CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP
A short history of the MEMORIAL
CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP TROPHY.
This trophy is dedicated
to the memory of the late Harold Mitchell, Regional Wildlife Biologist,
and the late Wesley Prediger, Wildlife Technician, who lost their lives
in the line of duty in a tragic helicopter crash in March, 1981.
Much of the
success story of the Region 5 Junction Band of California Bighorn Sheep,
and in particular, the preservation of their habitat, is directly attributable
to the dedication of these two men.
This trophy
replaces an earlier one, presented by the same donor, and the names of
previous winners have been so transferred.
The trophy is
rather unique in that the juniper from which the base and riser were fashioned,
also the rocks upon which the figure stands, were collected from the Junction
area.
The sheep figure
itself, representing a young California Bighorn ram, was carved from a
piece of Black Walnut by Roger Law, a Williams Lake resident who carves
for a hobby. It is the first sheep he has ever attempted.
The trophy was
designed and assembled by Doug Michie and presented by his business, Custom
Gun Stocks, in March, 1985.
It is sincerely
hoped all who win this trophy in the future will do so under the highest
principles of "fair chase" and that when the presentation is made, the
winner will reflect a moment upon those two who gave so much to help make
it all possible. Sincerely,
Doug Michie
Donated by: Custom Gun Stocks
(Doug Michie)
Conditions of Award: Largest
entered, taken in Region #5. Scored by Boone and Crockett Rules. Only club
members in good standing and abiding by Trophy Competition Rules are eligible.
Winners
Runner-up
1978 Jack Butler 143
1979
1980 Judy Jenkins 167 7/8
Gerry VanSoest 146 7/8
1981
1982
1983 Jim McPhail 159 6/8
1984 Steve Rupp 154 1/8
1985 Steve Rupp 169
1986 Glen Kuenzl 151 5/8
1987
1988 Corky Berkelaar 148 5/8
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993 Joe Bush 143 1/8
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998 Stefanie Coates 138 6/8
1999
2000 Geoff Goodall
160 1/8