FWP Seeks Comment On Bighorn Sheep Strategy

18 Aug

FWP Seeks Comment On Bighorn Sheep Strategy

Author: Rudy | Category: Conservation

Photo by © Daryl L. Hunter

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on the state’s first-ever Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep conservation strategy, which will guide management of the prized big game species for the next 10 years.

“The conservation strategy for bighorn sheep draws together in one document Montana’s bighorn sheep management history and future goals and objectives,” said FWP’s Tom Carlsen, the wildlife biologist managing the project.

Montana has never produced a comprehensive plan for bighorn sheep management even though Montana has successfully reestablished bighorn populations across the state.

The strategy establishes eight statewide objectives and offers key narrative histories of all existing herds, including past and current management and the opportunities and challenges facing each population.

There are now 45 populations of bighorns across Montana with 36 sustaining limited hunting. Officials estimate that 5,700 bighorn sheep inhabit Montana, excluding Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.

The comment deadline is Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. To comment, visit FWP’s Web site at fwp.mt.gov. Click “ Bighorn Sheep Plan.” Send written comments to: Bighorn Sheep Strategy, Montana FWP, P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701.