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Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1468406
Bighorn Sheep 2022 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 monitors 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, and a significant loss of adults in the Barrel Butte herd resulted in a population reduction. Staff are monitoring populations and herd health. SEASON DATES Nov. 29 – Dec. 22, 2022 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 auction and one lottery permit are authorized for 2022. • Only residents may apply for the lottery permit. • The lottery application fee is a nonrefundable $29. • The application period is April 18 – Aug. 5, 2022. • Mailed applications must be received at the Lincoln office of Game and Parks by 5 p.m. CT on Aug. 5, 2022. • Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 5, 2022. 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. LOTTERY APPLICATIONS AUCTION RESULTS Highest auction bid, with sponsoring organization: 1998 - $87,500, Safari Club International 2000 - $85,000, Foundation for N. American Wild Sheep 2002 - $55,000, Safari Club International 2005 - $83,000, Grand Slam Club Ovis 2009 - $80,000, Foundation for N. 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 2021 - $210,000, Wild Sheep Foundation 2022 - $330,000, Foundation for N. American Wild Sheep Year Total Year Total Year Total 1998 3,443 2006 None 2014 1,153 1999 1,996 2007 None 2015 2,307 2000 1,806 2008 1,357 2016 2,597 2001 886 2009 1,547 2017 2,754 2002 1,838 2010 None 2018 1,762 2003 1,595 2011 1,762 2019 2,723 2004 1,585 2012 None 2020 3,172 2005 1,445 2013 None 2021 3,664 OutdoorNebraska.org | 29