Wild Sheep Spring 2025 Digital Edition

Spring 2025

VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 1

the journal of the mounta in hunter a nd committed conservationist

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®

CONTENTS the journal of the mountain hunter and committed conservationist

Departments: 10 16 18 26 28 90 102 106 110 116 118 122 124 126 200 204 210 212 217 220

President’s Message Chair’s Corner Biologist’s Corner Today, Tomorrow, Forever Legislative Affairs Basecamp Dispatches Chapters & Affiliates List Chapters & Affiliates Banquets Women Hunt® Culinary Corner Conservation Education Book Review Gear Tips Sheep Shorts Adventure Profiles <1 Club® Kicked Out Last Sheep Camp Travel & Gear Advertiser’s Index On the Adventure Trail

Features:

Living On A Prayer In Hells Canyon Oregon

by Corinne Boettcher

30

Sheep Show® Awards 2025 2025 Convention Sponsors Sheep Show® Recap 2025 Sheep Show® Raffle 2025 Ram Awards 2025 Guide & Outfitter Appreciation

Overcoming fear, exhaustion, dehydration, and desperation on a first-time hunt.

40

The Ladies And A Stone

by Jim Manley

40

Full of respect and totally spent for a B.C. Stone’s.

52

Reflections On The Bighorn/ Domestic Sheep Issue: Part 1, Hells Canyon

52

by Tim Schommer

A lifetime of dedication to restore Idaho’s bighorn to its rightful place.

60

Special Sections: 74 133 136 184 186 206

30

Failure Is Always An Option...

by Wayne Van Zwoll

60

If it weren’t, hunting would be dull indeed.

And never successful.

On the Cover:

Savanna Van Diest from Palmer, Alaska won the Live Sheep Category with this breathtaking photo. Savanna said, “it was just the right place at the right time.”

Thank you to all the participants of the Annuli 37th Annual Duncan Gilchrist Photo Contest sponsored by Leica.

Entries are now open for 2026 and can be submitted through the Wild Sheep Foundation’s website.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 3

®

the journal of the mounta in hunter a nd committed conservationist

Official publication of The Wild Sheep Foundation

WSF World Headquarters: 412 Pronghorn Trail • Bozeman, MT 59718 • 406-404-8750 Cody Office: 1285 Sheridan Avenue, Suites 260/275 • Cody, WY 82414 • 406-404-8750

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN: Glen Landrus • ramslamvideo@gmail.com...................................... Term Expires 2025 VICE CHAIR: Charlie Kelly • azsheepguy@gmail.com.......................................... Term Expires 2026 SECRETARY: Jann Demaske • demaskes@msn.com.............................................. Term Expires 2026 TREASURER: Larry Jacobs • lljacobs4@aol.com....................................................Term Expires 2027 Clint Bentley • sheepspotr@aol.com.........................................................................Term Expires 2027 Julie Chapman • jhelmchapman@yahoo.com........................................................... Term Expires 2025 Sam Cunningham • scunningham@quailcreekent.com..............................................Term Expires 2027 Larry McGovern • ltmcgovern67@gmail.com........................................................... Term Expires 2025 Emilio Rangel W. • emiliorw@me.com....................................................................Term Expires 2027 Peregrine L. Wolff, DVM • falcolupus@gmail.com................................................. Term Expires 2025 Logan Richard Young • loganyoung270@gmail.com............................................... Term Expires 2026

PRESIDENT & CEO Gray N. Thornton • gthornton@wildsheepfoundation.org

STAFF Gray N. Thornton • gthornton@wildsheepfoundation.org • Bozeman HQ PRESIDENT & CEO - EDITOR IN CHIEF, WILD SHEEP ® MAGAZINE:

Corey Mason, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President of Conservation cmason@WildSheepFoundation.org Carrollton, TX Kim Nieters, VP of Operations - Auction Director knieters@WildSheepFoundation.org Cody, WY Kevin Hurley, Vice President of Conservation – Emeritus khurley@WildSheepFoundation.org Boise, ID Terry Ziehl, Finance Director tziehl@WildSheepFoundation.org Cody, WY Keith Balfourd, Director of Marketing & Communications keith@WildSheepFoundation.org Bozeman, MT

Mike Aiazzi, Expo & Exhibits Manager maiazzi@wildsheepfoundation.org Reno, NV Jaime Teigen, E-Commerce & Office Administrator jteigen@wildsheepfoundation.org Bozeman, MT Matt Dwonch, Marketing and Content Strategist mdwonch@wildsheepfoundation.org Bozeman, MT Becky Layne, Exhibitor Concierge & Accounting (PT) blayne@wildsheepfoundation.org Bozeman, MT

PRODUCTION STAFF Gray N. Thornton, Editor in Chief Julie Tripp, Editor Scott Morrison, Art/Design Director Justin Phillips, Graphics/Design

Ken Nowicki, Field Editor Chester Moore, Writer Ashley McEnroe, Writer Craig Boddington, Contributor

CONTACT THE PUBLICATION

Pat Cummings, DNWR – NTTR Project Lead Patrickcummings1002@gmail.com Las Vegas, NV

DISCLAIMER While Wild Sheep Foundation strives to attract quality advertisers and donors, it cannot be responsible for the ultimate quality of the products which they may present to our members and buyers. Neither the Wild Sheep Foundation nor its Officers or Directors is a guarantor of your satisfaction with the products it makes available to you. Our dedication is to the wild sheep of the world and not to policing our advertisers or donors. We cannot, under the law, reject an advertiser or donation simply because of a prior complaint from a dissatisfied consumer. We will strive to make available quality merchandise and hunts, but without warranty or guarantee.

Scott Morrison, Editor & Designer, Wild Sheep® magazine scott@morrisioncreative.com Livingston, MT Shane Mahoney, Special Conservation Consultant shane@conservationvisions.com St. John’s, Newfoundland

GRAND SLAM® is a registered trademark of Grand Slam Club/Ovis. Used with permission.

Ashley McEnroe, Staff Writer aoliverio@gmail.com Big Sky, MT Chester Moore, Staff Writer chester@chestermoore.com Orange, TX

Steve Rosenstock, Grant Writer steve@wildsheepfoundation.org Flagstaff, AZ

Wild Sheep® (USPS# 009-460) is published quarterly by Wild Sheep Foundation, 412 Pronghorn Trail, Bozeman, MT 59718 Periodical Postage Rate is paid at Bozeman, MT 59718 and additional mailing offices.

Subscription Price $28.00 All membership dues include $28/ year for a subscription to Wild Sheep® Magazine

Wayne van Zwoll, Contributor Greg Schildwachter, Columnist Morrison Creative Company, Inc. Magazine Design/Production Advertising & Editorial Submissions Wild Sheep Foundation Headquarters 412 Pronghorn Trail, Bozeman, MT 59718 ATTN: Editor

Contributing photos, articles, stories, and research pertaining to wild sheep or the interests of the members of WSF are always welcome. Contributed material will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include a selfaddressed stamped envelope if you wish materials to be returned.

For more information on submission guidelines, meetings and convention information, and service, conservation and hunting award criteria, please visit our website at www.wildsheepfoundation.org. All membership dues include $28/year for a subscription to Wild Sheep® magazine.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, IN CONJUNCTION WITH MORRISON CREATIVE COMPANY, INC. OF LIVINGSTON, MT.

4 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

The tradition began on a November weekend at Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, in 1974. Thirteen wild sheep enthusiasts passed the time by sharing stories about their encounters with the majestic mountain creatures. After realizing how fortunate they were to have all shared such incredible experiences, they decided it was time to give something back. They forged FNAWS so men and women everywhere could get more involved in the positive management of wild sheep. It was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Iowa on September 14, 1977, and began accepting paid memberships in 1978 as more people joined the cause. The commitment and noble spirit of FNAWS quickly helped the foundation become the fastest-growing wildlife conservation organization of its kind.

WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION®, WSF, FOUNDATION FOR NORTH AMERICAN WILD SHEEP®, <1 CLUB®, <1ICLUB, CHADWICK RAM SOCIETY®, MARCO POLO SOCIETY®, MOUNTAIN ROYALTY SOCIETY, LEGENDS SOCIETY, PINNACLE SOCIETY, TODAY, TOMORROW, & FOREVER FOR WILD SHEEP, FNAWS, CHRIS KLINEBURGER MOUNTAIN HUNTER HALL OF FAME AWARD®, PUTTING AND KEEPING WILD SHEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN®, SHEEP SHOW®, SHEEP WEEK®, SHEEP FEVER®, TAKE ONE PUT ONE BACK®, THE SHEEP SHOW®, RAM LAY-AWAY PROGRAM®, WILD SHEEP® MAGAZINE, COME FOR THE SHEEP, STAY FOR THE PARTY®, FULL CURL®, WIHI®, WOMEN HUNT®, WH®, WOMEN IN HUNTING®, WOMEN IN HUNTING INITIATIVE® and their respective logos are Registered trademarks and cannot be used, commissioned, or otherwise displayed without permission of the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Kevin Martin, USFS & BLM Planning Kevindmartin63@gmail.com Pendleton, OR

Margie Forster, Registration Assistant mforster@wildsheepfoundation.org Julie Tripp, Awards & Publications Director Reno, NV jtripp@wildsheepfoundation.org Lolo, MT CONTRACT & CONSULTANTS Dr. Ryan Brock, Youth Education Coordinator rbrock@wildsheepfoundation.org Maddie Richards, Membership Manager/<1 Reno, NV Clubs Manager Greg Schildwachter, Lobbyist mrichards@WildSheepFoundation.org greg@watershedresults.com Bozeman, MT Washington, DC Justin Phillips, Graphic Arts & Design Charlie Booher, Lobbyist Jphillips@wildsheepfoundation.org charlie@watershedresults.com Cody, WY Missoula, MT Megan Costanza, Banquets & Events Kurt Alt, Conservation Director – Manager International Programs mcostanza@WildSheepFoundation.org altwildlife@yahoo.com Reno, NV kalt@wildsheepfoundation.org Bozeman, MT & Brussels, Belgium

Clay Brewer, Mexico Initiative Lead & Special WAFWA Projects Claybrewer1@outlook.com Rochelle, TX

Maureen Jefferson, Conservation Permits Jm_hullinger@sbcglobal.net Las Vegas, NV

Rebecca Anne Rebrovich, Assistant rrebrovich@wildsheepfoundation.org Bozeman, MT

Paige Culver, Development Manager pculver@WildSheepFoundation.org Bozeman, MT

Marina Meyer, MadebyMimi, LLC, Social Media Consultant mjsams09@yahoo.com San Antonio, TX

The Wild Sheep Foundation’s mission is to enhance wild sheep populations, promote scientific wildlife management, and educate the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting while promoting the interests of the hunter.

Postmaster: Send address correction to: Wild Sheep Foundation, 412 Pronghorn Trail, Bozeman, MT 59718

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MISSION STATEMENT Vision Our desired future state

To be the best managed, most respected, influential, and relevant conservation organization benefitting wild sheep worldwide.

Purpose Why we exist

To Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain®

Mission What we do

We enhance wild sheep populations and their habitats, promote scientific wildlife management, and educate the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting while promoting the interests of the hunter.

Values The principles that guide us

Honesty Integrity Respect for Others

Teamwork Positive Attitude Respect for Wildlife Hunting Ethics

Accountability Stewardship Loyalty

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Gray N. Thornton President & CEO

T

A YEAR IN REVIEW

he Wild Sheep Foundation will close out another successful year on June 30th—and while I’ll highlight in this column some notable accomplishments by some exceptional wild sheep advocates— rest-assured WSF is already working on being even more impactful next fiscal year. Impactful to the wild sheep resource, to their habitats, and to the people who work tirelessly to enhance them.

Much is said about how much money WSF raises and directs to wild sheep and our conservation, education, advocacy, and outreach mission, but impact and relevance is even more important than the amount. Where were those funds directed and what did those funds accomplish? For the July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 fiscal year, WSF budgeted $3.7+ million from our operational activities in Mission Program Funding (MPF) plus another $4.5 million to state, provincial, and tribal agencies to help fund their wild sheep and wildlife conservation programs.

Our plan was to direct $8.2 million to MPF this year.

Our 2025 convention efforts, through the wildlife philanthropy of our generous members, will blow the $4.5 agency budget out of the water with a record $6.8+ million being directed to our agency partners. This represents 51% more than budgeted and an incredible $2.3 million more than forecast to agency conservation efforts on the landscape. It is now

10 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

up to the Wild Sheep Foundation, and our chapters and affiliates, to assist our agency partners to put those funds on the mountain for wild sheep, and ensure they make a positive impact.

Grant In Aid to fund projects and programs make up 77% of the operational $3.7 million in MPF budgeted. The balance is to fund legislative affairs activities and wild sheep and sustainable use advocacy at the state, provincial, federal and international level, fund youth and women education to bring the next generation of wildlife and wild sheep conservationists into the family, and fund educational conferences and films.

