After five attempts by helicopter – and plenty by foot – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) are looking to hunters for help in eliminating the remaining bighorn sheep in the Tendoy Mountains (HD 315). While in 2015, hunters killed 24 members of the herd, 12 bighorn sheep remain. FWP has only been able to remove four additional sheep since the 2015 hunting season ended. The original decision to remove the entire herd due to disease was approved by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission last year.

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While the need to remove the herd isn’t good news, for hunters who are interested, you may get a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime animal. On Monday, Sept. 6, unlimited licenses will be available for three days to both residents ($125) and nonresidents ($1,250) at any license agent or online to help cull the remaining sheep. The hunt will begin on Sept. 15, which is the traditional opening day for bighorn sheep in Hunting District 315. Remember that if you are successful at harvesting a ram or a lamb, you’ll have to wait the required seven years before applying for a limited either-sex or legal ram license. This does not apply to ewes.

MWFP warns hunters that the remaining sheep are skittish and difficult to find. It won’t be an easy hunt.

Once the rest of the herd is removed, MFWP plans to restock the area with healthy bighorns. Stay tuned to GOHUNT for future updates.