The Dakotan:
This is Outdoor Issues with Neil Roberts and North Dakota Game and Fish Outreach biologist Greg Gullickson.
Neil Roberts:
Some good news for one of North Dakota's rare species, the bighorn sheep. A recent survey indicates the numbers are upgraded. And tell us more about it.
Greg Gullickson:
Yeah, that's right. Our department recently conducted a survey in March and it revealed a record 335 bighorn sheep in western North Dakota. That's up 4% from last year and 15% above the five year average. And this count surpasses the previous record of 322 bighorns in 2020. And when we do these surveys, we're counting the rams, ewes and lambs.
Greg Gullickson:
And one of the big things was the increase of the lamb production, which is basically our new crop for next year. So some good news for those of us that like to pursue and watch bighorn sheep in Western North Dakota.
Neil Roberts:
All right. Good stuff, Greg. And hey, more on bighorn sheep when we come back.
The Dakotan:
You're listening to Outdoor Issues with Neil Roberts on the Dakotan Network.
Neil Roberts:
Talking Bighorn Sheep today on Outdoor Issues. And Greg, a big success story relative to those numbers we talked about. Tell us about it.
Greg Gullickson:
Absolutely. Game and Fish recently partnered with three affiliated tribes, and we work with a bunch of partners, you know, with the gaming fish, the National Park Service and the three fold the tribes were almost up to 500 bighorn sheep in the state. And it's just a great thing to see out there. We are going to monitor that population.
Greg Gullickson:
There are some disease issues that come and go through that population. So again, for those of us that applied for that bighorn sheep tag, that season will be determined September 1st.
Neil Roberts:
Good stuff. Greg, that will bring this report to a close. If you missed one, check us on the Website outdoorissues.com. Until next time. Neil Roberts.
The Dakotan:
You're listening to the Dakotan Network. Real, Honest, Local News.