Bighorn Lottery Raises Record Amount for Research

A record amount of more than $90,000 was raised in this year's Idaho bighorn sheep tag lottery. The winning ticket, pulled from the barrel by Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, was held by Thomas Dreyer of Wausau, Wisconsin. Two alternates were also drawn. This year's winner will be able to hunt Idaho's fabled Unit 11 in Hells Canyon. This tag goes into the lottery and to auction in alternating years. Amounts raised in each event tend to rise and fall with the Unit 11 tag. The lottery is run by the Idaho chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep while the auction is held each year at the organization's annual convention. Lottery tickets start at $10 and decrease in price for multiples bought, a system that allows hunters of moderate means to participate, a point Risch emphasized when he noted that the lottery provides "opportunity to everyone." Lottery proceeds go for wild sheep health research and forensics. The foundation may keep a portion to operate and promote the lottery. The drawing July 30 was attended at Idaho Fish and Game headquarters by foundation member, Fish and Game Director Cal Groen and other Fish and Game employees. Money raised by the drawing supports Idaho's Wildlife Health Laboratory in Caldwell. The lab investigates wildlife diseases, such as brucellosis, chronic wasting disease, West Nile virus, bighorn sheep disease and other pathogens of concern to hunters and the livestock industry. "This permit has raised $650,000 to support the Wildlife Health Laboratory since this program was begun in 1992" said Dale Toweill, trophy species coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game and the supervisor for the Wildlife Health Laboratory. "This is a shining example of how sportsmen raise funds to give something back to all citizens of Idaho, hunters or not. These funds allow wildlife veterinarians to work with the Department of Agriculture on topics of concern to both the wildlife community and livestock interests, providing direct and indirect benefits to all Idahoans."