Bighorn Sheep May Be World Record

by
posted on May 6, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mehall_ah2015_fs.jpg (22)

Who all puts in for a bighorn sheep tag every year? I do. Despite that the odds of drawing aren’t in my favor, getting to hunt a bighorn—or any of the four North American sheep species with a bow—would be a dream come true. Now imagine getting a bighorn that turned out to be the new world record. According to the Boone & Crockett Club, we may have a winner. Two weeks ago, a bighorn sheep that died of natural causes was found by wildlife officials in Alberta. If it checks out, the ram will be entered into the B&C record book.

For those who don’t know, B&C records include big-game animals that have been found. Bighorn Like hunter-killed animals, they showcase conservation success by helping to gauge outstanding habitat, the numbers of game animals that make it to older age classes, sustainable harvest and other wildlife management objectives.

Biologists say the bighorn ram died in early summer 2013 at age 10-1/2. When official B&C measurers in Alberta put a tape to the horns, they contacted B&C as the green score exceeded the current 208-3/8-inch world record taken in Alberta in 2000. The next step is to wait the standard 60 days required for drying time and have the ram scored again by a special panel of judges. If the score holds up as expected, it will be announced and entered in the record book along with a photo.

Now for some bighorn trivia. Though Montana, in particular, has produced big rams in recent years, all B&C record bighorns have come from Alberta.

Latest

Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1
Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1

Behind the Bullet: The .308 Norma Magnum

Norma’s ballistician Nils Kvale saw the wisdom of having the velocity and horsepower of the .300 H&H Magnum, but in a shorter, more affordable receiver, and used the H&H case to develop his .358 Norma Magnum in 1959 as well as the .308 Norma Magnum one year later. The .308 Norma Magnum closely resembles the wildcat .30-338 cartridge, though the shoulder of the former is located a bit more toward the base than that of the .308 Norma Magnum. Intrigued? Read on about this often unfairly overlooked hunting classic.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV

The Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, from Browning Trail Cameras, promises direct video transmission and streamlined setup without adding complexity.

Is Wildcatting Right for You?

Dennis Bradley explores the potential benefits of going with a wildcat cartridge, using the .375 Raptor as a case study.

New for 2026: The Chiappa M1-22 Bushranger

Chiappa Firearms expands its rimfire lineup with the introduction of the Bushranger M1-22 Semi-Auto, a .22 LR rifle built to bridge familiar sporting ergonomics with modern accessory capability. The Bushranger is intended for recreational shooting, skill development and range use, but could also excel in the hands of any small game or varmint hunter.

Savage Updates 212 and 220 Slug Guns

Savage Arms has upgraded its 212/220 Harvester and Harvester Woodland slug guns. These models now feature the AccuFit V2 stock system, providing shooters with all sorts of customizable options.

Science Behind Mountain Lion Management and Hunting

Across North America, agencies responsible for the conservation and management of native mammals, including large carnivores, employ science-based tools to manage wildlife populations. It’s a delicate balance too often compromised by emotion at the ballot box.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.