Focusing on Grant In Aid, WSF will again direct $1.6 million to programs and projects through our chapters and affiliates. A listing of these projects is noted on the following pages and you can track their progress on our website and through our social media platforms. These twenty-two projects will also be featured in our third-annual Conservation Impact Summary printed and distributed next fall.

WSF publishes updates on these and other programs and the impact they have on our website.

You can quickly go to these pages at the QR code below:

We are able to fund these important programs, projects, and initiatives through our convention success, non-convention fundraising activities, and notably, our giving societies including the Chadwick Ram Society, Marco Polo Society, Legacy Society, and the newly-launched Mountain Royalty Society, Legends and Pinnacle Societies which are part of our new Keep Climbing Campaign. We launched Keep Climbing with a video Friday night in Reno and there is more to come. The campaign is focused on helping fund conservation Today and Tomorrow but also Forever by directing at a minimum 33% to the Wild Sheep Legacy Foundation (WSLF) Endowment Fund from each new Mountain Royalty, Legends and Pinnacle Society gift.

Once again, we are on track to overachieve, and while we budgeted a $250,000 GIA to WSLF, we’re on track to direct more than $2 million to the WSLF Endowment Fund this year through the Keep Climbing Campaign.

A sneak peek at the campaign is located here:

This spring issue of Wild Sheep® is chock full of stories and updates as well as a photo summary of the wildly successful and fun 2025 Sheep Show® in Reno. A new

WSF Board members present at meeting in Tukwila, WA. L-R Top Row: Clint Bentley (NV), Chair Glen A. Landrus (WA), Larry McGovern (MT), Vice Chair Charlie Kelly (AZ), Sam Cunningham (TX), Secretary Jann Demaske (CO), Treasurer Larry Jacobs (OR), Logan Young (YT). Kneeling L-R: President & CEO Gray N. Thornton (MT), Julie Chapman (IN), and Peregrine Wolff, DVM (FL). Not present due to medical absence: Emilio Rangel (Mexico)

record again for funds raised for WSF mission programs, it also epitomized our call to Come for the sheep and stay for the party™.

As you read this issue, we will have welcomed to the WSF Board of Directors incoming members elected during the fall 2014 election.

Their three-year terms begin May 1, 2025. We welcome Kyle Stelter of British Columbia, also elected as Vice Chair of the board at our March 7, 2025 meeting in Washington, Bralli Clifford of Wyoming, Larry Johns of Nevada, and Kevin Kehoe of Alaska.

Lastly, I would like to thank our outgoing Board of Directors, Board Chair Glen A. Landrus, of Washington, who served nine years including the last three as chair, Past Chair Peregrine Wolff, DVM of Florida who served eight years including two years as chair, Julie Chapman of Indiana who served three years, and Larry McGovern of Montana who also served three years. On behalf of our membership and the wild sheep of the world, we thank you for your selfless and tireless service! WS

Yours in conservation,

Gray N. Thornton President & CEO, Wild Sheep Foundation Editor-in-Chief, Wild Sheep® magazine Marco Polo Society® Member Summit Life Member Chadwick Ram Society® Member Legacy Society Member Summit Life Member

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 11

FY 2024-25 GIA Directed through Chapters & Affiliates 1. Management of BHS Pneumonia – Test & Remove Idaho/Oregon/Washington

C&A Partners: Idaho WSF, Oregon WSF, Washington WSF Funding Partners: Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Outdoor Fund Approved Grant: $215,000 2. ION Partnership CABHS Population Analysis, Test & Remove, Herd Health/Disease Surveillance Idaho/Nevada/Oregon

C&A Partners: Idaho WSF, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, NBU Midas, Elko Bighorns Unlimited, Oregon WSF Funding Partners: McElevey Family Foundation Approved Grant: $182,000

3. BLM - Socorro Field Office Desert BHS Landscape-Scale Habitat Restoration & H2O Development, New Mexico

C&A Partners: New Mexico WSF Funding Partners: Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, WSF Midwest Approved Grant: $150,000 4. Landscape-Level Disease Mitigation for CABHS, Fraser R. T&R Year 7, British Columbia

C&A Partners: Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia Approved Grant: $110,000 5. Prescribed Burning for Stone’s Sheep, NE British Columbia

C&A Partners: Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia Approved Grant: $100,000 6. Taos Pueblo Rocky Mountain BHS Space Use and Disease Surveillance, New Mexico

C&A Partners: New Mexico WSF, Taos Pueblo Division of Natural Resources Approved Grant: $100,000

12 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

7. Assessing Seasonal Movements/Disease Transmission Risk for Desert BHS - Navajo Nation Arizona

C&A Partners: Navajo Nation Fish & Wildlife Department Funding Partners: WSF Midwest Approved Grant: $94,000

8. Implementing Animal-Side Testing for Movi Detection During Wild Sheep Captures, West wide

C&A Partners: Multiple Funding Partners: Kevin Hurley (personal donation) Approved Grant: $66,535 9. Sheep Shape: Investigating Influence of Seasonal Nutrition on Stone’s Sheep Body Condition, Northern British Columbia

C&A Partners: Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia Approved Grant: $51,815 10. Grotto Mountain Logging/Mechanical Treatments, Alberta

C&A Partners: WSF Alberta Funding Partners: ADBSS, EC-WSF, ID-WSF, Iowa FNAWS, WSF Midwest, MT-WSF, NM-WSF, ORWSF, RMBS,TBS, UT-WSF, WA-WSF, WSSBC & Bryan Bartlett (personal) Approved Grant: $50,000 11. Strain Typing to Investigate Epidemiology of BHS Respiratory Disease, Colorado

C&A Partners: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society Approved Grant: $50,000

12. Yukon Outfitters Association Ungulate Enhancement, Yukon Territory

C&A Partners: Yukon Outfitters Association & Yukon WSF Approved Grant: $50,000

13. Feasibility Study - Translocation of Stone’s Sheep in Takla First Nation Traditional Territory, British Columbia

C&A Partners: Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia Approved Grant: $49,950 14. East Cliffs Addition to Blue-Eyed Nellie Wildlife Management Area, Montana

C&A Partners: Montana WSF Funding Partners: Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Outdoor Fund Approved Grant: $45,000 15. Rinehart-Newlon Water Catchment, Arizona

20. Advancing Sarcoptic Mange Monitoring & Management of Wild Ungulates in Kyrgyzstan

C&A Partners: Ilbirs Foundation Approved Grant: $35,272

21. Expanded H2O Distribution System Sierra El Alamo, Sonora, Mexico

C&A Partners: Sonora Wildlife Foundation Approved Grant: $30,000

22. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Bighorn Sheep Capture, Translocation, Comparative Disease Evaluation - Year 3

C&A Partners: Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society Approved Grant: $40,394

C&A Partners: Iowa WSF Funding Partners: Gilchrist Foundation Approved Grant: $25,000

16. Chronic Carriers & BHS Population Density: Evaluation/Implementation of Management Tools, Wyoming

An additional $1.25 Million in GIA is or has been directed to:

C&A Partners: Wyoming WSF Approved Grant: $40,000

17. Spatial Ecology + Habitat Selection to Maximize Translocation Success Desert Bighorn Sheep to Sierra El Alamo, Sonora, Mexico

$400,000 Public Relations/Outreach ($100,000 each to Colorado’s Wildlife Deserve Better, GOABC Fight for the Hunt/Who Cares BC initiatives, Wild Sheep Society of BC’s 1Campfire program, and Conservation Vision’s Wild Harvest Initiative

C&A Partners: Texas Bighorn Society & Sonora Wildlife Foundation Approved Grant: $39,440

$300,000 Industry partners through dedicated auction sales

18. RanchBot Technology will remotely monitor Guzzler H2O levels, Southern Nevada

Industry Support

C&A Partners: Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn Funding Partners: WSF Midwest Approved Grant: $38,134

19. Tsilhqot’in National Government Bighorn Augmentation for the Ts’il?os/Yohetta Herd (BC)

C&A Partners: Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia Approved Grant: $37,460

$210,000 Guide/Outfitters Associations and

$250,000 Wild Sheep Legacy Foundation $50,000 WSU Disease Research – Rocky Crate

Chair

$15,000 Horn Plugs for North American Agencies

And the balance to international GIA, and undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

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CHAIR’S CORNER

by Glen Landrus Chair

W

PASSING THE TORCH

ow! Was Sheep Show® 2025 incredible or what?!

As chairman of the board, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone involved in the tremendous success of Sheep Show. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for the industry truly shined through in every aspect of the event. From exhibitors to volunteers, sponsors to attendees, each of you played an integral role in making this show an unforgettable experience.

This event also underscores the critical importance of wild sheep conservation. The funds raised and awareness generated will directly support efforts to protect and preserve these amazing creatures for future generations.

As my time as chairman of the board of the Wild Sheep Foundation comes to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude and pride for everything we’ve accomplished together. It has truly been an honor to serve this incredible organization and work alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals.

When I first took on this role, I knew it would be filled with challenges like any sheep hunt, but I also knew that I would be part of something much larger than myself.

The Wild Sheep Foundation is not just an organization—it’s a movement. A movement that’s committed to the conservation of wild sheep and their habitats, but

16 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

also to the preservation of the wild spirit that defines the landscapes we cherish.

Over the years, we’ve made significant strides in achieving our mission, thanks to the hard work, dedication, and collective efforts of each one of you. We’ve

seen countless success stories in our conservation efforts, and we’ve formed partnerships that extend far beyond our immediate circle. The Wild Sheep Foundation has grown stronger, more impactful, and more influential in the conservation

world—and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve done together.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the incredible support I’ve received from the board, our staff, our volunteers—and most importantly—our donors and members. Your belief in the cause has been the foundation upon which we’ve built our success. It’s your commitment and passion that keep the flame of conservation alive—and for that—I thank you.

As I pass the torch to the next chair, Charlie Kelly from Arizona, I’m confident that the Wild Sheep Foundation is in capable hands.

The future is bright, and while my role is changing, my dedication to the cause remains unwavering. I’m excited to see the continued growth and success of this organization.

In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you for the trust you’ve placed in me, and for allowing me to be a small part of this incredible journey. I’d like to personally thank Charlie, Kyle, Jann and Larry for your steadfast support and counsel. Together, we’ve made a real difference, and I’m confident that the Wild Sheep Foundation will continue to thrive as we work toward a future where wild sheep thrive, and their habitats are protected for generations to come. WS Yours in Conservation,

Glen A. Landrus

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 17

BIOLOGIST’S CORNER

by Froylán Hernández Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP RESTORATION

H

istorically, desert bighorn sheep occupied 16-17 mountain ranges in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas. It is estimated that as many as 1,500 desert bighorn sheep inhabited these mountain ranges in the 1880s, and possibly 2,500+ prior to 1880. By the early 1960s, however, the native desert bighorns were extirpated from the West Texas landscape. Reasons for their demise include unregulated hunting, competition for resources from domestic sheep/goats, and infectious diseases associated with domestic sheep/goats.

Through aggressive restoration efforts, desert bighorn populations were brought back to 1880s levels.

Between December 2010 and

Photo: Cesar Mendez, TPWD

18 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

December 2019, 476 desert bighorn sheep were translocated from surplus populations in Brewster and Culberson counties to the Bofecillos Mountains, Nine-Point Mesa, Capote Peak, and Black Gap WMA to reestablish or bolster bighorn populations. Up until recently, the overall statewide population was estimated to be around 1,500 animals in 11 distinct mountain ranges out of the 17 historical ranges. But disease issues once again threatened desert bighorn populations. Unlike the past, this time the competition and disease threats are posed by Barbary sheep, an exotic ungulate also known as aoudad.

Aoudad are found in most of

the Texas mountains, including the mountains considered prime bighorn habitat. Current disease monitoring and surveillance identified the aoudad as carriers of a bacteria known as Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, or MOVI, which causes deadly pneumonia infections in desert bighorns. In total, nearly 300 aoudad were sampled/tested for MOVI during the 2022-2023 sampling efforts. Forty-seven percent (47%) of the aoudad sampled were ELISA positive. This means those animals were exposed to MOVI and/or had an active infection at one time, indicating there is still a risk of MOVI transmission to desert bighorns.

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BIOLOGIST’S CORNER

Photo: Froylán Hernández

mountains surrounding Elephant Mountain, currently considered the only known MOVI-free, in-state brood source for desert bighorn restoration efforts, it was imperative to protect that herd, and thereby the future of desert bighorns in Texas.

To help with that, the Franklin Mountains were identified as not only prime bighorn habit but were also devoid of aoudad, which made them a prime candidate for a desert bighorn restoration area. Because the Franklins are essentially nestled within El Paso and devoid of aoudad, they limit the potential for aoudad migrating into the area as well as reducing the disease transmission risk. This, in essence, made the Franklins a sanctuary for desert bighorns.

In December 2024, 77 desert bighorns (37 rams, 40 ewes) were captured on Elephant Mountain 20 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

and translocated to the Franklin Mountains. Tissue samples were collected from all animals, tested for MOVI, and they all came back clean. Over 80% of the ewes were pregnant, which was encouraging.

