Wild West Nebraska

May 10, 2010 Lock, Stock and Bedlam No Comments

Hershy and I had a chance to visit the Bighorn Sheep population in western, NE near the Wildcat Hills as the wind last week was blowing 60+ mph and the sheep were all on the south slope of the Cedar Canyon WMA. We were not disappointed! Another great success story of wildlife managment is the reintroduction of these majestic creatures to NE. We are a wilderness state and if you ever get the chance to visit the Pine Ridge country you will know what I mean.

The last Audobon Sheep was extirpated from Nebraska in the late 1800s, a sad result of a Nation without a land ethic. Prior to this time, they roamed freely in the Wildcat Hills and Pine Ridge regions of Nebraska. In 1981, reintroduction efforts began thanks to partnerships with the North American Wild Sheep Foundation and the Nebraska Chapter of Safari Club International. The first dozen were released into a 500 acre inclosure at Fort Robinson State Park. Since this time, several other reintroduction efforts have resulted in strong Bighorn populations in western, NE which have become a source of pride for many residents.

I had to make a hike of it and climb the buttes to get a bit closer for the photos and it was worth the climb. These awesome creatures now call NE home once again and there is true intrensic value in knowing they are home. I will never likely hunt them but I love em’ all just the same! I am so glad they are back!

Get Em’ Out There

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