If You Love Montana Bighorns, You’ll Love This U of Montana Study

The best way to catch a bighorn sheep is with a helicopter.

So says Dan Walsh, leader of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, and Distinguished Affiliate Faculty within the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana. Dan also points out that you need favorable conditions, good planning and a little bit of luck. Oh, and a giant net would be nice, too. It's a bit of a rodeo, and the animals make you work for it.

UM News Service tells us that the study, funded by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and also includes mountain goats, is in its second year of a five-year venture. UM researchers from the Wildlife Biology program are partnering with Montana FWP researchers and biologists among others, to capture, collar and track as many sheep and goats as they can. 

The study will survey and analyze data across 13 distinct bighorn sheep herds in Montana. Last year, the team was able to collar 128 sheep. This year they are out for more and are adding mountain goats to their capture list.

It’s believed to be one of the largest efforts undertaken in Montana for bighorn sheep, and definitely for mountain goats.

Researchers point out that bighorn sheep and mountain goats are among the American West’s most iconic species, prized by hunters and wildlife watchers alike. For centuries sheep have been regarded as sacred by some Indigenous groups, often represented in pictographs and other writings. Adding to their mystery is their choices of rugged, remote habitats.

Montana hunters and all other outdoor recreation lovers might find a deeper dive into this groundbreaking research fascinating. You can get a full account here.