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Managing Desert Bighorn Sheep in Texas: Challenges of the 21st Century

at Sul Ross State University | Alpine, Texas
May 14-15, 2025

REGISTER TO ATTEND

ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM

Managing Desert Bighorn Sheep in Texas: Challenges of the 21st Century will bring together top experts in bighorn sheep management from across the western United States to share information and discuss potential strategies for working cooperatively with stakeholders to address bighorn sheep health challenges in Texas.

Following decades of successful bighorn restoration, population declines of more than 50 percent have recently been observed throughout the bighorn range in West Texas. Research indicates that these declining numbers are associated with pathogen transmission of Mycoplasma ovipneumonia (M. ovi) from exotic aoudads (barbary sheep) to desert bighorns.

Similarly, die-offs associated with pathogen transmission in the form of M. ovi from domestic sheep and goats to bighorn sheep, and from bighorns to bighorns, are presently occurring in all US and Canadian jurisdictions with bighorn sheep. While significant strides have been made, there are presently no treatments available for M. ovi. Protecting and managing the health of bighorn populations is essential to the continued success of bighorn restoration and management in Texas.

At the upcoming symposium, wildlife managers with on-the-ground experience with M. ovi will present case studies concerning what has worked and what hasn’t on the disease front, and we invite you to join us. We are immensely grateful to our partners who have come together to support this effort. Thanks to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Texas Bighorn Society and the Wild Sheep Foundation, there is no cost to attend the symposium and meals will be provided.

SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE

Wednesday, May 14

ARRIVAL & WELCOME RECEPTION

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Ritchey, 102 E Murphy Ave, Downtown Alpine

Thursday, May 15

REGISTRATION, CHECK-IN & BREAKFAST

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Morgan University Center at Sul Ross State University, E Sul Ross Ave, Alpine – Espino Conference Center

OPENING SESSION: SETTING THE STAGE

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Morgan University Center at Sul Ross State University, E Sul Ross Ave, Alpine – Espino Conference Center

  • Welcome Remarks
    • Introduction: Dr. David Yoskowitz, Executive Director, TPWD
    • Speaker: TPWD Commissioner Paul L. Foster
  • The Texas Landscape & Conservation Efforts
    • Speaker: Clay Brewer
  • The State of Desert Bighorn Sheep in Texas
    • Speaker: Froylan Hernandez, TPWD
  • Landowner Perspectives on Desert Bighorn Sheep Management
    • Speakers: Chris Stahl / Allen Smith
    • Moderated by Alan Cain, TPWD

SESSION I: MYCOPLASMA OVIPNEUMONIAE (M. OVI) AND DISEASE RISKS 

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Location: Morgan University Center at Sul Ross State University, E Sul Ross Ave, Alpine

  • Understanding Mycoplasma Ovipneumoniae in Desert Bighorn Sheep
    • Speaker: Dr. Peri Wolff, Wildlife Disease Association
  • Case Studies Across the West
    • Speakers: Dr. Peri Wolff, Wildlife Disease Association / Mike Cox, Nevada Department of Wildlife
    • Moderated by Dr. Warren Conway, Texas Tech University

LUNCH BREAK

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Location: Morgan University Center at Sul Ross State University, E Sul Ross Ave, Alpine – University Center Dining Room

SESSION 2: THE AOUDAD CHALLENGE

1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Morgan University Center at Sul Ross State University, E Sul Ross Ave, Alpine – Espino Conference Center

  • Aoudad in Texas: Distribution, Economics, and Cultural Impact
    • Speaker: Jose Etchart, TPWD
  • Disease Transmission Risks from Aoudad
    • Speaker: Dr. Walt Cook, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University
  • Aoudad Ecology & Competition with Desert Bighorn Sheep
    • Speaker: Dr. Justin French, Borderlands Research Institute (BRI)

SESSION 3: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 

3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Location: Morgan University Center at Sul Ross State University, E Sul Ross Ave, Alpine – Espino Conference Center

  • “Test and Remove” Strategy
    • Speakers: Frances Cassirer and Hollie Miyasaki, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
    • Moderated by Froylan Hernandez, TPWD
  • Use of Holding Facilities for Disease Control
    • Speakers: Rusty Robinson, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
  • Nebraska Bighorn Sheep Experience – History, Challenges & Future Considerations
    • Speaker: Todd Nordeen, Nebraska Game and Parks
  • Texas Desert Bighorn Sheep Health Action Plan
    • Speaker: Froylan Hernandez, TPWD
  • Closing Remarks
    • Speaker: Dr. David Yoskowitz, Executive Director, TPWD

EVENING RECEPTION

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N Harrison St C-101, Alpine
*Walkable from Morgan University Center – directly East

*Click here for a printable version of the schedule.