On February 3, 2008 the Wild Sheep Society of BC, the Kamloops Indian Band and the Ministry of Environment teamed up together to attempt to capture sheep to transplant to the Alkali Lake area. The project was dubbed "Project Coming Home" since the captured animals are descendants of a group captured at the Junction Sheep Range Park (near Riske Creek) more than 20 years ago.

The transplant was initiated due to the fact that the herd on KIB land (MT Paul) was coming into conflict with both the local industry’s and the near by highway. Recent losses due to collisions with vehicles were a motivating factor. In conjunction with the MOE, the decision was made to boost the Cariboo region herd. Herds in the Cariboo had peaked in the mid-90's but have been declining ever since.
Representatives from the WSSoBC, the KIB and MOE baited the sheep over a 10-day period. A daily supply of alfalfa and corn mash was placed under a net; observers took note on a daily basis of the number of sheep coming to the bait. On Sunday morning with over 60 volunteers representing the KIB, WSS and MOE, the net was dropped and 26 sheep were captured. The group included 4 young rams, about 8 lambs and the balance were ewes. Nine of the females were fitted with VHF radio-collars and released near Alkali along the Fraser River just before dark on Sunday.

Patrick Dielman, Wildlife Technician for MOE in Williams Lake has informed us that tracking of the collared sheep since their release on Sunday evening has shown they have split into a few smaller groups, but all have remained in the general vicinity of the release site.
The Wild Sheep Society of BC would like to extend its gratitude to the Kamloops Indian Band, the MOE and the large number of volunteers who helped make this capture and transplant possible. We look forward to working with all parties again in the future for the betterment of the Wild Sheep of BC.

UPDATE

Patrick Dielman, Wildlife Technician for MOE in Williams Lake has conducted 3 fixed wing flights to monitor the collared transplanted sheep. The first flight taking place on February 22nd. On the last telemetry flight (March 27th) two groups were observed. With one group situated by the Fraser river below the release site. The other group hs moved farther up Alkali Creek close to ranch hayfields on a ridge to the south. This group has been observed in the ranch hayfields. Both groups are still relatively close to the release site. We will continue to keep you informed on the progress of the latest transplants.