Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep
The Whiskey Mountain bighorn sheep herd encompasses hunt areas 8, 9, 10, and 23 and are resident around Whiskey Mountain, Arrow Mountain near the Shoshone National Forest and Dubois, Wyoming.
This bighorn sheep herd has struggled to recover from a catastrophic all-age die-off caused by pneumonia in 1991, causing an estimated 30% decline in sheep. The herd stays below the desired population size primarily because lamb survival is meager, likely due to the persistence of lamb pneumonia. At one time, there were an estimated 2,500 sheep in this population; today, there are about 750.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department in partnership with the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, and the University of Wyoming’s Ruckleshaus Institute completed a public engagement process exploring management concerns, issues, and opportunities for the Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Herd.
To better understand the complex and interacting factors affecting this herd, a situation assessment was completed, a panel of experts was brought in from around the country, and multiple public workshops were held to chart a path forward for this iconic bighorn sheep herd.
The Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Plan was a result of these efforts and management actions continue to improve habitat conditions and disease concerns in the area.
Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Citizen Science Opportunity to help the Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Dubois Invasive Species Watch is a Citizen Science Project to help land managers identify the extent of invasive species surrounding Whiskey Basin Wildlife Habitat Management Area, where many species, including bighorn sheep, spend their winter. The project is set up through the app iNaturalist, and anyone can register and help. See the training video below and the instructions here; both have sign-up details and can help you get going.
Bighorn sheep are a community-wide iconic wildlife species that depend heavily on intact winter ranges and migration corridors. Rapidly responding to invasive species infestations will help maintain habitat for this and other wildlife species in the area.
"We know community members are out in these areas every day and utilizing as many eyes on the ground as we can will help us be able to quickly respond to these invasive species and maintain as much healthy habitat as possible. It is invaluable for us to have citizens help on this."
This effort is in partnership with the National Bighorn Sheep Center. It is a result of the recent collaboration focused on management concerns and opportunities in the Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep herd.