Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, symbols of resilience and alpine grandeur, endured their worst year in recent memory, forcing wildlife officials to make tough decisions on hunting licenses. 2023 saw bighorn health plummet, with widespread mortality events and respiratory outbreaks plaguing herds across the state. This grim reality has cast a long shadow over the future of these iconic animals, prompting Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to propose a significant reduction in hunting licenses for 2024.

Andy Holland, CPW’s big game manager, painted a concerning picture during a recent commission meeting. “This was not a good year for bighorn sheep health,” he declared, his voice heavy with the weight of the news. “We documented all-age mortality events in three herds, with another suspected. This is the worst report I’ve had to give in over a decade. This is our worst year for herd health in over a decade.”

The toll wasn’t confined to isolated instances. Four additional herds suffered from respiratory diseases that triggered lamb pneumonia, further jeopardizing the already fragile populations. The S32 Georgetown herd, a familiar sight perched above I-70, experienced a particularly brutal decline, plummeting from an estimated 350 in 2021 to a mere 250 just two years later. “We’ve had little to no lamb survival since 2021,” Holland stated, highlighting the severity of the respiratory pathogen outbreaks.

In the face of this stark reality, CPW proposed a 10-license cut for bighorn sheep hunting next year. This translates to a statewide reduction from 331 to 321 licenses, with both ram and ewe permits facing adjustments. The S32 herd, bearing the brunt of the respiratory illness, saw a proposed five-ewe license reduction.

The decision didn’t come lightly. Hunting plays a crucial role in bighorn sheep management, not just for population control but also for vital data collection. Hunters, through mandatory check requirements, provide invaluable information on herd health, disease presence, and other critical factors. However, in times of crisis like this, prioritizing the sheep’s well-being takes precedence.

The current challenges aren’t entirely new. Bighorn sheep populations have fluctuated for years, reaching a plateau of around 7,000 in 2021 and 2022. Despite the recent die-offs, this number has remained relatively stable for the past quarter-century. However, the decline in herd health necessitates proactive measures to ensure their long-term survival.

One key strategy involves habitat restoration and protection. Bighorn sheep require pristine environments, free from the threat of domestic sheep and goats, which can transmit deadly diseases. Maintaining this separation remains paramount, requiring careful management and awareness.

Transplantation efforts also play a vital role. Over half of Colorado’s current herds are the result of reintroductions, meticulously planned attempts to repopulate suitable habitats where bighorn sheep were once extirpated. But suitable locations are dwindling, necessitating a thorough evaluation of any potential transplants, ensuring both ecological compatibility and disease prevention.

The situation isn’t entirely bleak. CPW continues to actively manage and monitor bighorn sheep populations, working tirelessly to find solutions and mitigate threats. The recent license reduction, while a difficult decision, marks a necessary step towards safeguarding these magnificent creatures. Colorado’s bighorn sheep face a steep climb, but with dedicated efforts and careful management, their future in the Rockies may yet remain secure.

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2024