Bighorn rut in mid-December?

Business has me in Denver on December 13 and I have two days of vacation left. I was planning on taking vacation at Christmas but if there is any chance of catching some head butting then I'll pack the camera gear and finish-up the vacation on the 14 & 15th. Unfortunately other committments prevent me from coming out until the evening of the 12th so I can't make it out before my meeting. I know nothing is guaranteed but any quess on the chances of catching the end of the rut and recommendations of where to look would be appreciated.

Dean, it is hard to say whether or not the rut will still be going on...the weather here has been a bit warmer this year, so I would say the possibility exists. Even last year, they go up to about that time, and this year seems to be starting off a bit slow. Best locations for me have been around Georgetown and Dumont. Mostly the mountains on the west side of I-70 on that stretch. Also Thompson Canyon can be a good spot, just a few miles outside of Estes Park on highway 34 heading towards Loveland. Hope that helps!

I think Kurt meant on the north side of I-70. You will definitely see sheep, but whether they'll be butting heads is questionable. Even when they are actively butting heads it can sometimes only be occasional with long rest periods.

Thanks - I've had good luck a couple of times in prior years in Thompson Canyon when I have been out in late October and early November but it's always been too early for the rut. My trips to Denver never seem to come at the right time. I've never had much luck around Georgetown but from following your posts it is obvious they are there, just not when I am or I'm just not looking at the right places.
On Route 34, I typically just drive up and down the canyon as slow as traffic will let me, keeping one eye on the road and the other on the mountian side, pulling off when there is an opportunity.

Since we're on this topic, is morning or evening better for finding them, or does it not matter? I guess from Kurt's experience, it would be helpful to also know when the harrassing "officers" are usually not around...

Morning is best around Georgetown and Dumont.

Thanks Don.