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The mouflon (many prefer “European mouflon”) is a most controversial
species. Just because one of these sheep is found in Europe does not necessarily
mean it is purebred. The burden will probably lie on the hunter to decide
if a particular trophy is in fact a purebred, free range mouflon if taken
in Europe. The Ovis World Slam does not accept mouflons from the United
States except those taken on Mauna Loa Mtn., Hawaii. The Mauna Loa herd
is without a doubt free range and transplanted as a pure animal some 40
years ago. Because of these factors, and considering that the European
herds were probably transplants, the Mauna Loa, Hawaii, sheep will be accepted
for an Ovis World Slam. The ranch where these sheep are found (Kahuku)
was purchased by the U.S. Park Service in 2003, and hunting was halted.
Extermination efforts are now in place by the Park Service, so this resource
will probably disappear in the near future. The mouflon is a beautiful
and spectacular trophy animal. Some consider the mouflon to be the most
beautiful of all the world’s wild sheep, especially in their fall
mating colors. |
