Conservation spotlight

Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society
By David McCasland, 2007 vice president

How did your group get started?

In 1967, a group of 46 concerned sportsman and conservationists got together for a single purpose dedicated to increasing the desert bighorn sheep population within Arizona. Out of these humble beginnings the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society was formed. This year we celebrate 40 years of working to improve bighorn sheep habitat and numbers within the state of Arizona. We have evolved into an organization that is now working to increase both desert bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep populations in the state.

What is the purpose of the ADBSS?

Since 1967, the purpose and mission of the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society has been guided by eight goals:

• Develop water resources for bighorn sheep.
• Reintroduce bighorn sheep into suitable historic ranges.
• Prevent human encroachment onto bighorn sheep habitat.
• Assist government agencies with bighorn sheep population surveys.
• Support the reduction of feral burro populations in bighorn sheep habitat.
• Educate the public about bighorn sheep and their survival needs.
• Promote research needed for better management of bighorn sheep.
• Support efforts to reduce competition with domestic livestock and predators where necessary.

The first two goals, waterhole development and bighorn sheep transplants, have been the primary focus of our organization.

How many members do you have?

At the present time we have approximately 1100 members.

What does the ADBSS do?

The ADBSS holds five to seven waterhole development and habitat restoration projects annually. These occur between January and May. In late February to mid-March, the Sheep Society holds a fundraiser. This year’s event is scheduled for March 17. In September, the ADBSS hosts a Sheep Hunter’s Clinic. This clinic provides an opportunity for those successful in drawing a sheep tag to learn how to recognize, age and score bighorn sheep prior to going hunting. In November, we are often assisting the Arizona Game and Fish Department with transplants. We also have board meetings, which anyone may attend, that occur the second Wednesday of each month from January thru November. Since we started back in 1967, the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society has built and restored more than 160 waterhole developments. We’ve assisted in transplanting more than 500 desert bighorn sheep in 40 years, and in the last two years have assisted with transplanting 60 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep into the West Clear Creek area, north and east of Camp Verde.

While the conservation spotlight is shining on ADBSS, what would you like to say?

The drought, and in some areas predator populations, have negatively impacted bighorn sheep in the state. We are working with state and federal agencies to address the impacts these issues have on bighorn sheep populations. New homes sprouting up across the state sometimes threaten important travel corridors for bighorn sheep. The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society works with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies to help identify these important corridors. Where necessary, we are willing to spend money to keep these important corridors open. We work to raise money year-round that can be used to help pay for the costs of the water developments, transplants and habitat restoration.

We are always looking for new members that want to take an active part in bighorn sheep conservation. Anyone interested in helping is welcome.

This year, we have started a new program that takes our conservation story into the public schools. To date, we have made presentations to two schools in Chandler. We hope this program can grow. If anyone is interested in hearing about this new program, please contact us.

Come join us on a project or two and learn what is meant by “Cine Aqua Mortis,” which means “Without Water, Death.” Once you have a chance to explore the fascinating world of the bighorn sheep, you too, may want to join our organization, helping to “put sheep on the mountain.”

How can people reach you?

You can learn a great deal about us by visiting our Web site at www.adbss.org or by contacting us directly at (480) 854-8950. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 21705, Mesa, AZ 85277.