Washington Chapter | Foundation for North American Wild Sheep ( FNAWS )

Cleman Mountain Sheep Herd

Population Objectives and Harvest Trends
The objective is to restore bighorn sheep to native ranges and allow for increases in their population size compatible with the carrying capacity of the habitat. The Cleman herd was established in 1967 and hunting was allowed in the 1970’s and early 80’s until a decline in total numbers and production resulted in the season being closed in 1984. The season re-opened in 1997, after supplementation of the population allowed for an increase in production. One permit was issued in 1997 in addition to the raffle hunter so a total of two rams were harvested. Three permits will be offered in 2002.

Habitat Condition and Trend
Forage conditions are excellent in all areas as a result of good winter moisture providing excellent growing conditions for native grasses on all ranges. Noxious weeds are present on all sheep ranges especially on roadways. It is important to continue management of these areas to prevent further invasion of noxious weeds.

Augmentation/Habitat Enhancement
Three animals that were released on the Cleman Mountain unit from Kamloops, B.C. in 1996 were radio collared and their movements monitored. This provided valuable information as to the movement patterns of the two ewes and the ram.

Management Conclusions
Augmentation has provided a very valuable boost to the Cleman herd during the past few years. The Cleman herd had remained stagnant until animals released in 1989, 1990, and 1996 provided reproductive animals that were able to overcome natural mortality. Another indicator of the herd of the health is the harvest of a ram by the auction permit holder than green scored 176 B & C in 2001. The last augmentation has proved to be the impetus the herd needed. Production has gone up considerably, although spring surveys in 2002 produced a high total count of sheep but with a low lamb to ewe ratio. The population is now at its highest level since animals were released in 1967. We are at a critical level of insuring this herd remains disease free.

Cleman Mtn, June 2002	Cleman Mtn, June 2002	Cleman Mtn, June 2002
Cleman Feeding Station December 2001	Cleman Feeding Station December 2001	Cleman Feeding Station December 2001