All animals were also fitted with radio-telemetry collars to facilitate

Photo: Matthew Montoya, TPWD

post-release monitoring.

To date, there has only been one mortality out of the 77 released.

Additionally, at least three lambs have been visually confirmed since mid-February and there are approximately 10-15 lambs currently, with more likely on the way.

The goal of the Franklin Mountains restoration effort is to create another MOVI-free and productive free-ranging broodstock source, much like Elephant Mountain, to ensure we have healthy desert bighorns to continue future restoration efforts in Texas.

The Franklin Mountains desert bighorn capture and translocation were only possible because of the monumental team effort that involved partners such as the Wild Sheep Foundation, Texas Bighorn Society and countless other conservation organizations and volunteers! WS

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FOR THE FULL LIST OF CRS MEMBERS SCAN ME

LIST UPDATED QUARTERLY

YOU CAN HELP WSF PUT AND KEEP WILD SHEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN BY JOINING THE CHADWICK RAM SOCIETY! In 2013 the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) launched a legacy campaign, Ensuring the Future of Wild Sheep, that includes tax and estate planning opportunities, counsel and advice, major gifts, and giving societies to raise the funds required to ensure the future of the wild sheep resource by directing even more dollars to wild sheep restoration, repatriation and conservation. Our vision is to build a series of funds from which a targeted annual offtake of ~4% will allow WSF to direct 100% of our convention fundraising to mission programs. Our goal is $5 to $6 million annually in mission focused Grant-In-Aid and other funding to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain.” With your help we can achieve this vision and goal.

The Marco Polo Society was established in 2008 as WSF’s premier giving society. To compliment the Marco Polo Society and expand this giving concept to ALL WSF members and wild sheep advocates, WSF created a new giving society in the fall of 2013 – the Chadwick Ram Society with five benefactor

levels enabling tax-deductible, donor directed gifts from $250 to $5,000 per year to mission areas of the donor’s desire. Donations can be made to the WSLF Endowment Fund, WSF Conservation Fund, our annual Convention and/or Area of Greatest Need to fund specific programs and initiatives. Chadwick Ram Society members are recognized with a lapel pin displaying their Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum benefactor level. Members may also “upgrade” their benefactor levels within the Chadwick Ram Society as well as to the Marco Polo Society.

For more information on the Chadwick Ram Society, Ensuring the Future of Wild Sheep campaign, or the Keep Climbing Campaign contact WSF President & CEO, Gray N. Thornton, Development Manager, Paige Culver, or visit our website.

We cordially invite you to join the Chadwick Ram Society and help Ensure the Future of Wild Sheep!

The Chadwick Ram Society®, Marco Polo Society®, Putting and Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain®, The Sheep Show® and Sheep Week® are registered trademarks of the Wild Sheep Foundation

22 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

(List is current as of press time - March 1, 2024 - Press Time)

PLATINUM - $50,000

WSF SALUTES

THE 2024-2025 NEW/UPGRADE CHADWICK RAM SOCIETY MEMBERS ®

CRS MEMBERS ARE LISTED IN ALPHA ORDER BY BENEFACTOR LEVEL

Sheep Family Snapshots

Charles & Denise Swanson (FL)

GOLD - $25,000 Samuel Hays (TX) Shane & Kim Mahoney (NL) Nicholas Vakay (PA)

SILVER - $10,000 Anonymous Jeff & Kris Brant (WA) Clark Claude (GA) Jim Manley (OR) Keith Hite (PA) Patrick Morse (FL) Thomas Rea (CO) TR & Mary Jo White (CA)

BRONZE - $5,000

2025 Jack O’ Connor Writers Award recipient The fog finally lifts, and there, in a distant hanging basin scattered through the lush green vegetation, are seven white rams.

After hours of shivering through the heavy snowfall and frigid north wind, you spot an old, heavily broomed bighorn stepping out of the timber.

Something catches your eye. It’s the flick of an ear. You tweak the focus on your 10-power Swarovskis and make out the base of a horn, and it’s big. There, buried in the cactus and desert flora, is a desert ram worth a closer look.

Your eyes are fatigued, and your neck aches from glassing the vast mountainside above you. Suddenly, from out of the endless rocky rims and talus slopes, a sheep stands up. It’s a beautiful, dark grey, nearly-black Stone’s sheep ram.

These scenes play out in my dreams, both day and night. And I’m sure many of you see similar ones. When I became a member of The Foundation of North American Wild Sheep decades ago, I was surrounded by thousands of like-minded individuals. My belief that all hunters and outdoor folks should be stewards of the animals we pursue was solidified and validated. Immediately, opportunities were available for me to learn more about wild sheep conservation.

Through volunteering, participating in raffles

and auctions, and, of course, socializing, we all can contribute to our shared goal of “Putting and Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain.”

The Chadwick Ram Society allows me to take my stewardship up a notch. With the different levels of gifting available, donations can be made reasonably and comfortably. It is relatively easy to start a commitment and adjust the level of support. With the integrity of the Wild Sheep Foundation, we can see, with our own eyes, how the funds are used and the good they do.

I firmly believe that we all want to leave the pristine forests, mountains, lakes, and streams as good, if not better, than when we first encountered them. We want more hunting and outdoor adventures available for our kids and grandkids. And we want there to be more sheep and other wildlife. This won’t be easy as the human population grows and industrialization expands. But, WE ARE STEWARDS OF THE WILD SHEEP. If we take that seriously, stuff it in our backpacks, and climb the rugged, steep mountain, we can make a difference.

Please consider joining the Chadwick Ram Society. Do it for the sheep.

Summit Life Member - Jim Manley

To Join/Upgrade contact: Paige Culver • 406.404.8758 • pculver@wildsheepfoundation.org

Brian & Tammy Bailey (WA) William & Corinne Duryea Kevin & Lisa Fox (AK) Douglas & Jacky Johnson (AK) Chris Lyons (TX) Chase Marler (ID) David & Lisa Matthias (IA) Jeff McMinn Bruce Mellott (PA) Brian & Nikiesha Richards (AK) Chad Riedel (AK) Konrad Schruf II (AK) James Sheehan (CT)

COPPER - $2,500 Nick Brigley (AB) Ed Checque (AK) Scott Clark (CO) Timothy & Brianne Clark (AK) Richard Cousineau (MI) Cameron Crivelli (CA) Eli Davis (WV) Tyler Donahue (SD) Lee Downing (CO) Will Garroutte (CA) Jeff Hacsi (CO) Ryan Hammond (AK) Jeremy Hoagland (AK) Loren Keisling (AK) John King (IL) Mary Maack (OR) Ray Maack (OR) Henry and Amy Noss (PA) Sasha Pais (NT) Steve Perrins (AK) Jakobee Reviglio (NV) Terry Radakowski (OR) Chase Sheehan (AB) Joel Tavera (FL) Dilan Worthley (AK)

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 23

MPS Reception Reno, NV - 2025

Founding Members The Marco Polo Society® (MPS) is the Wild Sheep Foundation’s premier major giving “society” whose members have given and/or pledged a minimum of $100,000 to the Foundation. These donors have played a key role in the Wild Sheep Foundation’s success over the last 16 years. Quite frankly, this special group of donors has led the way in achieving our purpose of “putting and keeping wild sheep on the mountain”.

WSF SALUTES OUR MARCO POLO SOCIETY® MEMBERS TO DATE - Alphabetical Order Shane & Angela Alexander (TN) Lee & Penny Anderson (FL) Anonymous Anonymous Stanford & Pamela Atwood (CA) John & Jane Babler (MN) Bryan & Barbara Bartlett (NM) Scott & Erica Barry (MI) Brian & Debbie Benyo (OH) Gary Bogner (MI) Dan & Kathy Boone (TX) Louis & Patti Breland (AL) Jerry & Amy Brenner (NC) Steve & Jackie Bruggeman (MN) Peter & Wendy Burchfield (PA) Tony & Virginia Caligiuri (IA) Ron & Billi Carey (AB) Oscar & Valerie Carlson (MN) Michael Carpinito (WA) Walt & Joan Coram (TX) Guinn & Betsy Crousen (TX) Sam & Tracy Cunningham (TX) Denis & Diane Dale (AB) Dean & Paige Darby (MI) Monty & Becky Davis (TX)

Jeff & Jann Demaske (CO) Chris & Jaimie Dianda (NV) Mike & Julie Dianda (NV) Mark & Janice Dickson (CA) Billy Dunbar (AK) The Fiedeldey Family (OH) Tom Foss (AB) Ronald S. Gabriel, MD (CA) Kevin Gilbert (MT) Paul Greene (CO) Brian and Susan Ham (AZ) Marc & Cheryl Hansen (PA) Jim & Sue Hens (NY) Charles Herron (AL) Tom & Denise Hoffman (NY) Steve & Jill Hornady (NE) Larry & Jane Hunts (OR) Kevin Hurley (ID) Ross & Nicole Jackson (CO) Scott Jesseman (IL) Kaan & Nurgul Karakaya (TUR) Roger Kenner (ND) G. Thomas & Patricia Lang (FL) George & Kelly Lawrence (WA) Doug & Dana Leech (WV)

Paige Culver - Development Manager 406.404.8758 or pculver@wildsheepfoundation.org

Since its inception in 2008, $11 million in MPS gifts/pledges have been directed to WSF and mission programs. We are so proud to announce that the Marco Polo 100 member goal was achieved at the 2024 Sheep Show when a group of generous Marco Polo members purchased the #100 member spot for a whopping $1 Million Dollars to be directed to the Wild Sheep Legacy Foundation’s Endowment Fund. We are so humbled and proud to witness the Wild Sheep Family come together to create history and we have never been more excited and hopeful for the future of wild sheep worldwide.

Thomas Lemmerholz (GER) Wayne & Denise Lennington (TN) Jeff Lindgren (MN) Robert Hall & Jane Link (FL) Paul Mattes (MI) Kyle & Joanne Meintzer (NV) Joe & Christine Michaletz (MN) Craig & Therese Mueller (ID) Richard & Linda Murphy (NM) The Olmstead Family (BC) Mark & Gabriela Peterson (MI) Ron & Vicki Pomeroy (WY) Larry & Brenda Potterfield (MO) Rancho La Palmosa (MEX) Joni & Gary W. Raba (TX) Terry Rathert (TX) Gary & Yvonne Rigotti (OR) Christopher Ring (TX) Kevin & Janine Rinke (MI) Alan & Barbara Sackman (NY) Doug & Shelly Sayer (ID) Roger Segebrecht (WI) Steve & Sue Skold (IA) Kip & Sue Slaugh (UT) Kevin & Tuesdy Small (CA)

Gray N. Thornton - President & CEO 406.404.8750 or gthornton@wildsheepfoundation.org

The Marco Polo Society® 24 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Dan Smith Jr. (CA) Dan Smith III (CA) J. Alain Smith (WA) Mike Snider (MI) Jeff Sorg (MT) Daryll & Shauna Southwick (CO) Brandon & Kristi Stokes (OR) Rick Taylor & Carole Danyluk (BC) Jelindo & Sandee Tiberti (NV) Gray & Renée Thornton (MT) Matt Tomseth (OR) Mark Watkins (MN) Tim & Ruth Van Der Weide (IA) Ken & Anna Vorisek (AK) Neal & Jody Wanless (AZ) Mark Watkins (MN) Jay & Martha Webster (TX) Craig West (NC) Steven & Ardyce Whisler (MT) Clayton & Modesta Williams (TX) Lyle & Jennifer Wood (AB) Russ & Debi Young (TX) Gary & Penny Young (WV) Alan Young (YT) #100 - $1M to the Endowment

Ensuring the Future of Wild Sheep

Keep Climbing™ Campaign: A giving vision you can ascend

• Lee & Penny Anderson (FL) • Tim & Ruth Van Der Weide (IA)

Keep Climbing campaign society members may direct your gifts to where you feel it is needed most consistent with our Today, Tomorrow, and Forever for Wild Sheep conservation focus. However, to ensure wild sheep conservation and the Wild Sheep Foundation succeeds in perpetuity, 33% of all Keep Climbing Society gifts will be directed to the Wild Sheep Legacy Foundation Endowment Fund.

WE INVITE YOU TO KEEP CLIMING WITH US TO PUT AND KEEP WILD SHEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN® TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER

For more information contact: Paige Culver • 406.404.8758 • pculver@wildsheepfoundation.org • Gary & Jude Romaine (OR) • Kip & Sue Slaugh (UT)

PLEDGES ARE CURRENT AS OF 3/3/25

DIAMOND

EMERALD

Terry Rathert (TX) Mike Borel (CA) Mike Snider (MI) Peter & Wendy Burchfield (PA) Matt Tomseth (OR) Wayne & Denise Lennington (TN)

RUBY

Derek & Harbor Blake (AK) Zach & Amber Higgins (ID) Hank Raats (NV) David Reed (TX)

ANNULI COLLECTIVE - Steven Drake

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 25

TODAY, TOMORROW, FOREVER FOR WILD SHEEP ®

by Paige Culver WSF Development Manager

TODAY, TOMORROW, & FOREVER FOR WILD SHEEP – KEEP CLIMBING “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

– Winston S. Churchill

S

heep Show® 2025 arrived with a rush, and before we knew it, it was over, leaving us imbued with unforgettable memories and experiences. Each gathering of this remarkable group of conservationists strengthens our bond with one another and our purpose. We share an unspoken understanding that our Wild Sheep family carries a vital responsibility— to uphold the values, practices, and generosity that will safeguard our hunting heritage and the wild sheep resource for generations to come.

