Here is the official Big Horn Sheep project website:
http://sierrabighorn.org/natural-history/Yes, the numbers have been declining in recent years, because of several factors. See the website for more information.
They are very, VERY, difficult to spot, and can appear as little white dots against the mountain terrain. High powered binoculars or spotting scopes are required for a good view. A couple of years ago, we saw a group of 12 (twelve!) rams standing together in the Wheeler Ridge area just below a popular climbing area.
When I was working at Pine Creek Mine, we would sometimes see rams fighting on the mine road, within a hundred yards of the tungsten mill! They were totally intent on the fight, regardless of the nearby humans.
One of the best viewing sites is at the Pine Creek pack station, looking up to the North above the mine road. In the winter, they sometimes gather on that slope to feed. Last Fall, my wife and I saw three rams and 10 ewes almost on the paved road below the tungsten mill. If you go there to see them, do not approach them; it will spook them away from their feeding.
Today, in Bishop, there will be a guided tour of one of the Big Horn Sheep habitats, with a chance to view the sheep from a distance through scopes. This tour is usually conducted annually - see the website for information.
The project can use whatever financial support you can give.
