Outlook Brightens for Bighorn Sheep in Lost River Mountains

Bighorn sheep once ranged far and wide in the Lost River Mountain range. But their numbers have declined for decades to a low of only 100 wild sheep. Recent events promise a brighter future for bighorns in the Lost River Range. Federal and state agencies, sportsmen groups, local ranchers and residents are collaborating to provide more secure habitat for bighorns in this remote mountain range. "Cooperation is key to this effort," Mike Foster said. He is the wildlife biologist for the Salmon-Challis National Forest. "The combined effort of everyone involved is aimed at ensuring habitat to support a long-term viable population of bighorn sheep." A major step forward came this summer when the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) reached a win-win agreement with the last remaining rancher to graze domestic sheep in the heart of wild sheep habitat. The agreement would maintain a viable livestock operation and at the same time minimize contact between domestic and wild sheep. "Domestic sheep are very hearty, and some bacteria that have no effect on domestic sheep will kill bighorns," Dale Toweill, Idaho Fish and Game's statewide trophy species manager said. "The department will transplant wild bighorn sheep only in areas where there is little or no chance of them ever encountering domestic sheep." Back in the 1990s the Salmon-Challis National Forest began collecting data to determine the carrying capacity of the area for bighorn sheep. Analysis of summer range, winter range, suitable lambing terrain and escape cover were used to determine the viability of the area to support a healthy bighorn sheep population. The Forest Service identified 400,000 acres of public land held by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management as the project area. Aerial and ground surveys documenting the bighorns' current use of the area closely reflected the project area identified through the habitat analysis. Forest Service modeling estimates the existing habitat could support a large number of wild sheep in the Lost River Range. But this is unattainable unless the transmission of disease from domestic to wild sheep can be resolved. FNAWS' agreement with the allotment permittee opens the door for bighorn sheep recovery in the Lost River Range. At the same time, it helps the rancher maintain a viable livestock operation. "This would have never happened without the cooperation and support of well-respected members of the local ranching community," Jerry Walters with Idaho FNAWS chapter said. Community support for reviving the bighorn sheep in the Lost River Mountains is gaining momentum. Sportsmen and local residents have already started pitching in on a variety of habitat improvements that will benefit bighorn sheep. Twenty-one volunteers assisted the allotment permittee in maintaining drift fences that separate his allotments from other allotments. And others have helped collect wild sheep fecal samples that will aid in habitat and health analysis. Local businesses anticipate an economic stimulus from wildlife watchers and hunters as the bighorn populations increases. Many outdoor enthusiasts already visit the Mackay area to climb Idaho's highest peak, Mt. Borah. The presence of wild sheep will make the trip even more memorable. "Lots of people see bighorn sheep as a majestic animal," local taxidermist Greg Mitchell said. "When there used to be sheep in the mountains, people came to see them. And when people come here they will need a place to sleep, eat and buy supplies." "Managing for bighorn sheep requires the support of local landowners, sportsmen and management agencies," Foster said. "By involving as many people as possible, we set the stage for better decisions and long-term success."