News Release Archives - January 2007

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January 23, 2007

Montana Bighorns Relocate to North Dakota

Twenty bighorn sheep from an area west of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana have a new home in western North Dakota.

State Game and Fish Department biologists released the bighorns in the northern badlands Jan. 22, the second such transplant in as many years. Last January, 19 bighorns from CMR made the trip across the state line from habitat that is similar to North Dakota's and had no difficulties acclimating to their new surroundings.

"When they jump out of that trailer they should feel like they are home," said Brett Wiedmann, big game biologist, Dickinson. "The habitat is so similar to what they are accustomed to."

Three rams and 17 ewes from the Missouri River Breaks south of Havre made the 250-mile trek unscathed, Wiedmann said. "Everything went just like clockwork," he added. "There were no surprises. The capture went well and the release was effortless. They are big, healthy sheep. We expect them to do well."

Wiedmann will be monitoring the radio-collared bighorns closely the next few weeks. "All the ewes should be pregnant," he said. "We anticipate getting some valuable information on their habitat preferences, and lamb recruitment rates for next year."

North Dakota Game and Fish Department officials appreciate the cooperation from Al Rosgaard and the rest of the staff at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. "They have been very eager to help us establish and sustain a viable bighorn sheep population in the badlands," Wiedmann said.

The entire transplant was funded by the Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep.

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