Bighorns in rut are smash hit for wildlife watchers

One of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the region is under way along the Snake River near Asotin.

Bighorn sheep rams are sizing each other up, crashing their enormous horns together and trying their best to collect and protect small harems of ewes. All the activity is related to the bighorn rut, when ewes go into estrus and rams fight each other for the distinction to mate.

Much of this happens out in the open, giving wildlife enthusiasts a great chance to observe bighorns and their mating habits.

“The rams, who are generally more elusive, are now down with the ewes and the lamb groups and they are much more visible,” said Jay Crenshaw, regional wildlife biologist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at Lewiston. “In addition, the rutting behavior means they are very focused on that activity and pay less attention to observers.”

One of the easiest places to watch bighorns is a 30-mile stretch along the Snake River between Asotin and the lower reaches of the Grand Ronde River near Heller Bar. Sheep can often be found across the Snake River from the boat ramp at the south end of Asotin, or near the mouth of the Grand Ronde at Heller Bar.

“You see a lot more movement and interaction than you normally would, just because they are in the midst of the rutting season,” Crenshaw said.