BigHornRam
Well-known member
I know this is old news but I did find this good article today while looking for something else.
Bighorn Sheep Introduced Into Idaho's Lost River Range
CENTRAL IDAHO
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/
Category: Travel & Outdoor Recreation
CENTRAL IDAHO - Sixty-two bighorn sheep from Montana’s famous Sun River herd left transport trailers and climbed into the hills around Borah Peak over the weekend of January 8-9.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists released the animals after working with local livestock owners, businesses, County Commissioners and federal agencies.
Bighorns were released onto historic winter range in two groups—one near Rock Springs on the Pahsimeroi side of the range on Saturday, and the second group released on Sunday near the mouth of Rock Creek north of Mackay Reservoir. Both groups of animals promptly climbed high into the range, stopping periodically to gaze back at the group of sportsmen assisting Fish and Game officials at the release site.
"The department appreciates the efforts of everyone who helped make this release a success," Dale Toweill, State Trophy Species Coordinator, said. "The national Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) played a critical role, as did the Idaho Chapter and its members."
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has been working with federal agencies and the Dubois Sheep Experiment Station to increase the number of bighorn sheep for almost a year.
Jerry Walters of Idaho FNAWS hiked the range and talked with local livestock owners last summer and fall, attempting to locate remaining bighorns. After several were captured in December by Fish and Game, the animals were examined to determine their health status by Dr. Mark Drew, a veterinarian for the Idaho Departments of Fish and Game and Agriculture.
The opportunity to transplant bighorns into the Lost River Range occurred when the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks offered Idaho excess ewes from their Sun River herd. Bighorn sheep herds must be reduced in size periodically to keep them productive. If numbers get too high, the animals overpopulate their habitat, reducing the amount of food for all.
All of the radio-equipped sheep will be tracked to monitor their survival and movements.
Bighorn Sheep Introduced Into Idaho's Lost River Range
CENTRAL IDAHO
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/
Category: Travel & Outdoor Recreation
CENTRAL IDAHO - Sixty-two bighorn sheep from Montana’s famous Sun River herd left transport trailers and climbed into the hills around Borah Peak over the weekend of January 8-9.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists released the animals after working with local livestock owners, businesses, County Commissioners and federal agencies.
Bighorns were released onto historic winter range in two groups—one near Rock Springs on the Pahsimeroi side of the range on Saturday, and the second group released on Sunday near the mouth of Rock Creek north of Mackay Reservoir. Both groups of animals promptly climbed high into the range, stopping periodically to gaze back at the group of sportsmen assisting Fish and Game officials at the release site.
"The department appreciates the efforts of everyone who helped make this release a success," Dale Toweill, State Trophy Species Coordinator, said. "The national Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) played a critical role, as did the Idaho Chapter and its members."
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has been working with federal agencies and the Dubois Sheep Experiment Station to increase the number of bighorn sheep for almost a year.
Jerry Walters of Idaho FNAWS hiked the range and talked with local livestock owners last summer and fall, attempting to locate remaining bighorns. After several were captured in December by Fish and Game, the animals were examined to determine their health status by Dr. Mark Drew, a veterinarian for the Idaho Departments of Fish and Game and Agriculture.
The opportunity to transplant bighorns into the Lost River Range occurred when the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks offered Idaho excess ewes from their Sun River herd. Bighorn sheep herds must be reduced in size periodically to keep them productive. If numbers get too high, the animals overpopulate their habitat, reducing the amount of food for all.
All of the radio-equipped sheep will be tracked to monitor their survival and movements.
