Any day in the hills with Wild Sheep, is a good day. Sunday Feb. 10th, I was once again able to participate in the South Okanagan Sportsmans Association Bighorn Sheep Count. This is an annual event , this years being the 59th. My hat goes off to this group for their continued effort. Several members onhand Sunday had many years of participation behind them.
The day was good for viewing, mostly overcast kept the glare off of the snow. This year a total of 82 sheep were counted, with about 46 ewes and 10 yearlings, which is a healthy mix.
This herd at Vaseaux Lake, is recovering from a massive die-off, first noted by club members while conducting this very count, back in 2000 (?unsure).
Some previous numbers are, from 1999 - 163 sheep, in 2003 - 28 sheep, last year 2007 - 65 (?unsure).
The count, members and helpers gathered at the Clubhouse for a great steak dinner, with appropriate thirst quenchers on hand.
All in all, a great day. I will be back again next year.