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Published September 07, 2009, 07:13 AM

Bighorn sheep population is high

The state Game and Fish Department says North Dakota’s bighorn sheep population is in excellent shape. Big game biologist Brett Wiedmann said a survey earlier this summer found 309 bighorns, down only seven from last year’s record.

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — The state Game and Fish Department says North Dakota’s bighorn sheep population is in excellent shape.

Big game biologist Brett Wiedmann said a survey earlier this summer found 309 bighorns, down only seven from last year’s record.

Wiedmann said he thought the population would be much lower because of the harsh winter. But he said the adult sheep are in great shape, along with a surprisingly high number of lambs.

Survey results showed 98 rams, 161 ewes and 50 lambs. There were 242 bighorns in the northern Badlands, an increase of 10 from last year, and 67 in the southern Badlands, down 17. Wiedmann said that some sheep will be moved from the north to the south this winter to bolster the southern herd.

North Dakota’s bighorn sheep hunting season opens Oct. 9 and continues through Oct. 25. Five licenses were issued.

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