Scientists lay blame on the bighorn demise to some sort of disease. Originally, department officials had planned on using a stationary drop net to capture sheep that had been lured in close by apple pulp. It was a good move. The entire operation, which included hauling the bighorns 100 miles by animal trailer after their capture, took only four hours. By the time they touched down at base camp and took the doors off the ship, they were back in 15 to 20 minutes with three sheep.
Time is everything.
After a bighorn was entangled in a net launched from the helicopter, it was hobbled, blindfolded and then put into a body bag before being airlifted back to base camp. There, the animals were inoculated with vitamin E and selenium to help reduce the effects of stress. The adults were also fitted with radio collars. We strive to keep that time factor to a minimum. Despite all the precautions, one bighorn, a young ram, died in the process.