Bighorn sheep??

1pump · 03-28-2003, 09:33 PM

I was be-bopping along on I84 today just east of Rufus when I saw what looked like 4 or 5 Bighorns standing on the side of the highway. They actually looked more like the Stone sheep I used to see along the Alcan.
Does Oregon have any wild sheep other than Bighorns? If not, why were they that far west? I always thought they stayed up in the Wallowas. :whazzup:

Get Bit · 03-28-2003, 10:19 PM

1P,

AS far as I know, the only bighorns in that area are the California Bighorn. They are becoming more common along the Deschutes as well as the John Day. Have seen them a bunch along I-84 as you have described.

Get Bit

brshooter · 03-29-2003, 03:21 AM

I have seen them in both the Deschutes River canyon off the lower access road and also the John Day River Canyon below the narrows. I remember about 10 years or so ago, they relocated a species of bighorn sheep from somewhere. Don't know what variety for sure. California Bighorn sounds familiar though.

TheRogue · 03-29-2003, 07:28 AM

They're California's. Every time I drive that stretch, I slow WAYYY down!! They're always there, if you take the time to look for them.

TR

King Kong · 03-31-2003, 07:54 AM

I have seen them there many times. There are some nice rams in the bunch. I just cant figure out why they hang out there right next to the highway???

outdoor.spec.ops · 04-04-2003, 08:47 AM

Maybe they get salt off the highway from de-icers and such?

night stocker · 04-08-2003, 08:24 AM

good morning.i don't know anybody that has hunted bighorns(tough to draw tag)but was wondering if they were fit to eat(sausage maybe).i always apply as i see them in hells canyon every time i go in there.thank you

night stocker · 04-08-2003, 08:26 AM

i hope i am not getting off subject

[ 04-08-2003, 09:27 AM: Message edited by: night stocker ]

Joe · 04-08-2003, 07:19 PM

Night Stocker,

I killed a California Bighorn ram a few years back that was very tasty!! A little on the tough side but I expected that from an 8 year old animal.

I would rate them up there with the best.

Those sheep are around m.p. 119 on I 84 for anyone who has not seen them. I've only seen them there in the winter. I assumed that is the winter range.

salty dog · 04-26-2003, 08:27 AM

I saw those sheep along the same stretch of I 84 about 5 years ago at about 8 am. I was so surprised I pulled off the road and got my camera out. I later checked with a friend who was a game biologist at the time. He told me the herd had been stocked about 5-6 miles south a few years earlier and had migrated north and have done well since. I slow down every tiome I drive thru the area now.

horseskull · 04-27-2003, 06:01 PM

The bighorn I killed in 2000 tasted a lot like deer. A little tough but good. Sheep hunting is a great experience. Hope to draw again, in another state though since I can't apply in Oregon ever again.