Elk NetworkConservation Practices Lead to Amazing Ram

General | February 15, 2018

The largest recorded bighorn ram horns ever found were discovered in the fall of 2016 on Flathead Lake’s Wild Horse Island in Montana. The skull and horns weigh approximately 48 pounds. The horns themselves score 216-3/8 Boone and Crockett points and are about seven inches larger than the previous world record.

“Any animal making our minimum score is a testament to great habitat but potentially the largest sheep ever is something special,” said Justin Spring, Boone and Crockett Club director of Big Game Records. “It’s significant to sportsmen, wildlife managers, conservationists and anyone who appreciates what nature is capable of. The fact that this iconic species that was once on the brink of extinction exists at all is remarkable. Combine this with the fact that today’s wild sheep face ever present human encroachment, disease issues, and very specific habitat requirements, yet are thriving in much of today’s West on our public lands; that is conservation in action. Considering we have had the three largest rams in recorded history hold the number-one spot since 2000, I would say the North American model is working.”

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks credits the size and stature of the horns to continual habitat restoration and stewardship work as well as the ability of the species to remain secluded on the remote island.

(Photo source: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)