Desert Sheep. There is no drawing for Rocky Mountain Bighorn at this time.
7) Utah: has both Rocky and Desert Sheep. Apply in this state also
8) Oregon: There is no preference points system for Bighorn, so everyone has same chance, but draw odds are very low. There are both CA bighorn and Rocky Mtn Bighorn here.
9) California has incredible Desert Bighorns. Apply here if you want a Desert
10) Arizona: Has both Rocky Mtn and Desert. Apply for Desert in this state.
11) Washington: They have CA bighorns and Rocky mtn Bighorns. Poor draw odds, but a few big sheep.
Nebraska and N. Dakota also have sheep, but very few.
I'd recommend contacting
www.Huntinfool.com, Western Hunter Magazine and Altimus Application Service to get information on Western State Drawing and application help. Cabelas also has their TAGS program that will help with applications.
Guides will run $6,000-10,000 for most of these states. It is in your best interest to hire a guide since you've probably never hunted sheep.
While applying for sheep in these states, I'd also apply for goats, antelope, moose, elk and deer if you are interested in hunting these animals. At least, start getting bonus points for the best areas.
I hope this information helps. Good success in drawing a tag. Keep at it and it will happen. If you don't get drawn, you can always book a hunt in Brit. Columbia or Alberta.