It has been said time and again that the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) may be small, but we cast a long conservation shadow. In 2024, there were 15.9 million registered hunters in the United States, and with around 11,000 members, the WSF Family comprises just .069% of that number. Yet, our members and donors contribute millions in vital Grant in Aid, mission and program funding, and industry support each year, totaling $63 Million over the last decade. No other group of our size has done what we have been able to achieve,

26 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Pictured left to right: Tim & Ruth Van Der Weide, Lee & Penny Anderson, Zach Higgins, Hank Raats, Derek Blake, Mike Borel, Gary Romaine, Wayne & Denise Lennington, Matt Tomseth, Peter Burchfield, Mike Snider, and Terry Rathert.

which speaks to the unmatched passion of our WSF family.

The needs of wild sheep are enduring, which is why the Wild Sheep Foundation must also endure.

We can celebrate today’s successes while decisively acting for the future of wild sheep conservation. As WSF approaches our 50th Anniversary in 2027, we are committed to “Keep Climbing” for wild sheep. Our Keep Climbing campaign focuses on Today, Tomorrow, & Forever. While we will continue to fund vital Grant in Aid projects TODAY, 33% of all new dollars received through this pioneering effort will be directed to the Endowment Fund. The remaining 67% will be directed as the donor wishes. Our goal is to elevate the Endowment Fund to a level that can support wild sheep conservation needs FOREVER. This should be our collective legacy.

We invite you to join us on this climb toward a future brimming with wild sheep on our mountains, inspiring youth to embrace hunting and the outdoors, fostering widespread understanding of the North American Model of Conservation, and creating countless opportunities to witness these iconic animals in their natural habitat. The climb will be difficult and, no doubt, we will face challenges getting there… but the most difficult ascents almost ALWAYS end in the most spectacular views. WS For more information on how you can be part of this historic effort by joining the Mountain Royalty, Legends, or Pinnacle Society, please reach out to Development Manager, Paige Culver.

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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

by Greg Schildwachter WSF Lobbyist

B

MONEY AND OPPORTUNITY

eneath the passionate commitment of conservation is the reality that conservation costs money. For that reason, conservation could be called an industry, but the word doesn’t fit perfectly because a lot of money comes through government as a public service, and many benefits of conservation are recreational not industrial.

But conservation sure looks like business when a hunt sells for upwards of a quarter million dollars. A non-hunter who doesn’t know what that money pays for may be suspicious. A hunter who doesn’t have that kind of money may feel cheated.

The shades of gray are causing policy problems. Policy proposals in state, provincial, and national governments commonly disregard the money conservation needs to succeed. Even some hunters make these proposals.

Examples point in every direction. In Washington, DC, dramatic cuts to budgets and staff are raising the question: what will be left of conservation? Proposals to end hunting presume that license revenue isn’t necessary: why not close a hunting season or stop hunting altogether? Some proposals to increase opportunity emphasize taking over giving back: why not improves the odds for a draw tag by raffling instead of selling?

The base of our position is the “why” of conservation. Hunters are conservationists, which means we do many more things to ensure there are enough sheep than we do to bring meat home. Funding

28 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

management is one of those things.

Giving our time to volunteer on projects is another. Every hunter and target shooter pays 10% on every purchase of guns and ammunition. Every hunter pays by buying a license.

What hunters take is the return on what we give. Successful conservation produces opportunities to hunt. It’s a blessing to any hunter who gives no more than required that they too have opportunity.

But there is a line of responsibility between givers and takers when a question of policy could change the rules for everyone.

There are too many examples to list of state proposals to close seasons, but one thing can be said of them all. They miss or disregard the part that hunting and hunting licenses play in caring for wildlife populations. WSF and the entire community oppose these changes because they cut off both what we’re willing to give, and the benefits earned by giving.

There are now proposals in states that open a dangerous schism within the hunting family over whether the money going into conservation is more important than the opportunity coming out the other end. For example, in Montana, House Bill 283 would give the commission the option to sell the annual sheep auction tag through a raffle instead. Arizona recently went further and did away with some auction tags.

Unlike the five other Montana “governor’s” tags already available for either auction or raffle, and two other annual tags the state raffles off,

For ore information on Keep Climbing Campaign

there is no evidence that a sheep tag would raise as much from a raffle as it does by auction.

The only other money Montana has for sheep management is a share of license revenue that covers only sheep surveys—nothing for habitat, research, or populations.

But supporters of HB 283 are more concerned that this one tag every year is going to one of the few hunters who can bid hundreds of thousands of dollars and not to one of the many who can buy tens or hundreds of dollars of tickets.

WSF opposes HB 283 because sacrificing what hunters are willing to give can’t be justified by what hunters want to take.

We support improving existing raffles in Montana that with better marketing could expand opportunity while raising more revenue for conservation.

WSF opposes HB 283 because revenue makes opportunity possible. We are committed to funding the resource by the most productive means that supports opportunity for all. For example, WSF is making the new Arizona approach as successful as possible by raffling a 2025 Arizona bighorn tag this May through June. We will incur all the costs to conduct the raffle and return 100% of the funds to the state of Arizona to advance bighorn conservation.

If the passion to hunt begins with growing the resource, agreements on sharing the bounty will easily follow. If bitter disagreements come first, there must be a different “why” behind them. WS

ARIZONA

RAFFLE 1 Time Ever! st

Here’s your chance!

The Wild Sheep Foundation is pleased to offer the 2025 Arizona Game & Fish Commission Rocky Mtn. Bighorn Sheep Raffle Tag. Buy your raffle tickets today!

100% of the raffle tag proceeds will be directed to the Arizona Game & Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee for their continued stewardship of the state’s wild sheep resources.

SEASON DATES: AUG 15, 2025 - AUG 14, 2026

Putting and Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain Since 1977

FULL TAG DETAILS CHANCES 1 - $50 5 - $200 20 - $500 50 - $1,000 120 - $2,000

RAFFLE CLOSES JUNE 30, 2025 | Wild Sheep Foundation • Bozeman, MT | info@wildsheepfoundation.org SPRING 2025 ~ ILD S HEEP 29 W

®

BY CORINNE BOETTCHER

ith sure footing and deep breathing, I climbed. Twice more the rocks gave way. Twice more I scrambled out of danger and dug my boots in, keeping my knees bent and weight low. Tired of the onslaught, I practically ran up the final ten feet. This time, a piece of wonderfully wide, solid, flat ground spread beneath my boots. Whatever else lay between Larry and me, this was the perfect site for our second night in the field. I hadn’t seen one like it all day. I wouldn’t have to roll into a ball and sleep in a sea of jagged rocks. With a shaky, loud, breathless laugh, I collapsed and blinked up at the big blue sky.

As I lay there, a familiar voice rose from somewhere in the next draw.

“Corinne?” A pause, then, “I found him!”

It took a moment for those three words to hit.

FALL 2024 2025 30 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING

I found him.

Seven days before that moment, Larry and I had set off on my oncein-a-lifetime Rocky Mountain goat hunt in Hells Canyon, Oregon—a place that’s rightly earned its name.

Not many know it, but Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America—even deeper than the Grand Canyon. And with no hunting experience and almost no time spent in the great outdoors, I drew the goat in this forbidding wilderness.

I’d understood vaguely that these were hard-to-win tags, but Larry further explained: The odds of drawing the goat were akin to winning the Powerball. You might as well put your name in the hat, but don’t bet on drawing it. After more than fifty years in the state, Larry had yet to draw the goat.

The odds were infinitesimal, points could never be accrued, and you only had one chance.

As a young girl, the small neighborhood park across from my childhood home was the closest I’d

ever come to the great outdoors.

I had always been drawn to hunting and living off the land, playing survivalist games in the backyard and making my own bows out of branches and twine, but the opportunity to learn eluded me. Then, a year-and -a-half ago, my father-in-law introduced me to his longtime friend: Larry Jacobs.

At first, all I’d understood about Larry was that he was a retired construction company owner and a passionate lifelong hunter; a man generous enough to share his time and resources with me, an unassuming city girl. That was already more than I could ask for. But what I didn’t know is that Larry Jacobs is a unique name in the hunting world—a highly sought-after guide and treasurer of the Wild Sheep Foundation, one of the most highly-esteemed conservationist nonprofits. After feeling a lifelong pull toward hunting, I

The author preparing for her second night on the mountain.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 31

Larry Jacobs looking for a goat.

was introduced to one of the best hunting mentors in the game, and when the opportunity presented itself, Larry volunteered to help me claim my first kill. Without Larry, none of it would’ve happened.

Why me? I’ve asked myself this question countless times, and being a Christian, my only answer was: to serve a greater purpose. I was meant to go on this hunt—perhaps to challenge myself, to deepen my connection with nature, or to share my highly unlikely story with others. But, at least pragmatically, this Rocky Mountain goat tag would allow me to discover, under the most extreme circumstances, whether I would be suited to the lifestyle... to become a hunter, with all the modern stigmas attached. Like most millennial 32 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

kids from the sanitized concrete bubble of Portland suburbia, I had no exposure to hunting or fishing.

The default perspective toward a hunter’s lifestyle was a negative one. But what did it really mean to hunt, harvest, and pack out an animal? Is hunting a means of putting food on the table, a personal challenge, or simply a popular sport—a competition for the biggest trophy to mount above your fireplace? And above all, what would it mean to me?

I needed to find the answer to that question, and I needed to find it on my own terms, through firsthand experience.

On day five of that “firsthand experience” in Hells Canyon, I found myself lying on the bleeding edge of a cliff at the bottom of a

mountain, my boots braced over a thousand-foot drop and my finger on the trigger of a Weatherby Magnum rifle. In my crosshairs, I watched the most beautiful billy goat lounging in the late afternoon sun. And I was one breath away from claiming him.

Earlier that day, Larry Jacobs and I had trekked nearly a mile down from our drop camp on the south ridge of an imposing, steep, and treacherous canyon that I had glassed weeks prior and blithely dismissed. That’s impossible— that’s not a place where people go.

I found out later that many people regard it as such, save for the crazy ones—like a cliffhopping cowboy who would end up rescuing us by boat, days later at the bottom of the creek. Over

those nine days, I would lose track of how many impossible things we did.

“Tuck the gun into the soft part of your shoulder, grab the strap with your left hand, and pull tight,” Larry instructed as he settled behind his spotting scope.

Beside one of its tripod legs, a tuft of grass rippled over thin air.

“When you’re ready, flick up the safety with your thumb, focus on the crosshairs, and pull the trigger slowly. Don’t worry about the recoil—it’ll take care of itself.”

I looked at Larry with a nervous laugh. “Is there any chance the recoil will kick me back over this cliff?”

“Oh, no.” He shook his head, surprised by the idea. “No.” My nerves were on fire, but I

trusted his judgment. Settling back on my 72-gallon pack, I rested my cheek on the rifle and trained my gaze on the crosshairs.

“C’mon… c’mon, where are you at, buddy…” I whispered, catching rock after rock as I jerked the scope around. A couple of trees, a closer rock face… I breathed, recollected myself, and calmly adjusted the rifle downward.

Like a flash of lightning in a storm, white filled my scope. There he was, nearly level with us. Our big, beautiful, mature goat. Three days ago, this goat had only been a white speck in my binoculars. We’d had no clue how big he truly was, or even if he was simply a mature nanny. Larry had shared stories of other hunters who had confused mature nannies for billies before.

But now I could see every detail— his flaring black nose, those half-lidded glossy eyes, his long blade-like ears. This was no nanny.

Pronounced glands crowded the base of his impressive horns, which carried their girth well—both sure signs. He basked on a spacious plot at the top of what looked like a shallow draw. His snow-white chin hair and featherings were so long, they drifted lazily in the slight breeze.

I reminded myself to breathe.

My chest was as taught as a piano string, and I willed myself to channel that nervous energy into the shot.

“Aim behind his front leg, right for his heart and lungs,” Larry whispered. “Whenever you’re ready.”

The tiny chime from Larry’s phone alerted me that he had started recording, and everything

but the crosshairs dropped away.

Even the wind stilled on my face. Pulling the gun strap tighter toward my chest, I flicked the safety up with my thumb. Blood roared in my ears. My heartbeat thudded like a drum against the side of my throat. At a range of three-hundred and twenty-five yards, I inhaled, exhaled… inhaled again… and slowly pulled the trigger.

The shot blast was muffled, almost distant. As if it came from the other side of the canyon, not from beneath my right ear.

“You got him! Great shot—ah, he’s still moving,” Larry reported.

