2013 was hard on sheep. Rams usually survive winters a lot better than lambs and yearlings. The winter of 2013 wiped out a lot of lambs and yearlings. This last winter was rough in some reas, but not all. it will bounce back pretty quick, but we'll see the same pattern in 7-8 years from now.
Rams and ewes do get through winters differently, but it is not always hardest on the ewes. The rut puts a lot of stress on rams and they frequently fail to survive.
It was hard for us this year. But we were 100 percent. That was amazing. But 2013 was tough and it shows. It will get better, and as noted, worse again after 2020 winter.
Simply put thats nature. Glad to know we cut back on hunters for next year also.
