Bringing Back the Natives
Welcome to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep country.
These steep, rocky cliffs, which look so inhospitable to
us, were once home to large herds of bighorn sheep. But
because sheep are docile, they were an easy and desirable
prey for prehistoric hunters. In fact, most of the archeological
sites in this area are bighorn sheep hunting camps.
Sadly, but the early to mid-1900s there were no Rocky
Mountain bighorns at Sheep Creek &151; or anywhere in Utah
Over hunting during the 1800s, poaching during
the 1900s, epidemic diseases contracted from domestic
sheep and human-related habitat changes eliminated
these majestic animals. It wasn't until 1983 that Utah
reintroduced Rocky Mountan bighorn sheep to the
Flaming Gorge area so we can all enjoy them today.
Think like a Naturalist.
Shoot Like a Pro.
Bighorn sheep and other wildlife are very photogenic, but please
remember to keep your distance when photographing them. The
basic rule: when an animal changes its behavior, you are too close.
Here are some tips to make your shooting more successful:
Learn about the animals you expect to see. If you want professional
photos, become a good naturalist first and spend time n the field
watching animal behavior.
Take pictures early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Wildlife are more active then and the quality of light creates.
Use a telephoto lens, 300mm or longer, for the best close up photos.
Pay attention to the landscape and take time to compose your shot.
Remember, the animal does not need to be centered in the frame.
Most importantly, be patient. Wild animals are not cooperative
subjects. But if you get one good photo out of 100, congratulations.
You are shooting like a pro!
Don't miss the rest of our virtual tour of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in 1127 images.