“Reload and shoot him again!”

“How do I do that? How do I do that?” I looked at the gun with shaky hands, ready to do whatever Larry said. To speed things up, he grabbed the stock and pulled it back to reload, but the gun jammed. Larry swore, taking the gun into his lap and working to unjam it with a twig.

“Keep your eyes on the goat.

Don’t look away from him,” Larry directed.

In the vacuum of the immediate aftermath, a swell of emotion stuck in my throat. I pressed my hand over my lips and lay back down to watch my billy goat. His white fur gleamed like a beacon against the dark gray rock, his bulky body weaving on a short ledge. I could see him with my naked eye.

His front legs staggered, slipped, and he fell roughly ten feet into a couple of pine trees. I relayed all of this to Larry as he worked.

I never got my second shot. And two days later, I was thankful I hadn’t. My billy goat ended up SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 33

With two promising leads but no boat secured, we woke to a quiet breakfast. My body knew this was a gamble—the camp fork trembled in my hands, and every bite was nauseating. tumbling down a rock chute that we couldn’t have seen from our vantage point or our offline maps.

Mercifully, the log he ended up getting caught under was a mere fifty-yard walk from what would become our second night in the field. This ended up being of crucial benefit. We had no access to imagery that could tell us what kind of terrain we faced, so we remained blissfully unaware that the worst was yet to come.

After the shot and with no second sighting of the goat, we packed up and raced to get back to camp. But we had dropped down the mountain further than we realized, and dusk followed swiftly on our heels. Because every step had to be carefully planned and chosen or risk getting “cliffed-out” (or worse), we made the difficult decision to spend a below-freezing night in the field with only one emergency sleeping bag between us.

Larry and the author at the top of the mountain.

34 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Rain eliminated the possibility of a fire, and we had already run out of water. With no springs to draw from, we endured 12 hours of fitful, wet, bone-chilling sleep atop a rock outcropping. Weary and painfully thirsty, we woke at first light and began the climb. In desperation, we split up and scraped fresh undisturbed snow as we went.

Before lurching over every fallen log, I ripped off a glove and scooped the white glittery frosting

off the bark and into my parched, tacky mouth. The below-freezing temperatures of the night before now supplied my only source of hydration. What was once a bane became a boon.

With painstaking persistence, we arrived back at camp around midday, severely dehydrated and depleted—but alive. After nearly twenty-four hours without water, we allowed ourselves a couple of hours to rest and rehydrate while we strategized to find and harvest my goat. In light of our little morning climb, we knew packing out the goat uphill wasn’t an option—we had to descend down into the creek. For that, we needed a boat. As we considered the option, it seemed ludicrous to me—

we needed a boat? To cross a river?

I came prepared to hike and pack out seventy pounds of meat, one trip at a time until the deed was done. No one had said anything about boats.

Larry sent out an SOS to his local hunting friends while I made the solo hike back to our campground site for more water.

Hells Canyon was experiencing twenty-year lows in rainfall, and every cup of water counted.

By the time I returned to camp, night fell, and we slept a sumptuous night on our sleeping pads, swaddled in the welcome warmth of our down sleeping bags in the dry sanctuary of our tent.

Everything is relative I marveled, as I fell blissfully asleep within reach

of a water bottle.

With two promising leads but no boat secured, we woke to a quiet breakfast. My body knew this was a gamble—the camp fork trembled in my hands, and every bite was nauseating. But there was no choice. Committing to this hunt meant committing to harvesting and packing out my goat, no matter what. There wasn’t time to wait around for confirmation of rescue. We had to begin our uncertain trek relying on faith and the goodness of others. Drinking as much water as we could afford, we descended again down the mountain.

Within a few hours of hiking, we discovered that the gentle sloping route that we had marked on our maps was instead a continuous stream of rock debris that had broken off the nearby cliffs and filled the mile-long draw. By the end of day seven, Larry and I spent nearly nine hours traversing nothing but rock chutes. We spent all day glassing for my goat. But as we neared the base of the draw and the bottom of the canyon, there was no white fur in sight.

Only a couple of hours remained until sunset, and doubt bore down like hail. We decided to split up to cover more ground. Larry went left, and I went right—down fifty yards to the base of the draw where I could (hopefully) make my way around the cliffs and peek into the next area. I could also take a break from the rocks and hike the brushy gutter of ground below. Even bushwhacking had become preferable to rock chutes.

Every time my boots touched soil, a tiny rush of elation momentarily SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 35

eclipsed the exhaustion and thirst.

After another bout of bouldering, my head swam yet again, and I sat on a Vespa-sized boulder for a small drink. On a whim, I looked back in the direction Larry had gone. With uncanny luck, I caught the precise moment that he disappeared over the next cliff rise.

Minutes passed, but Larry didn’t appear again. Since there was no safe way to take off my pack and check my InReach for a message, I called out to see if he needed me to follow. There was no response.

With one last glance at the brush below, I stood on the boulder and 36 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

faced the rock chute again. I had to get over to Larry. Time was about to run out—for harvesting the goat, and for our water supply.

We only had enough water to get through the next morning, and maybe one dehydrated meal to split between us. We had to get down to the creek and pray that it wasn’t dry, or bushwhack our way to the Snake River and turn on our JetBoil. This was it.

Grabbing up my trekking poles and allowing myself another precious sip from my water bladder, I steeled my heart and picked out the next boulder. Without looking at the creek below, I tested the

boulder with a trekking pole. It shifted a little, but held.

The boulder after that held, too—at least at first. But the rocks supporting it didn’t.

As the rocks around and beneath rolled downward and quickly gained momentum, my body understood my situation faster than my mind did. With no margin for error, I scrambled forward and leaped for a bigger boulder up and to the right.

Thank God it held. As I caught my breath on all fours, the thunderous roar of a thousand stones ricocheted off the mountain as the rockslide tumbled to the distant vein of green below.

Once the mountain settled and I caught my breath, I stood on shaking legs and prayed.

“Lord, help me be strong, help me be wise, help me get out of this alive.”

I scaled the rock chute by repeating those words aloud and fixating on the next right step.

Occasionally, I would look up to sketch a route through the rocks, but never further.

When I reached the top where Larry had disappeared, I expected another draw—like the shallow one I had seen in the rifle scope two days ago.

Instead, a second, steeper rock chute rose high above my head.

Sweat drenched my base layers and seeped down my dirt-crusted neck. Leaves and small twigs crackled in my ponytail as I sized up the climb. A razor-thin gutter of grass snaked about a third of the way up—a bit of solid ground to rely on for a little while, but after

“Lord, help me be strong, help me be wise, help me get out of this alive.”

I scaled the rock chute by repeating those words aloud and fixating on the next right step. that, I’d have to zigzag my way up the rocks. These ones were smaller.

Less stable. And the sun was already low. If I didn’t scale these rocks, I’d have to sleep on them.

“I’m not sleeping on these rocks,” I vowed, and repeated my prayer.

“Lord, help me be strong, help me be wise, help me make it out of this alive.”

I scaled the chute, one rock at a time, and thanked God for the flat wedge of solid ground at the top. As I collapsed and collected my breath, that was the moment I heard a familiar voice rise from somewhere in the next draw.

“Corinne?” A pause, then, “I

found him!”

It took a moment for those three words to hit.

“You found him?” I called, disbelieving. I sprang to my feet in a fresh burst of energy. Looking down the brushy slope, Larry’s arms waved about fifty yards down, over the top of a tall willow patch.

“Yeah, he’s here!”

With a joy that erased the last ten hours of fear and despair, I whooped and hollered and screamed.

We found him.

With the night nearly upon us, Larry dressed down the billy.

We set out our sleeping bags and spent our second night in the field with cotton mouths and damaged bodies.

But after the darkest night comes the brightest dawn. The next morning, we heard back from one of Larry’s hunting friends: A local cowboy named Jordan Manley. He happened to be one of the crazy few that hunted this creek and offered his boat and time to save our lives. He confirmed that the pickup would be the day after next, where the creek met the Snake River.

With one liter of water left, we picked our way down the outer

The author on the bank of the Snake River, waiting to be rescued.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 37

I had emerged victorious from a death-defying rite of passage—a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

edge of the remaining chute. The gift of an elk game trail led us around a grassy hill to the growing sound of rushing water, a sound we had attributed to the Snake River dam. But as we hiked into the green pit, it became clear: the creek was far from dry!

Whipping out the first empty Gatorade bottle I could find, I plopped down on the bank of the creek, submerged it, and downed twenty ounces in one gulp. To my parched lips, the water tasted sweeter than honey. I refilled the bottle and passed it to Larry.

“Ah!” Larry exhaled after the drink. “Doesn’t that just hit the spot.”

To our continued relief, Larry found a meandering but reliable game trail that saw us around a thirty-foot waterfall, down several slippery slopes, and up a grass hill or three. There was some brush and low tree cover to wrestle my goat’s horns out of, but not nearly the fight we had anticipated.

By two in the afternoon, the dense underbrush and canopy opened into a dappled glen, and the slow, serene Snake sparkled through the trees. After eight days of living on a prayer—well, many prayers—we could finally rest easy.

We spent our third and final night in the field under a canopy of stars, on a soft green island surrounded by burbling brooks.

When Monday morning arrived, I found a rock at the mouth of the creek to sit and wait for our rescue.

As I watched, I reflected on the question I had set out to answer.

What did hunting mean to me? I had slashes on my hands, bruises covering my arms and legs, 38 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

pinched muscles in my back, and scabs all over my scalp and neck.

My hair had nearly clumped itself into dreads, my skin was pink and parched, my feet were blistered, and a goat’s head lay only a few dozen feet away. I had emerged victorious from a death-defying rite of passage—a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. Few could say their first kill was a Rocky Mountain goat, and fewer still had done it with no prior experience. I was a hunter now.

Even I couldn’t argue that.

After spending that morning and every morning since mulling over that question, I haven’t arrived at just one answer. But I can whittle it down to three words: reciprocity, resilience, and respect.

Reciprocity describes our relationship with the natural world that sustains and provides for us. Forced to attune to the Hells Canyon ecosystem to succeed and survive, I felt intrinsically that when taking a life, you are then called to give life back. That’s the only way to maintain balance and actively participate in the cycle of life, death, and renewal that’s inherent to hunting. That could look like donating, conservation, volunteer work, advocating for hunting, participating in ethical management and stewardship, or something else unique to your skillset that closes the loop—or, better yet, opens it for future would-be hunters. It’s easy to understand why hunters become so passionate about conservation and wildlife management.

Second: resilience. Hunting requires you to learn how to persevere in the face of

uncertainty, doubt, and disappointment. To identify the difference between treacherous and foolish. To rely on your own instincts when all the preparation and planning inevitably fall short.

To never underestimate your own strength of will. To notice your limits and seek progress, not perfection. To understand that fear is the biggest drain on our physical and mental capacity; master fear, and you master the pursuit. Commitment is the key that unlocks the greatest potential.

And to always, always, always carry emergency supplies—and six liters of water.

And finally, respect. Hunting taught me respect for myself, the hunters I’ve been lucky enough to meet and learn from, the majestic places I’ve seen, and the animal I’ve killed. Without respect, you become deaf to the demands of your environment, to the reason behind the hunt, and to your own needs and limits. Without respect, one invites injury—to yourself, to the people who hunt with you, to the natural spaces we explore, and the animals we hope to take home. And to respect nature, we first must respect ourselves.

The difficult and uncertain act of hunting has gifted me with the selfrespect, self-reliance, and personal responsibility that has already inspired me to further hone my skills and fulfill my purpose, wherever that may lead.

What does hunting mean to me?

That, above all, life doesn’t stop where the asphalt ends—that’s where it begins. WS

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 39

40 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

the ladies and a stone O

nce we had crossed the swift-flowing icy river, the only sound was the deliberate, steady hoofbeats of our horses on the frozen dirt trail. Occasionally, the near-silence was interrupted by one of the steeds making loud nose-clearing rumbles. The sun hid behind the rugged, snowcapped mountains, and the foggy low clouds preventing us from hunting the day before were draped along the slopes nearly halfway to the valley floor.

We progressed slowly, hoping the pesky layer of moisture hindering our view would be dissolved by the sun as it climbed from behind the jagged summit.

The air was still and cold and filled with the smell of creekside vegetation and horses.

BY JIM MANLEY Steph led the three-horse parade while diligently keeping a sharp eye on the visible part of the mountainside to our left. She silently communicated with her young green mount with a light hand and slight leg pressure. I followed closely behind, looking for sheep while trying to ignore the early morning chills. Amanda, bringing up the rear, lagged back a bit like a sentinel watching for problems. As the horses methodically moved to the east along the creek, I noticed the sky was brightening. Gradually, in sync with the rising sun, the fog started lifting, revealing more hillside to scan.

A little over an hour into the ride, Steph pulled up short, dropped the reins, and grabbed her binoculars. Following her gaze,

I searched the mountain for whatever caught her eye. Not seeing anything, I glanced back to verify exactly which way she was looking. In one fluid motion Steph dismounted, pulled her spotting scope from the saddle bags, and plopped on the ground. By the time I climbed from my horse and figured out how to secure him, Steph was urgently whispering, “Get your scope!”

