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

Lincoln Cliffs Sheep Herd

Population Objectives/Guidelines
An initial introduction of eleven bighorns to the Lincoln Cliffs area of Lincoln County occurred in 1990. Three additional sheep were released in March 1991, and five in 1996. The re-introductions were a cooperative venture between the WDFW and the BLM with a total population objective of 60 or more sheep.

Hunting Seasons and Harvest
The first permit for this herd was issued for the 1997 hunting season. The permit holder harvest a healthy adult ram which scored 154. We should be able to allow one permit for an adult ram each year, but there is not indication that biological or social reasons will allow the harvest of more than one ram per year.

The local interest in the bighorns has developed into an acute case of “local ownership” and combined with the nearly 100% private land ownership in the area it is in the best interests of the herd to limit ram permits to one per year. Herd health is monitored closely during the spring and rut season surveys. The local residents keep an eye on the animals and report to WDFW if they observe any health hazards or sick animals.

There has been no crop damage by this population. In severe winter conditions the bighorns have been known to feed on stored hay near residences in the Lincoln area.

The steppe habitat is in excellent condition and there is no competition from domestic livestock currently. Habitat is lost annually to recreational housing developments but these are at lower elevations in the Lincoln town site area. WDFW and the BLM should help stabilize the habitat base for this herd by acquiring more acres into public ownership in the Lincoln town site area. The bighorns in this herd have observed in a much larger area than the Lincoln Cliffs itself. The ear tagged animals and other members of the herd have been seen from as far east as Porcupine Bay on the Spokane Arm to the east side of Banks Lake in Grant County.

Management Conclusions
Population objectives of 60 plus bighorns have been met and the herd continues to increase. The herd meets the requirements set forth in the agency sheep management plan to allow permit harvest. To safeguard the health of this herd, we monitor reports of domestic sheep in proximity to bighorns.

Lincoln Cliffs Rams, 1997	Lincoln Cliffs Rams, 1997	Lincoln Cliffs Rams, 1997
Lincoln Cliffs Rams, 1997	December 1998	December 1998
December 1998