Many visitors to Yellowstone in November and December are surprised by what sounds like a rifle being fired in the park. However, what sounds like firearms is actually one of Yellowstone's most amazing wildlife spectacles - the big horn sheep rut.

Big horn sheep seem to get lost in the array of Yellowstone's large mammals. They spend much of their time in high, rugged terrain to avoid predators. Unfortunately, it also keeps them away from wildlife watchers. There are also relatively few of them in the park; the annual count has never gone over 500. However, come autumn, the sheep move down from the higher altitudes and become a familiar sight for those lucky enough to be around.

The rams are formidable-sometimes weighing over 300 pounds, with horns over 40 pounds. The ewes live in larger herds, and are joined by smaller groups of males for the rut. Since the rams do not have a dominant male, they must fight for the right to mate.

As contest begins, the males try different ways of sizing each other up. If the rams are well matched, they will fight by getting a running start and crashing head first into each other. They hit each other with such force that the resulting bang sounds like a rifle shot and can be heard up to a mile away. These grueling contests can last up to 20 hours. But the effort is worth it; come the lambing season in May and June, the winners will have their genes best represented in Yellowstone's next generation of big horns.

There are many places around Yellowstone to watch the rut. In the park, the best places are in the Gardner River Canyon between Gardiner and Mammoth, and near the rocky outcrops close to the Lamar Valley.

When you give the gift of Association Membership, you offer the opportunity to be a part of preserving one of Earth's magnificent places.

Your gift recipient will receive the following benefits:

• Family membership
• 15% discount on Yellowstone Association items
• Subscription to Yellowstone Discovery
• Plus much more!

In a painting commissioned by the Yellowstone Association, Monte Dolack brings two icons of Yellowstone together in one magical image-a grizzly bear witnessing Old Faithful Geyser erupting as the moon rises on a summer night. Monte Dolack is a Great Falls native whose exuberant curiosity and passion for the West's diverse landscapes and wildlife are evident in the images he creates and the commissions he undertakes.

For a limited time, now through November 10th, you can purchase this beautiful poster for only $9.95.

How would you like to stay in the Lamar Valley with friends or family between Christmas and New Year's? Due to a last minute cancellation, we are able to offer a private group program at our field campus on December 26-29. Join expert instructors for two days filled with wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. At night, you'll stay in rustic cabins and prepare your own meals in a fully equipped kitchen. Rates for instruction and vehicle are $625 per day for up to 13 people or $1,250 per day for 14-26 people. Rates for cabins are $325 for up to 13 people or $650 for 14-26 people. Please call 307-344-2591 to arrange this unique holiday experience in the heart of Yellowstone National Park!