I hustled, scope in hand, to where Steph sat and found a flat spot next to her. “Two rams,” she whispered as she pointed up the hill. Amanda had taken control of the horses by this time and joined us.

The rams were over halfway up the mountain, a long way from us. The valley was filled

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 41

with a forest of dead trees caused by a lightning fire years earlier. It was tough to get a clear look at the sheep through these snags, but we had time as the rams obviously weren’t aware of us. One was bedded, and the other was slowly feeding to the west. While studying the sheep through my spotting scope, I could feel Steph staring at me. Turning to her, I couldn’t help but notice her excitement: her jaw had dropped, her mouth was gaping open, and her eyes were the size of silver dollars. At that moment, I knew the hunt was on.

The genesis of this sheep hunt was a little over a year and a half earlier. In January 2017, while strolling the expo hall of the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Sheep Show®, I passed Big 9 Outfitters’ booth.

I’d heard about Big 9 for years and knew Barry Tompkins ran one of the premier Stone’s sheep hunting outfits. So, when I noticed the three young ladies staffing the 42 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

booth weren’t busy, I stopped by to chat. I didn’t realize it then, but this was the start of a new journey in my sheep-hunting career.

I introduced myself and explained I wasn’t looking for a hunt but was always interested in talking sheep. Shayann Tompkins, the oldest of Barry’s daughters, extended her hand and said, “Hi Jim. I’m Shay, and this is my sister, Amanda,” pointing to the red-haired member of the trio. Then, turning her head to the right, she continued, “And this is Steph Shippy, one of our main guides.” The ladies were delightful. A bit younger than my daughters, they were personable, knowledgeable, and represented their dad’s business well. We had a great conversation, and after some good salesmanship on their part, I promised to keep a future hunt in mind. Two months later, I was booked and started my extensive mountain hiking prep.

It was an easy decision to drive up north from my Oregon home. I was retired, so I had an abundance of free time and enjoyed road trips. On September 4, 2018, with new tires and a fresh oil change, I took off. Three days and 1,400 miles later, I pulled into Fort Nelson, BC. The next morning I was heading to camp.

Scattered clouds obscured the view on the flight from Fort Nelson to Big 9’s base camp, and the air was turbulent. By the time I’d settled in, the pilot was circling for his landing in the giant green meadow surrounding the lodge. As he taxied the big twin across the bumpy pasture, I saw the crew waiting to meet us.

When the engines wound down and the props spun to a stop, they approached the plane. One of the guys was on a four-wheeler pulling a large cart to haul our gear.

Stepping off the plane, I saw Steph coming to greet me. Even though

By the time I’d settled in, the pilot was circling for his landing in the giant green meadow surrounding the lodge.

I didn’t really know her, I got a huge smile and big hug as she said, “Glad you made it.” Amanda and Shay were there, along with three other guides and two cooks. After handshakes and hugs all around, we threw the gear onto the trailer and towed it to the lodge.

Walking to the lodge with Steph on one side and Amanda on the other, my ears were filled with the plans. “We’re riding out today, Jim,” Steph said. “We need you to get your stuff into a couple panniers as soon as you can. We have at least a six-hour ride, and it’d be nice to get there before dark,” she explained. Since it was already 11:00 a.m., I knew I’d better hurry. I picked up my pace, and Amanda broke in, “We’ve got the horses ready, and I set out two empty panniers for you to pack your gear. Take everything you’ll need for a couple weeks.” By this time, my mind was spinning as fast

as my feet.

After stuffing my gear in the panniers, Steph and I headed out.

Once on the trail, I remembered how much I love horses. I had my own in the past and felt like a mountain man as we cruised along the river and through the mountains. The country was fantastic. Scattered white clouds with dark bottoms slowly slid across the vibrant blue sky, occasionally hanging up on the tall peaks. Many of the mountaintops were lost in the clouds, but the ones in view were lightly dusted with fresh snow. It was the second week in September, so nightly frosts were frequent. As a result, the fall colors were so vibrant they nearly hurt my eyes.

Four and a half hours later, the horses pulled hard up a steep hill, and the trail drifted into dark timber. Because it was shaded most of the time, the trail was muddy

and slick, but everything went well, and we made good time.

We broke out of the trees and crossed another creek. Mountains materialized again on both sides of the trail. Tall and rugged, I could hear them calling my name. When our view opened up, Steph reined in her horse and spoke softly, “Let’s glass this hillside.” We slid out of our saddles and worked the slope with our binoculars. Within minutes Steph whispered, “There’s some sheep.” She pointed them out, and together we determined the band was comprised of five young rams. No full-curls, but a couple were only a few years away.

Back in the saddle, we headed west toward our camp, and I realized that Steph’s young and experienced eyes didn’t miss a thing.

As we rode around the corner, an entire mountainside and immense side drainage came into

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 43

view. We could see for miles, and it was all tremendous sheep country.

And there, near the river with a panoramic view, was our camp for the next 12 days. Amanda, and Vicki our cook, rode in a couple hours later, and we made quick work of getting the supplies unloaded, horses tended to, and camp set up. After dinner, I strolled back to my tent with a full belly and stirred up the fire in my small woodstove. Anxious to kick off the hunt the next day, I crawled into bed and attempted to sleep.

Horse bells and the sound of running horses woke me at 4:30 a.m. At dinner, I’d been told breakfast would be at 6:00 a.m., so I pulled the sleeping bag over my head for another hour. The ladies were drinking coffee when I poked my head into the cabin.

Steph looked up and said, “We can’t see any stars this morning, and it looks like the clouds are low.

There’s even a little fresh snow.

Let’s hope daylight brings a better picture.” We took our time with breakfast, waiting for some decent light. Unfortunately, there were no rays of morning sunshine, just a slowly increasing dreary glow to the cloudy, damp, and cold morning. Every five minutes, one of us stepped out into the dim light to check the visibility. There wasn’t any. An hour passed, and it became apparent we wouldn’t be hunting unless things changed.

As morning slid into afternoon, the fog layer began to rise. Light winds untethered the groundhugging clouds, and occasionally we caught glimpses of the vast mountains behind and above our camp. Visibility was still fleeting, 44 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

and the day was leaning toward evening, so we didn’t consider saddling up. We set up the spotting scopes at a convenient spot and rushed out whenever there was a clear view. We saw scattered sheep and elk, but nothing we could hunt.

Once again, the ringing of horse bells pulled me from a deep sleep at 4:30 a.m. But, now understanding the drill, I fell back to sleep until my 5:30 alarm sounded. At breakfast, Steph expressed the same pessimism as the day before. “The clouds are still low. We’ll have to wait and see.” But then Amanda announced, “We’re anxious to start hunting, so

we’ve got the horses saddled just in case.” Steph added, “Let’s ride downstream and check as much of the mountain as possible. We can always come back if things don’t clear up, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

A thick frost covered everything, so I put on a heavy coat, a toque, and warm gloves against the early morning chill. The horses were calm and steady as we crossed the creek and moved down the trail to the east. An hour later, Steph stopped abruptly and jumped off with her spotting scope. I guessed something good was going to happen. After scoping the sheep

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 45

and seeing the excitement in her eyes, I knew it was time to climb the mountain. Amanda did too and suggested, “Let’s take the horses over here,” pointing to a group of dead snags. Steph joined us as we all found suitable trees to secure the ponies. Then, with our backs to the mountain and voices low, we forged a plan. We decided to continue east on foot until we were two ridges past the rams, then climb to the sheep’s elevation in the cover of a deep draw.

When we reached the gorge, 46 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

we took one last look at the rams through Steph’s spotting scope.

They were up and feeding, a little farther to the west but still at the same elevation. Both looked mature, and one was a fair amount bigger. Trying to keep my emotions in check, I refused to consider how big he actually was. We started the climb with light packs since we had left our excess gear at the horses.

Like most sheep mountains, it wasn’t too steep at the bottom, but the higher we climbed the steeper it got. There was little risk of being

noticed, as two ridges were between us and the rams, plus there wasn’t any breeze to carry our scent. The three of us slogged along until we reached the rams’ approximate elevation. Then, bearing to the left, we peeked over the ridge, but all we saw was a fabulous view.

Knowing the sheep had been one more ridge to the west and feeding in that direction, we moved on, side-hilling toward where we had last seen them. Entering the next draw, we found it impassable.

Sheer cliffs encased both sides of the drainage, and the area above was even more treacherous. If any water had flowed in the gorge, it would have formed an impressive waterfall. We had to move down the mountain to get below the cliffs. I wasn’t thrilled about losing elevation given how tough the climb had been, but there was no other option. After finally finding a route through the ravine, we crossed and fought our way back up, angling toward the summit of the second ridge. The footing was stable, comprised of soil and small rock with grass and bushes covered in sparkling silver frost.

The steep ridge forced me to stop frequently and catch my breath.

I’d trained hard all spring and summer, and even the previous winter when the weather allowed.

But my age was showing as the ladies were kicking my butt on the climb. Also, knowing the rams could be visible just over the crest of the ridge had my heart rate galloping. When we reached a set of rimrocks, we took cover and peeked into the next draw expecting to see the rams on the opposing hillside. But nothing.

Silence echoed between the three of us for a long minute.

Then Steph motioned for us to take a few steps back out of sight.

Hunched behind a ragged rock shelf, she whispered, “I’m going to sneak up higher through the cliffs to get a better view. It could be noisy, so you guys stay here.

It’ll be quieter than all three of us going.” Twenty minutes passed before Steph eased her way back down to us. As she neared, she started shaking her head. “I could see all of this drainage and a lot of the cliffs above us. They’re not there.” Breathing a long sigh, she continued, “They must be farther out in front of us. Probably feeding faster than we’d thought.”

And then, with tight lips and downcast eyes, she added, “Unless we bumped them.” We were all processing this when under my breath, I muttered, “Oh sh*t.”

Simultaneously, we lifted our

heads and looked at each other.

Deep in thought, Amanda scratched her lower lip with her upper teeth and whispered, “I’ll move lower and you guys continue at this elevation. I should be able to see below the rims, and you

probably won’t have much of a view of that area.” Steph was quick to answer, “Good idea. Jim and I will get as far up this mountain as fast as we can. The morning is slipping away, and I’m afraid those boys will think about bedding down soon. It wouldn’t surprise me if they headed for those cliffs.”

Steph pointed to the sheer rimrock that crowned the mountain above us. Before heading out, we discussed hand signals, landmarks, and the timing of our efforts. As we got ready to roll, Steph, while making a palms-down calming gesture, warned, “Remember, the rams could be anywhere now. Let’s be as quiet and careful as possible until we have a good view of what’s ahead.”

Slipping on our packs, we started the next phase of the stalk. It had been several hours since we had seen the rams, and the thought that they might have SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 47

been spooked and left the area haunted me. We climbed hard, with Steph in front setting a fast but stealthy pace. Always alert, eyes, ears, and nose dissecting her surroundings, she shot up the mountain. It was all I could do to keep up. Who am I kidding?

I couldn’t. My bad knee was screaming, but I couldn’t hear it over my heavy breathing.

Whenever I stopped for a quick rest, Steph took the opportunity to scour the terrain with her binoculars for any sign of the rams. She was patient with me, but I could feel her urgency to gain elevation.

We climbed the east face of a side ridge, working our way toward the summit. When we reached a narrow bench that ran east to west above a 40-foot rock cliff, we decided it was time to cross over the ridge’s crest.

We needed another look below us and wanted to see more of the sidehill farther to the west. Slowly, we crept along. I was on my toes, trying to see everything possible below the sheer face. At the same time, I was nearly in Steph’s rear 48 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

pocket, wanting to maintain close contact for silent communication.

Suddenly, Steph stopped and motioned down the slope. There, at about 80 yards, was a ram. He was alone, feeding away from us.

We couldn’t see the other ram and were afraid to speak or move.

Then, one small step at a time, we snuck forward trying to find the second sheep. After moving only about ten feet, Steph suddenly froze. I was right behind her, maybe two feet. I arched my back, stretched my neck, and caught a glimpse of the very top of a ram’s horn only 40 feet below us. At this point, I didn’t know which ram was the big one, as the feeding ram hadn’t lifted his head. My immediate reaction was to take a couple steps toward the rim and prepare to shoot, but Steph’s antics warned otherwise. She must have read my mind because she slowly backed up with her hands down by her side, spread out and backward in a “V” formation, pushing me back. When we were out of the ram’s earshot, she quietly but firmly said, “We were too close! We

need to get up the mountain!” And she was on the move.

Keeping up with Steph earlier was tough, but now it was a real challenge. She was practically a blur cruising up the steep grade.

Partway to the rimrocks, as my tongue was dragging in the rocks, Steph stopped and threw up her binoculars. She looked down the hill and ordered, “We need to hurry!” Wondering where I’d get the much-needed oxygen, I pushed myself up the incline.

