Dept. of Wildlife relocates 25 desert bighorn sheep

According to a recent press release by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), a trapping operation held Oct. 23 and 24 in central Nevada has resulted in the capture and release of 25 desert bighorn sheep to augment a bighorn herd in the Grant Quinn Mountain Range near Ely.

NDOW biologists moved 24 ewes and lambs along with one ram from the Gabbs Valley Range, Monte Cristo Mountains and Toiyabe Mountains to Troy Peak in the Grant Quinn Range.

The relocation was to augment a remnant herd of bighorns in that mountain range.

"The herd in the Grant Quinn Range has never had more than a handful of sheep," said Steve Kimble, NDOW supervising biologist. "We are hoping the transplant will help to stimulate the population of the herd."

The U.S. Forest Service and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited provided assistance with the trapping and relocation.