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OutdoorNebraska.org | 39 BIGHORN SHEEP 2019 FORECAST Bighorn sheep herds inhabit the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills of western Nebraska, with a current population of approximately 250. Past transplants have established bighorns in some of their historic range. Research efforts continue to monitor herd health, movement, distribution and future transplant locations. Lamb survival in the southern Panhandle remains good, with populations stable to increasing. Lamb survival in the Pine Ridge remains poor, but was better in 2018. A significant loss of adults in the Sowbelly herd resulted in a population reduction. Staff continue to monitor populations and herd health. BIGHORN SHEEP HUNTING AREA All of Banner, Box Butte, Dawes, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. The exact hunting location within Banner, Box Butte, Dawes, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan and Sioux counties will be determined by the Commission, depending on ram availability. PERMITS • One lottery permit and one auction permit are authorized for 2018. • Only residents may apply for the lottery permit. • The lottery application fee is a nonrefundable $29. • The application period is April 15 - Aug. 2, 2019, and the drawing will be Aug. 28, 2019. • Mail order applications must be received at the Lincoln office of Nebraska Game and Parks by 5 p.m. CT on Aug. 2, 2019. • Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 2, 2019. LOTTERY AND AUCTION Proceeds from lottery entries and auctions have raised more than $1 million for the Bighorn Sheep Program. These proceeds are a critical revenue source for the program. APPLICATIONS AUCTION RESULTS Highest auction bid, with sponsoring organization: 1998 - $87,500, Safari Club International 2000 - $85,000, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep 2002 - $55,000, Safari Club International 2005 - $83,000, Grand Slam Club Ovis 2009 - $80,000, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep 2011 - $117,500, Grand Slam Club Ovis 2015 - $130,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2017 - $115,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2018 - $135,000, Grand Slam Club Ovis 2019 - $115,000, Wild Sheep Foundation Year Total Year Total Year Total 1998 3,443 2005 1,445 2012 None 1999 1,996 2006 None 2013 None 2000 1,806 2007 None 2014 1,153 2001 886 2008 1,357 2015 2,307 2002 1,838 2009 1,547 2016 2,597 2003 1,595 2010 None 2017 2,754 2004 1,585 2011 1,762 2018 1,762