North Dakota’s Bighorn Sheep Population Hits New Heights

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reporting encouraging growth in the state’s bighorn sheep population, with a record 378 animals counted in the badlands of western North Dakota during the 2025 survey.

The total marks an 8% increase from 2024 and sits 10% above the five-year average, continuing a strong upward trend that has now produced five record counts in the past six years. According to big game biologist Brett Wiedmann, the survey documented 104 rams, 234 ewes, and 40 lambs.

The northern badlands herd reached its highest level on record, while the southern population remained stable but near historic lows since reintroduction efforts began in 1966. Not included in the survey are additional herds located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

Recently, Game and Fish also revealed that over 36,000 hunters filled over 20,000 deer tags last season.

Despite the positive overall numbers, biologists noted challenges with lamb survival. Fewer lambs made it through the winter, with pneumonia identified as a likely factor. Department veterinarian Logan Weyand said fluctuations in lamb survival are expected due to lingering bacteria first detected in 2014.

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Even with those challenges, the statewide population remains near 500 animals. Officials say a 2026 hunting season is tentatively planned, with final decisions to follow next year’s summer survey.