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I wanted to point out the important part of the article posted and why changes are needed if we want to see healthier herds and more Rams of all age classes on Albertans sheep ranges.


It turns out shrinking horn sizes from the bighorn hunt aren't due to any unseen biological effect. Animals with big horns are rarer simply because hunters shoot lots of them.
"Any shift in the distribution of body mass among males is demographic," Traill said. "Changes are largely driven by the removal of larger animals
"There are simply fewer males."
That means that the number of big males with fully curled horns could easily rebound if they weren't targeted as much.
"Any decreased frequency of hunting will simply mean that fewer large males are being shot, and thus the likelihood of large males being found in the population may increase," said Traill.
He pointed out that letting big males breed is also good for the overall health of a herd.
"It will always be better to let males in their prime breed," said Traill, who added it remains "prudent practice" to target older males "past their mating prime."
Alberta Environment is examining its hunting regulations around bighorns to try to determine if adjustments need to be made to improve stocks.
"We are in the process of completing a new management plan for bighorn sheep," said spokeswoman Carrie Sancartier.
"Once that is completed there is expected to be a public discussion that will include harvest."