"We're excited about the opportunity and excited about working with the tribe to get sheep reestablished in that area," Williams said.

Costs to Game and Fish for the project were minor, being mainly time and travel, he said.

The tribe had "minimal" costs but did commit up to about $140,000 for expenses of the project, according to Spotted Bear. The tribe contributed to transport costs and also paid for the GPS collars, he said.

Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Director Toni Smith said she appreciates the collaboration in the project involving the state, Kuiu and the tribes.

"It really was remarkable just to have those different agencies come together just for a conservation project," Smith said.

Spotted Bear said the bighorns' release was "a nice homecoming" in restoring an animal that was historically native to the landscape about 150 years ago.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to restore something that was natural to the area," Spotted Bear said. He said he "had the honor" of opening the trailer gate to release the sheep.

The only other bighorns in North Dakota are about 330 animals throughout the state's rugged, western Badlands, mostly north of Interstate 94.