Desert Bighorns live in regions of the state marked by hot summers and little annual precipitation. The terrain is steep and made up of sand paper like rock that crumbles beneath your feet.
Herds as large as 20 sheep have been seen along the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Unlike the other 3 North American sheep these dark horned rams can be found anywhere from the flats foraging on the abundant feed, to the mountain tops of these beautiful coastal ranges. They are social animals and form herds that are usually 8–10 sheep. The desert subspecies (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) ranges from Nevada and California to west Texas and south into Mexico. The state hosts two subspecies: desert bighorn (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) and Sierra Nevada bighorn (Ovis canadensis sierrae).
Bighorn Sheep Vital Stats.
Desert Bighorn sheep are highly adapted for desert climates and can go for extended periods without drinking. Desert Bighorn Sheep Bachelor band of mature rams. From the arid desert of the Mojave to the snowy heights of the Sierras, California is home to diverse populations of bighorn sheep. The southern area below the Bill Williams River toward the Mexican border is home to the Mexicana. Range: Desert Bighorns …
The sheep in the northwest areas of Arizona from the Bill Williams River northward are classified as Nelson desert bighorn sheep.
Length with Tail: 50-62" Shoulder Height: 32-40" Sexual Maturity: 2 years ; Mating Season: Nov.-Dec. This website explores the natural history, current population status, and conservation efforts surrounding California’s desert bighorn sheep.
We have hunted in various bighorn sheep units throughout the State of Arizona. I recently did a podcast episode #145 with Craig Steele of Exclusive Pursuit Outfitters and Darr Colburn of Colburn and Scott Outfitters on the different Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Units. Chasing the Bighorn sheep in the Sonoran desert of Mexico is a true adventure.
Bighorn sheep require access to freestanding water during summer months, and in drought conditions they may water throughout the year. In this podcast we go over draw odds, number of applicants, prior years harvest data, unit …
Weight: 115-280 lbs.
Another rare group inhabits the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
The desert bighorn, Ovis canadensis nelsoni, ranges through the dry, desert mountains of eastern California, much of Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southern Utah.