The orange-brown vertical rimrocks came into view just as we angled to our left and approached the spine of the side ridge. After a few steps, we both hit the ground as a small ram appeared from behind a spruce tree. He saw us, turned, and bounced out of sight.

My heart sank, but Steph pushed on. “Hurry,” she commanded.

Moving at a slow trot, we reached a bench with a decent view of the next draw and the base of the rimrocks. Steph turned to me with fire in her eyes and whispered, “Get set up!” I dropped to my knees and rolled out of my

I frantically tried to lower the tripod while remaining quiet as I watched the rams come into view at under 100 yards. backpack. Unzipping the main compartment, I fumbled with the tripod and finally pulled it free, popping it open and extending the legs. Slipping a shell into the chamber, I laid the 6.5 across the tripod as Steph said, “Here they come.” I caught motion, and I settled into my rifle.

The rams were moving in a running walk toward the rims where they would likely disappear.

Unfortunately, my rest was too high. I frantically tried to lower the

tripod while remaining quiet as I watched the rams come into view at under 100 yards. Meanwhile, Steph was quietly but excitedly in my ear with, “He’s the second ram!

Take him!” If I had my wits about me, which I didn’t, I would have just shot from a sitting position with elbows to knees like I’d done a hundred times before. But since I’d started with the tripod, I was fixated on setting it up.

Finally, I was able to get the rams in my scope. A second or

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 49

two passed as I determined which one was the big guy. I could sense Steph starting to wonder if I was ever going to shoot. “Take him, Jim!” she urged, not bothering to whisper. The rams were going straight away and climbing fast through the giant boulders. “Shoot him wherever you can!” Steph pushed louder, as I pulled the crosshairs down on the ram’s back.

Then, as if it was her usual means of communication, Steph let out a loud “Baaaa.” The old ram stopped for an instant and turned ever so slightly as I slipped a 143-grain Hornady behind his ribs, and he rolled down the near-vertical slope and out of sight.

Totally spent and with emotions overflowing, I laid down my rifle and leaned back on my elbows.

Steph charged, arms outstretched, and crashed into me with a huge hug. “You got him! Great shot!

He’s a dandy!” came rolling out of her mouth with boundless excitement. When she jumped up, she giggled, “Let’s go see him!”

“Give me a minute, Steph. I need to catch my breath and settle a bit,” I answered. While collecting myself, cramming my gear back into the pack, and checking my rifle, I noticed out of the corner of my eye Steph nervously walking in circles and trying to be patient.

The instant I stood up she blurted, “Come on!” and we headed down.

The ram had rolled nearly 400 yards, stopping precariously against a small, embedded rock.

The terrain was equally as steep below him, so we took the time to build a rock platform to hold him steady. Amanda had heard the shot and hiked up to join us.

50 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Asking the ladies for a minute, I thanked the old ram and gave him the respect he truly deserved.

He was a beauty, 42” on the long side and heavy. With his grey face, silvery neck, near-black body, white rump, and white stripes running down the back of his legs, he perfectly embodied a Stone’s sheep. At 10 years old, he had just slipped past his prime. His teeth were worn, a few were gone, and several were loose. The upcoming winter might have been tough for the old guy.

Eight days later, after a winter snowstorm and a successful 6-point bull elk excursion, the weather cleared, and we packed up. The ride out was every bit as beautiful as trailing in had been. The sun drenched us with warmth, and the cloudless sky looked a thousand miles deep, which I guess it probably was. Brilliant fall colors, dark green conifers, and grey granite mountains surrounded us like a colorful wrap on a package of success and good times. Thanks to the ladies! WS

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 51

REFLECTIONS ON THE BIGHORN/DOMESTIC SHEEP ISSUE: PART I, HELLS CANYON

BY TIM SCHOMMER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VIC COGGINS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

Snake River Canyon, Idaho. Photo: Pixabay 52 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Introduction:

R

ecently, I have had requests to explain and summarize the history of domestic sheep in Hells Canyon and the lower Salmon River and what impact they have had on bighorn sheep restoration.

Part I will cover Hells Canyon and Part II will cover the Salmon River area. The purpose of this article is to briefly capture the 1) historical extend of domestic sheep use in

Hells Canyon, 2) summarize the bighorn sheep restoration effort, 3) discuss the problems with disease being transmitted to bighorns, and 4) summarize the difficulty and progress of removing domestic sheep from bighorn sheep habitat.

Historical reports indicate there were thousands of bighorn sheep in the canyons and mountains surrounding Hells Canyon. Most of the bighorn sheep habitat is excellent and continuous over its 100-plus-mile Snake River

corridor. Some herds wintered in the canyons then migrated in summer to the high elevation alpine habitat in the Wallowa and Seven Devils Mountains.

Other herds stayed year-round in the lower elevation canyons.

Archeological evidence indicates bighorn sheep were an important resource for Nez Perce and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Native Americans, who lived in and around Hells Canyon for at least the last 15,000 years.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 53

Several other pathogens from domestic sheep and goats have been found to cause pneumonia and death to bighorns. No vaccine currently exists.

Domestic sheep with herder in Idaho. Photo: Pixabay

Immigrant Settlement

Immigrant settlers began occupying Hells Canyon in the 1870s and brought domestic sheep, goats, and cattle with them. By the late 1890s there were incredible numbers of domestic sheep and they began having a huge impact on the condition of vegetation and health of many wildlife. I once read a newspaper article from Enterprise, Oregon (Wallowa Chieftain) dated 1905 that indicated there were over 300,000 domestic sheep in Wallowa County. There are many counties in the Hells Canyon area, hence, there could have easily been over a million domestic sheep in the area on bighorn sheep habitat. With little regulations on domestic sheep grazing on public land, bighorn sheep were decimated from domestic sheep over-grazing and diseases. By 1940, there were no bighorn sheep remaining in Hells Canyon and all of Oregon and 54 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Washington.

After World War II, the demand for wool and mutton began to decline and many of the domestic sheep allotments were converted to cattle. The Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla, and Nez Perce National Forests, which are partly within Hells Canyon, also continued to reduce livestock numbers. However, by 1970, there were still domestic sheep occupying many areas of Hells Canyon (see 1970 map showing grazing allotments remaining).

Bighorn Restoration and Disease Issues

In the 1970’s government agencies were just beginning to start the recovery of bighorn sheep throughout the western United States. Biologists Vic Coggins, Pat Fowler and Lloyd Oldenburg began bringing bighorn sheep from Canada and putting them into Hells Canyon. Knowledge of the disease issue was not known

Domestic sheep allotment 1970.

at that time, and the first Hells Canyon transplants were released near domestic sheep. There were also long domestic sheep stock driveways that moved them from private lands to summer allotments. Stragglers were lost and left along the trail during the drive.

Bighorn sheep were attracted to domestic sheep, and vice versa.

In 1980, the issue of domestic sheep transmitting deadly disease to bighorn sheep was not well known. In 1982, Dave Jessup published the first solid research in California on bighorns dying from pneumonia after contact with domestic sheep. In 1984 and again in 1989, Lloyd Oldenburg and myself witnessed two different bighorn die-off in Sheep and Granite Creeks (Idaho side of Snake River) after the two species comingled. We believed we lost all of the Sheep and Granite Creek bighorns in 1989, which were estimated at about 180 head. Vic

Coggins also witnessed several dieoffs on the Oregon side, the worst being in 1986 on the Lostine Range in Oregon These bighorn sheep dieoffs led to co-pasturing trials at Washington State University led by Dr. Bill Foreyt. He placed bighorn sheep in pens with several different types of wildlife and domestic livestock. He found that the only animals that killed bighorn sheep through disease were domestic sheep and mouflon sheep. In co-pasturing studies, about 95% of the bighorn sheep died from pneumonia caused by what was thought to be from Mannheimia haemolytica bacteria.

This bacterium was found to produce a toxin that killed the white blood cells of bighorn sheep and destroyed their lungs, while domestic sheep remained healthy.

Similar to the tobacco industry and cancer, the domestic sheep industry continually denied the disease transmission, which led to controversial high stakes politics.

These early studies led to 40 years of research, and today there is a large amount of evidence which indicates a significant risk of disease transmission from domestic sheep and goats to bighorn sheep.

Several other pathogens from domestic sheep and goats have been found to cause pneumonia and death to bighorns. No vaccine currently exists.

Vic Coggins securing Minam River sheep in the Vietnam War-era Huey while pilot Jim Pope Jr observes.

State and Federal biologists Vic Coggins, Lloyd Oldenburg, Kevin Martin, and myself began a huge effort to increase separation of the two species, convert allotments to cattle, and/or buy out allotments in favor of wildlife conservation.

Separation of ten miles still did not prevent die-offs.

In 1980, The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) was designated by congress. The HCNRA designation was important since it covered most of the bighorn sheep habitat in Hells Canyon and had specific legislation language that allowed timber harvest, mining,

Domestic Sheep Allotment Removals and Federal Court Case

In the 1980’s, armed with this new knowledge of disease risk,

Lostine ram heads from the 1986-87 disease episode.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 55

and grazing domestic livestock to continue if it was compatible with wildlife and recreation goals. In 1990, Vic, Kevin, and myself wrote a paper summarizing the research on the incompatibility between domestic and bighorn sheep.

By 1990, Vic, Lloyd, Kevin, and myself had been successful removing all of the domestic sheep allotments except the three Temperance Creek Allotments in Oregon and Smith Mountain Allotment remaining in Idaho (see 1990 domestic sheep map).

Quartz Creek sheep transplant, from left Lil Schommer, Dale Toweill, Tim Schommer, and Vic Coggins, moving a sheep on a stretcher – December 2001.

Domestic sheep allotment 1990.

Recognizing the incompatibility, The Wallow-Whitman National Forest completed an environmental assessment in 1992. Based on the language in the HCNRA legislation and several recent die-offs, the final Record of Decision did not renew the three Temperence Creek Allotment grazing permits, hence no longer allowing domestic sheep.

The decision led to the domestic sheep industry fighting the National Forest in 1993 and 1994 in the 9th Circuit Federal Court in Portland, Oregon. The judge 56 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Domestic sheep allotment 2004.

ruled in favor of the National Forest and removing the three Temperence Creek Allotments (see 2004 domestic sheep map).

Hells Canyon Initiative

In the fall and winter of 1995 and 1996, two domestic goats from the Asotin County Fair were “dumped” on bighorn sheep occupied range 20 miles south of Lewiston.

Documented co-mingling between bighorn and the goat led to a massive 300 head bighorn sheep die-off that spread over 45 miles in three different herds.

This die-off and the recent removal of the Temperence Creek allotments led the three state agencies, the two federal agencies, and the Wild Sheep Foundation to make a decision to pool our money and talent together to promote bighorn restoration. The Hells Canyon Initiative was formally created by a Memorandum of Understanding and Frances Cassirer was appointed as project leader. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla and Nez Perce Tribe joined the initiative in about 2000.

An agreed upon management plan led to a large effort to bring in bighorn sheep from British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, and other states and monitor their population demographics. I have a deep appreciation to these provinces and states for providing us disease-free bighorns with tremendous genetics. The initiative has been very successful in increasing populations and herds, and contributing to the large body of scientific literature on habitat use, movements, survival, modelling risk, and disease research.

A veterinarian named Rocky Crate had a very high appreciation for bighorn sheep and knew how complex the disease transmission issue would be to solve. Consequently, he left a considerable endowment to be

used solely for disease research.

Coupled with matching funds from the Wild Sheep Foundation, the Rocky Crate Endowment was created at Washington State University in about 2004. Kate Huyvaert is the current Rocky Crate chair.

The initiative is still strong today, 28 years later. This has been a very large long-term effort with one purpose: restore healthy bighorn populations to their

rightful place in Hells Canyon.

The Wild Sheep Foundation and its chapters have been remarkable in their continued support of the Hells Canyon Project for all these years. I can’t put into words the thousands and thousands of days of work everyone has put into this project. Some of us have spent a large portion of our adult lives on restoring bighorns to Hells Canyon. I consider it a privilege and honor to have worked with SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 57

Some of us have spent a large portion of our adult lives on restoring bighorns to Hells Canyon. such a dedicated group of bighorn sheep biologists and volunteers.

For an in-depth and enjoyable summary of the transplants, allotments removals, research, disease impacts, and the people involved in Hells Canyon, see Memoirs of a Backcountry Bio by Vic and Vicki Coggins 2018 (Coggins Wildlife Publishing, 64948 Aspen Grove Road, Enterprise, Oregon 97828. WS

First Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep released at Hells Canyon Dam – April 1971

Keeping Wild Sheep Healthy In Fall 2024, the Wild Sheep Foundation released Keeping Wild Sheep Healthy to provide the science and strategies for keeping wild sheep from contracting a deadly respiratory disease, MOVI. Since its release, the publication has been widely circulated by state agencies and quickly became a go-to resource for education on one of the major threats to wild sheep health.

