Implement full curl bighorn sheep Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) season in Taseko Mountain portion of MU 5-4
Last updated on January 12, 2026The public is invited to comment on the proposed hunting regulation described below.
Status: Proposed
Region: Region 5, Cariboo
Management unit (MU): 5-04
Regulation type: Limited Entry Hunting
Species: Mountain sheep
Closing date: February 13, 2026 at 4:30 pm PT
Current regulation:
There is currently no season for bighorn sheep in MU 5-4.
Proposed regulation:
Open a LEH season for full-curl bighorn sheep in MU 5-4 in the Taseko Mountain area. Consult map (PDF, 238KB).
|
Area |
MU |
Zone |
Season dates |
Class of animal |
Range of authorizations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Taseko Mountain |
5-04 |
C |
September 10 to October 20 |
At least full curl |
1-10 |
Rationale:
This population of bighorn sheep had a general open season (GOS) that was closed from 1993-2017, due to population declines. It was opened as a GOS in 2018 with curl restrictions, but high hunter effort resulted in crowding and harvest rates that exceeded sustainable thresholds. It was converted to an LEH zone from 2020-2022 and then closed again in 2022. A collaring study led by First Nations and subsequent inventory conducted by the B.C. government have confirmed the Taseko Mountain bighorn sheep are part of a larger herd range that includes Region 3, specifically MU 3-32. MU 3-32 has a GOS for full curl rams and a LEH for ¾ curl rams.
In 2024 and 2025 this area was surveyed as one population for the first time. A population is estimated, at minimum, to be 120 bighorn sheep. This population level is sufficient to support a sustainable harvest. Given past experience with GOS, an LEH season for full curl bighorn rams is being proposed for the Teseko Mountain.
Region 5 has minimal seasons for hunting bighorn sheep, and many areas have been closed over the years. The Taseko Mountain bighorn sheep population may provide a sustainable hunt opportunity.