One of the great conservation and reintroduction stories of native game has been that of Desert Big Horn Sheep to the Trans-Pecos region of west Texas.  Efforts to reintroduce and establish new herds was the result of a cooperative agreement with Texas acquiring sheep from mountain west states.  The first to aid the Lone Star State was Arizona.

Widely popular wildlife artist Jim Kasper returns to the cover of TOJ with his beautiful “The Overseer, Desert Big Sheep.”  This majestic ram stoically stands on an outcropping with a ewe bedded at his feet.  It can be imaged he is surveying this rugged, dry country over which he has dominion.  He is old enough to have grown a mature set of horns and has fought off countless challenges.

While the terrain of west Texas mountains is somewhat different than Arizona, there are similarities.  The Trans-Pecos possess high desert climate and equally rough, rigged terrain provides historic habitat for theses animals.

Populations grew rapidly after being released.  However, today there are new challenges from disease and an invasive species that is a carrier.  That story is chronicled in this month’s issue.

“The Overseer, Desert Big Horn Sheep,” is provided courtesy of the artist, Wild Wings and Art Brand Studios.  For more information or to see other works of art by Jim Kasper visit www.wildwings.com or call (800) 445-4833. All rights reserved. — Bill L. Olson

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