NORTH DAKOTA BIGHORNS
Bighorn sheep still thriving in state
The latest survey was a record 364 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota , up 5 % from 2022 and 16 % above the five-year average .
by Doug Leier
Outreach Biologist ND Game and Fish Dept .
The fish and wildlife variety in North Dakota is truly impressive . From paddlefish and pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River , to trophy catfish and the recent repopulation of sturgeon in the Red River .
We ’ re home to mountain lions , moose and elk , also the unique furbearers including river otters , fishers , bobcats and American martens .
While few outside of the state would recognize the variety , North Dakotans take pride in sharing the water and land with these unique residents . One of the more notable is the bighorn sheep .
The story and history of bighorn sheep is equally impressive .
“ The last native bighorn confirmed in the state was killed in 1905 at Magpie Creek ,” said Brett Wiedmann , North Dakota Game and Fish Department big game management biologist . “ And we know that in the late 1800s , Theodore Roosevelt hunted bighorns in North Dakota and killed a
ND Game & Fish Dept .
bighorn at Bullion Butte , but the animals were scarce by then .”
Fast forward to 2024 and the latest survey was a record 364 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota , up 5 percent from 2022 and 16 percent above the five-year average . The count surpassed the previous record of 347 bighorns in 2022 .
Department biologists count and classify all bighorn sheep in late summer , then recount lambs the following March as they approach one year of age to determine recruitment .
Page 80 , Dakota Country , September 2024 www . dakotacountrymagazine . com