Older rams’ horns can weigh up to 30 pounds and can exceed 51 inches in length and 16 inches at the base. This old ram took on two young contenders up Petty Creek last month. (Photo by Michael Thompson, FWP)
December 12, 2018
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“Bighorn sheep are undoubtedly one of the most iconic and revered wildlife species in Montana, yet in comparison to most big game animals, relatively little is known about their population,” stated a 2013 Fish, Wildlife & Parks report. There are roughly 6,000 bighorns in Montana with approximately 700 living in Region 2 of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks map which includes herds up Petty Creek near Alberton and near St. Regis. Over the years, the numbers grew to 1,500 with the 1970s herd producing trophy-size rams.