Dall's sheep

Scientific name: Ovis dalli

How weight is recorded: Carcass weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males are stocky with massive curved horns forming a full curl; females are smaller with shorter, straighter horns. Both sexes have pure white or cream-colored coats (some populations show darker patches), with a dark dorsal stripe and dark tail.

Size and weight

Males: 90–120 kg, 150–180 cm body length. Females: 60–75 kg, 140–155 cm body length.

Habitat

Dall's sheep inhabit steep, rocky alpine and subalpine terrain with sparse vegetation, typically between 1,500–3,000 m elevation. They prefer areas with escape terrain near cliff faces and sparse grass meadows where they can feed and retreat to safety.

Distribution

Found exclusively in the high ranges of Alaska, northwestern Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories), and northern British Columbia. They prefer exposed alpine ridges and peaks with minimal snow accumulation.

Diet

Dall's sheep graze on alpine grasses and sedges in summer; in winter and during migration, they browse shrubs, lichen, and whatever herbaceous vegetation remains accessible.

Behaviour

Dall's sheep are diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon. They are highly social, moving in bands and spending much time bedded in high, open terrain where visibility is excellent; they rely on sight and vigilance over scent for predator detection.

Hunting tips

Look for tracks and droppings on saddles, ridgelines, and near mineral licks; fresh sign indicates recent use. Stalk by approaching from above or across wind on open terrain; move during periods when sheep are bedded (midday heat) and use terrain folds and outcrops for cover. Expect to hunt at high altitude with long glassing periods; success depends on spot-and-stalk in sparse terrain where concealment is limited.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.