TPWD releasing native desert bighorn sheep populations in West Texas this fall

Desert bighorn sheep continue to make a comeback in Texas as wildlife officials ram through efforts to restore the population that was once extinct in the Lone Star State.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced plans earlier this month to restore the native species to the Franklin Mountains this fall, as part of a decades-long effort to revitalize the sheep's population in its historic habitat around the state.

Repopulation of the herd in Franklin Mountains State Park will begin in October.

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How many desert bighorn sheep are in Texas?

There are currently 11 free-ranging herds, established through restocking efforts that began in 1954. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are approximately 1,500 desert bighorn sheep across Far West Texas, ranging from Big Bend to El Paso.

What are the biggest threats to the desert bighorn sheep?

In the 1960s, the species became extirpated from Texas due to overhunting and disease from domestic sheep.

They also face competition from a larger and stronger African species, the aoudad, which favors the same terrain and resources. Known also as Barbary sheep, aoudads began to invade Texas in 1957 after private owners released nearly 40 of them as legal game to boost economic activity for ranchers.

Are there any hunting or harvesting regulations for the species?

Permits are required to hunt the desert bighorn sheep. The permit specifies the bag limit, which is one ram, and the hunter can only possess one ram. Hunters must also have a valid Texas hunting license.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas officials releasing desert bighorn sheep populations this fall