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Idaho bighorn sheep lottery tag won by California hunter

This undated photo shows a Bighorn ram and other sheep in Hells Canyon, Idaho. (Vic Coggins / Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Initiative)
This undated photo shows a Bighorn ram and other sheep in Hells Canyon, Idaho. (Vic Coggins / Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Initiative)

HUNTING -- Idaho's coveted annual lottery tag to hunt bighorn sheep has been won this year by a California hunter.

John M. Taylor of Arroyo Grande, California, was chosen for the 25th annual bighorn tag during the July 26 drawing at Idaho Fish and Game Headquarters in Boise. The tag is offered under a partnership between Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) and Idaho Fish and Game, the agency says in a media release.

The foundation funnels most of the proceeds going back to Fish and Game for project such as resolving conflicts between  bighorn sheep and domestic sheep and improving relationships between sportsmen and private landowners, the agency says.

This year’s lottery raised $83,135. Over the past 25 years, more than $1.6 million dollars has been raised through the lottery.

Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to enhance wild sheep populations in Idaho, and with partners in adjacent states, for public enjoyment, education, fair-chase hunting, and to promote professional wildlife management and protect sportsmen's rights.

Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation was founded in 1982 by two dozen concerned sportsmen who wanted to “put more bighorns on Idaho’s mountains.” From that core group, many of which are still very active, the organization has grown to a thriving group with over 300 committed members.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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