Last year, for example, Utah released only 37 permits for desert bighorn, of which three went to nonresidents, and 15 permits for Rocky Mountain sheep, with no permits for nonresidents.

And, while sheep have been widely distributed throughout Utah, McLaughlin said there are still more transplants planned.

"The DWR has identified six locations in Utah where it is believed sheep once grazed, but those areas are without sheep today. Those areas hold prime habitat, and the sheep we put there should do well," he noted.

So why go to the trouble and expense to reintroduce bighorn sheep?

"They were native to Utah. I think there's an ethical responsibility. When the West was settled, people brought in domestic sheep and goats, and they were the conduit for disease. There was also some overharvesting before controls were put in place," he noted. "We've taken steps to bring back bighorn. It's important we bring them back."

Noting the loss of sheep and other big game animals to overharvesting, Utah placed hunting restrictions on big game animals in 1876. In 1899, all hunting of bighorn sheep was stopped.

As noted, McLaughlin has identified six new areas as release sites. One of the main requirements when selecting a release site is that it has been and is currently void of domestic sheep.

"Any range where domestic sheep have grazed is potentially dangerous for wild sheep. Domestic sheep still have diseases that can kill wild sheep," he noted.

With more sheep comes the opportunity for people to actually see one of the animals in the wild.

One of the most visible herds is located along the highway between Arches National Park and Moab. A single ewe was released and moved to grazing areas along the highway. Other sheep joined her over the years and now make up a group called the "Town Herd."

In November, during the breeding season, the DWR conducts tours to possible viewing sites. This is a time when rams battle to gain the attention of the ewes by butting heads. These battles are rarely dangerous, but the collision between two rams can be heard for miles.

McLaughlin hopes that as sheep numbers increase and more herds are established, more viewing opportunity will be made available.

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