Quick Answer
Track desert bighorn sheep at dawn or dusk, when they're most active and likely to be foraging for food or water. These periods offer the best chance for spotting and following their tracks.
Best Time for Tracking
Dawn and dusk are the prime times to track desert bighorn sheep in Nevada. During these periods, they tend to move more frequently and unpredictably, leaving behind more abundant and fresher tracks. This is especially true in the early morning, when they often congregate near water sources or forage for grasses and shrubs.
Desert Bighorn Sheep Behavior
Understanding the behavior of desert bighorn sheep is crucial for successful tracking. In Nevada’s arid landscape, they tend to follow established routes to and from water sources, often using the same paths day after day. By identifying these routes, you can increase your chances of spotting tracks and following them to the sheep. Look for signs of recent activity, such as hoof prints, scat, or disturbed vegetation, which can indicate the sheep’s presence.
Tracking Techniques
When tracking desert bighorn sheep, it’s essential to move quietly and deliberately. Avoid disturbing the terrain, as this can cause the sheep to move away or become wary. Keep an eye out for signs of recent tracks, such as fresh scat or disturbed vegetation, and follow them carefully. In a typical tracking session, you should expect to cover between 1 to 3 miles of terrain, with the sheep’s tracks often disappearing and reappearing as they move through the terrain.
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