Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocks
From my experience and I'm by no means an expert non-mine Willmore rams don't reach 4/5ths until 7.5 yrs. Just talked to a guide for one of the outfitters there and he said 7.5 to 8.5 is the average for just legal rams. Those Kakwa rams are a little different than the ones in the Willmore and I wouldn't doubt the 8.5 number is right.
I remember when the mine was shut down and there was open access before they brought in the 444/446 draw, after all the big rams got shot up, all the 4.5 yr olds were getting taken because on the mine only they were 4/5ths at 4.5 years old. Just goes to show you how good feed makes for good horn growth.
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Ya, I've seen the same thing Rocks. The Willmore is definitely the northern extent of bighorn range and they truly are different sheep. They take considerably longer to reach 4/5ths than southern rams and body wise they are considerably smaller as well. Even their ears are smaller..
I agree that feed and the more harsh climate are responsible.