Sheep wars

Here's an interesting article from Great Falls Tribune outdoors editor Michael Babcock examining bighorn sheep management in Montana. The story takes a look at FWP's policy of relocating sheep from Montana herds that have grown beyond the department's population targets.

The story raises some important questions.

When sheep are relocated to other states trying to reestablish sheep populations, does that result in fewer bighorn hunting opportunities for Montanans? Or, are those herds likely to suffer die offs if the animals are not captured? Bighorns are notoriously susceptible to disease. If range conditions deteriorate due to over browsing by the critters, that problem is magnified. If Montanans want to control those populations through hunting, are there enough sheep hunters out there willing to pass on big rams to kill ewes? Breeding-age females are the biologically critical animals in population control. If you want to reduce a population you have to target females.