This shot was made in Yellowstone a couple of years back. Each time I visit the park, I make at least one pilgrimage up what I like to call Mount Killaphotographer to photograph this herd of about twenty-five bighorn sheep. The name may sound dramatic, but if you’ve ever climbed it with heavy gear on your back, you’ll understand exactly why I use it!
Mount Killaphotographer is located just inside the North Entrance of Yellowstone, near the town of Gardiner. It’s a steep, rugged hillside, and at the time of year I usually visit, the sheep are almost always high up on the slopes. Getting into position requires slow, steady climbing, careful footing, and plenty of breaks to catch my breath — especially when the altitude decides to remind me who’s in charge.
Photographing Bighorn Sheep
What makes the effort worthwhile is the chance to photograph these magnificent rams in their natural element. Bighorn sheep have an incredible presence, and seeing them perched confidently on the cliffs, framed by the vast Yellowstone landscape, is a sight that never loses its impact. Every visit offers a slightly different encounter — different light, different weather, different behaviour — which is part of why I keep returning, no matter how strenuous the climb.
I understand that in winter the sheep can sometimes be found walking right through the streets of Gardiner. One of these days, I either need to plan a winter trip… or finally get myself into better shape so Mount Killaphotographer doesn’t live up to its name quite so much.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve
Image: Bighorn Sheep Rams, Yellowstone National Park, MT