CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with partners, has released the film "Carrying Capacity: The Hunt for Resilience" online. The film became available Jan. 19 and can be viewed with this link.
Produced and directed by Snowday, the film explores the management of bighorn sheep in the face of disease, leaning on examples from two Wyoming bighorn sheep populations — the Jackson Herd and the Ferris-Seminoe Herd.
The film features insights from respected scientists, wildlife managers and hunters that highlight the roles of hunting and disease in wildlife management throughout the state.
The Jackson Herd currently faces challenges due to the presence of pneumonia pathogens and recurring pneumonia outbreaks. In contrast, the Ferris-Seminoe Herd remains largely disease-free. However, its potential for population growth and expansion increases the possibility of pathogen transmission.
To maintain sustainable population levels within each of the herd’s carrying capacities, Game and Fish has implemented ewe/lamb hunts. This management strategy is a proactive and innovative approach to protect the health and long-term viability and sustainability of bighorn sheep populations.
This film was made possible by the generous support of the following partners:
- Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation.
- Teton Conservation District.
- University of Wyoming Monteith Shop.
- Maven Optics.
- First Lite.
- Seek Outside.
- Weatherby.
- FHF Gear.
Game and Fish is planning in-person screening events with panel discussions across the state this spring. Details regarding these events will be announced soon.
For further information about bighorn sheep in Wyoming, visit the Game and Fish bighorn sheep webpage. or the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Wild Sheep Initiative webpage.
— WGFD —