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Biologist says ND bighorns are thriving

2008-10-09 23:22:00
Author: BizWire

Fargo, ND - A state Game and Fish Department biologist says the bighorn sheep in North Dakota's badlands are in excellent shape.

Biologist Brett Wiedmann says a survey over the past two months found more than 300 bighorns. He says 232 sheep were counted in the northern badlands and 84 in the southern badlands.

Wiedmann says the total included 93 rams, 162 ewes and a record 61 lambs. He says officials still would like to increase the herd in the southern badlands to 125 sheep, but the northern badlands have better conditions.

The number of lambs is one more than the mark set in 2005.

Overall, Wiedmann says the number of bighorns is up 9 percent from last year.

North Dakota's bighorn sheep hunting season opens Friday and runs through Oct. 26. Officials say six licenses have been issued.

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