Devil Canyon Bighorn Sheep Translocations

In 1973, 39 bighorn sheep were translocated to Devil Canyon from Whiskey Basin in Wyoming by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). Few sheep remained in 2004. The WGFD began a Devil Canyon supplemental bighorn sheep translocation project as part of an effort to create a source herd that may be used for other lower elevation area translocations and limited hunting. Fourteen ewes, three rams, and three lambs from the Lower Deschutes River area in Oregon were translocated to Devil Canyon in December 2004. In January 2006, 13 ewes, 3 yearling rams, and 5 lambs were captured by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) in the Havre area of Montana, and then translocated to the north rim of Devil Canyon. This second translocation was the final phase of the project. The current population is approximately 110, with an objective of 200. WGFD continues to monitor the population.