Game Report: Reintroduction of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in the Black Hills, South Dakota, 1986-1994
Benzon TA and Halseth R. 1999. Game Report: Reintroduction of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in the Black Hills, South Dakota, 1986-1994. Completion Report No. 99-12. Pittman-Robertson Project W-75-R-35. Study Number 7534.. South Dakota Department of Game, Fish And Parks. Pierre, SD
"Numerous sites were evaluated within the entire Black Hills to determine potential release sites for bighorn sheep. Five sites wee further evaluated for site specific advantages and disadvantages. Of these sites, Spring Creek Canyon was selected for the first transplant site. During 1991, 26 bighorns were released within the canyon. An additional 5 bighorns were released in the canyon during 1992. During 1991 and 1992, dispersal from the release site occurred and, by 1993, 3 sub-herds were established within the Black Hills. Population growth within all 3 sub-herds was documented with 29 in 1991, 42 in 1992, 51 in 1993, and 69 in 1994. Lamb production was documented at 6 in 1991, 11 in 1992, 12 in 1993, and 18 in 1994. Herd growth and lamb production and survival would indicate that the transplant was a success." (from document Abstract) A survey of the bighorn sheep herd within the Badlands National Park was initiated to determine the feasibility of using a portion of the herd for transplant purposes within the Black Hills. Lamb/ewe ratios of 73/100 in 1988, and 79/100 in 1989 indicate good lamb production. Yearling/ewe ratios of 43/100 in 1988, and 41/100 in 1989 indicates good lamb survival. Survey results estimated population numbers at 133-200 bighorns within the park. Limited removal of bighorns from the BADL for transplant purposes was determined to be a viable option. Five bighorns were removed and transplanted within the Black Hills during 1992.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Benzon, Ted; Halseth, Rick
- Date of Issue
- 1999-07
- Publisher
- South Dakota Department of Game, Fish And Parks
- Units
- BADL , WICA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Mammals, Management, Monitoring, Reintroduction, Vertebrates, Wildlife Management