MOVI has and continues to cause catastrophic population declines in bighorn sheep, with the most common source being domestic sheep and goats. Further, aoudad are also known carriers and transmitters of MOVI to wild sheep. Currently, other than ensuring no contact between domestic sheep and goats and wild sheep, there is no effective treatment or vaccine for MOVI. 58 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

The Wild Sheep Foundation is actively working with partners to solve this threat to wild sheep.

If you would like to learn more or support our efforts, please explore these resources found on our website by scanning the QR code below.

Or contactWSF Headquarters to order printed copies. Be sure to include quantity requested and mailing address. Call 406-404-8750 or email info@wildsheepfoundation.org.

Keeping Wild Sheep Healthy

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SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 59

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

FAILURE IS ALWAYS AN OPTION...

IF IT WEREN’T, HUNTING WOULD BE DULL INDEED. AND NEVER SUCCESSFUL.

BY WAYNE VAN ZWOLL Hunting is by definition looking for game. Finding and shooting are additional steps, not guaranteed!

I

n 1946 Grancel Fitz traveled north by train to hunt sheep discovered in 1897 by Andrew Stone. “What would you like to do?” asked outfitter Bill Longhurst, “hunt nearby, where my clients got rams last season, or push toward that peak you spoke of?”

Fitz chose the mountain, named Olympus by Canadian Government surveyors in 1927.

Mapping it, they’d heard the Beaver Indian legend that gods had lived there until crowded out by game.

Indian trails had faded by then, the influenza epidemic of 1918 having claimed much of the tribe.

Fitz couldn’t be sure to find great

60 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

herds of sheep or big horns, but he’d uncovered no record of sportsmen hunting there. “We turned our backs on some grand ram ranges and headed into the unknown.”

The pack-train climbed steadily, if slowly, in easy weather. Emerging from forest on the 10th day, Longhurst set camp in a meadow shadowed by the Continental Divide. Far off loomed Olympus, “every inch the snow-clad, inviolate symbol of solitude” Fitz had imagined. In their last miles, the men had seen increasing signs of game. “Grizzly beds and diggings were everywhere,” along with tracks

of mule deer, caribou and moose.

Surely the peaks held Stone’s sheep and mountain goats.

But with a glance to the sky, Longhurst said, “I wish we’d come a month ago.” This late, hunting far into wilderness carried risk. The trip had taken days longer than allotted, reducing hunting time.

Many miles and two tall passes now lay between the hunters and the Alcan Highway. Big snow now would stay till spring. Fitz agreed: Olympus, so near, was too far. Next day the pack-train began its retreat.

Earnestly the hunters glassed slopes above the Prophet River as trail’s end drew near….

Reflecting on times past brought no cheer.

Sending a bullet absolves conditions of responsibility.

Even if you don’t have a goat license, a sight like this on the mountain is a treat! (photo: Gene Brehm)

Humility is a virtue. We get it by failing (not a virtue). Last month in Wyoming, I failed. Again. The dawn scramble in deadfall-laced conifers closed the range and opened a shot alley. From a sit, sling taut, the bead quivered on the elk’s chest. Recoil detonated the sight picture. The alley emptied.

“You lopped a limb,” said my companion.

I’d called a good hit. Over the open sights, I hadn’t seen a limb.

As we searched for evidence, the bull, unhurt, scaled a ridge opposite.

I didn’t fire.

A week in the Thorofare should bring more than one chance.

Grancel Fitz’s first visit had shown him 84 bulls! But that was almost a century ago, in favorable weather, with no other hunters near.

Reflecting on times past brought no cheer. Sending a bullet absolves conditions of responsibility. I moped, but had my boots on at 3:30 the next morning. Post-blunder assumptions and self-pity serve no purpose. Grinding back up the trail in the dark, I remembered Cap. Long ago, in a card game at a rail stop above Pincher Creek, Alberta,

he and a partner were losing money. In the wee hours, a slip in dealing from the stranger across the table brought him to his feet. The man reared back in his chair as if to snatch a pistol. “A great mistake,” wrote Andy Russell of that event.

Cap fired his Colt. The dealer hit the floor and didn’t move. Cap backed out the door and swung onto his horse. At his ranch before dawn, he hurried to “throw some grub in a sack, roll up a couple of blankets in a light tarp and catch his top horse.” Then he rode into the Porcupine Hills.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 61

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Long hunts, steep places test attitude as well as physical limits. Requisites: optimism and determination.

When you don’t get a shot, hunting offers consolation prizes—like the daily company of a fine rifle.

62 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

They would charge a tall price for his freedom. No longer a carefree young cowboy, the future at his feet, he was a fugitive, feeding small fires at night, alone. He grew gaunt.

His clothes, now ragged and soiled, hung loose he cinched a oncebright rodeo buckle ever tighter.

Despair had claimed him when one morning he spied a distant horseman: his card partner from that night above Pincher Creek.

As starved for talk as for food, Cap rode to meet him. For a moment, they regarded each other silently.

Then, in colorful language, his friend gave vent. He and others had spent weeks in the saddle searching for Cap. They were tired. He’d had enough of tending Cap’s livestock.

And all for naught. Cap’s bullet had merely grazed the card dealer’s skull. The man had risen, washed the scratch and left without a word to the RCMP. Little of the chaos from our bumbling lasts as long or costs us as dearly as we might imagine.

But acting as if it will—a focus on failure—puts us on poor footing to improve.

“Whatever hunters tell you about the value of the experience,” longtime outfitter Jack Atcheson once told me, “they want to get game.”

Increasingly the focus is more specific. Once, meeting in camp a hunter I was to guide, I extended my hand in welcome. Instead of taking it, he pulled out a photo of a dead elk. With no preamble, he said: “This is a 360 bull. I want one bigger.”

A Boone and Crockett score may serve as a measure of success. But only the possibility of failure makes sport of a hunt. You can’t compete in any game unless both sides risk losing. An obvious way to enhance sport is to make winning harder, losing easier.

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SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 63

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

On the road or in the air, use hard cases for both rifle and ammo. Of course, double-check airline requirements.

Glassing big, open landscapes begs patience, persistence. Before moving, ask yourself: Where? Why? 64 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

All manner of gear, from trail cameras and range-finders to more efficient bows and rifles, makes killing ever easier. Some hunters balance these assists by holding out for record-class game. Others hew to Spartan implements and primitive hunting methods. A legal kill can be as hard as you want to make it.

That is, you can choose to fail as often as you wish.

Early hunters chose not to fail at all. Subsistence hunting isn’t sport.

But killing remained popular long after people didn’t have to kill to eat. John George II of Saxony, who ruled from 1656 to 1680, got an early education in hunting from his father George I, whose two-volume Hunting Diary listed a total of 47,239 deer, 31,902 wild boar, 3,872 wolves, 238 bears and wagon-loads of lesser game. Keen to upstage his forebear, George II laid low 62,757 deer.

By this tally, young George may well be the most successful hunter in history! That he claimed it in the age of the wheel-lock, before discovery of fulminates to ignite charges in firearms, is astonishing.

Longbows and crossbows still controlled battlefields.

Save during feasts, wars and insurrections, 16th-,17th-, and 18thcentury blue-bloods had few daily chores. Many royals liked to hunt.

After his coronation in Reims in 1722, King Louis XV of France took a carriage to the first chase of his tenure. According to his personal valet, he hunted 276 days in 1725.

He kept 250 horses to follow a river of carnivory, which he called The Great Pack. These dogs helped the king bag 2,651 stags. Louis XVI also recorded his kills. On July 14, 1989, as the Bastille was stormed, he penned a cryptic: “Killed nothing.”

But when unwashed hordes flung themselves at Versailles October

I dreamt of one day using my Boswell Custom to complete my North American Grand Slam. After applying for years I won the lottery and drew a California Bighorn tag in Oregon as a nonresident! My Boswell rifle was dependable and exceptionally accurate on this hunt of a lifetime. Steve is the best. His customer service is unmatched and he is always happy to provide advice.

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TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Famed explorer F.C. Selous used single-shot black powder rifles on elephants. He was killed in WW I. 66 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

5, he wrote: “Shot at the gate of Chatillion. Killed 81 head.

Interrupted by events.”

Success in Africa’s game fields has been measured in head counts (as on Theodore Roosevelt’s 19091910 safari), also in revenue from ivory and other animal parts. Of successful elephant hunters who escaped poundings into retirement, none is better known than W.D.M. Bell, a Scot who after landing in Mombasa in the late 1890s at age 20, downed 1,011 elephants in a 17year career.

Some elephant hunters would later host sport-hunters licensed to kill limited numbers of specific animals. The weight of tusks from each client’s elephant, not the tonnage of ivory taken over a season, earned a PH his reputation.

Antelopes once shot for camp meat were assessed for horn length, listed in Rowland Ward’s records books beginning in 1892.

Whatever you hunt, where you look is key to good hunting. There’s no sense in beating yourself up for having no access to promising places. Once, after a tiring hike out of country that had shown me few elk, I came upon a herd of 80 or so munching alfalfa across from trailhead. They’d found a safe spot.

In some areas, traditional scouting for places where game travels or visits gets less attention than searches for legal access.

Jack O’Connor wrote of finding a remote water hole frequented by desert sheep, noting that sheep guru and one-time market hunter Charlie Ren had told him these animals can thrive on moisture from dew and cactus. Like Africa’s gemsbok and other desert antelopes, however, they drink when free water is at hand. Near this seep was a blind that “had been used for at least a half-century.”

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 67

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

A lot of variables must converge to give you a shot. You can’t control all. You are on the hook to hit! Photo: Nevada Dept. of Wildlife

Popular in the early West, the .44-40 had short reach, dooming many hunters to failed stalks and shots.

In it O’Connor found “at least a hundred” cartridge cases: .44-40, .40-82, .45-70, .30-30, .32 Special, .30-40, .30-06, .270. Given the short range, he figured each shot had killed a sheep. As he imagined hunters waiting there, a “full-curl ram with heavy broomed horns came to water.”

Ah, the good ol’ days. Such honey holes are now soon shot out. Game lives where it can safely 68 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

bed, even if it must travel some distance to forage or water. A hunt then becomes a search not for where animals lived, but where they have moved. Recognizing places that appeal to pressured game puts you a step up. But weather, hunting pressure and your own inept approach can empty them before you get a shot—or even see a vanishing rump! Probing deer cover in my youth, I was constantly

frustrated. While other hunters shot bucks, I saw none. Failure was so routine it became self-fulfilling. As I couldn’t find game, let along shoot it, I hurried through cover, eyes to the next woodlot. The result was predictable.

Hunting where game is scarce, skittish or by habit nocturnal, failure isn’t just possible. It’s likely. Recently I heard successful entrepreneurs described as problemsolvers. The most successful, insisted the narrator, reject “no.”

They take it not as a personal rebuff, but as a problem whose solution begs a fresh approach when one fails. Their perspectives are malleable, adjusting to find ways around or through “no.” They don’t give up on that mission.

Many hunting tales spool out as efforts that initially failed but brought an animal to bag the last hour of the last day. Such kills might be credited to luck—but luck can’t play its hand if you’re not afield. Dogged hunters may succeed; quitters can’t. Also, those who persist become, unconsciously, more lethal each day. They get “tuned in” to the woods or the mountain.

They learn the patterns of hunter traffic, how to keep prevailing wind to their face or side, which trails have the most game sign, when thermals change, where to make best use of first and last light. They remember coverts that have not shown them animals and have developed theories as to why. The area is no longer a blank slate; it’s a puzzle with diminishing unknowns.

A last-hour kill is less chance than the near-inevitable result of experience applied to that end!

Sometimes, no matter how you well you hunt, your quarry seems ever a step ahead. Making one more climb, staying afield one more day loses its appeal.

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TOOLS OF THE TRADE

In foul weather, hunt as you can, but don’t forfeit future chances by wearing out your legs or optimism.

The dark cloud of despair hangs closer if you’ve muffed a rare, hard-earned chance. I’ll never get another! But chances don’t come at set intervals. You may get a second chance a half-day after working a week for the first. Or vice versa.

Beyond grim determination, hunting begs many skills. Some call for physical finesse and mental control. Patience and a positive outlook are huge assets. Thinking ahead can be helpful. How will today’s attitude and effort age in memory if I don’t get game?

Once, on an elk opener, I ushered a client into cover echoing the bellow of what sounded like an old bull. Suddenly the aspens parted.

We gasped. At 18 steps, the antlers looked huge—at least, what we could see of them. Half the points 70 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

on one side were still hidden.

The elk’s chest was exposed; the hunter’s barrel hovered at my ear. Very gently I shook my head.

What if there are broken tines in back, or those beams aren’t as long as they appear?

I hesitated too long. A puff of breeze tickled my neck. The bull spun, his enormous, perfect rack stripping branches as he rocketed into the shadows.

My failed decision was doubly painful, as it denied my hunter an exceptional elk. The week that followed brought low clouds, then cold rain. Game didn’t move.

The last hour of that hunt’s last day, clawing up a muddy canyonside in a downpour, I spied elk slipping through aspens above. Out of breath, offhand, my client snaked

a bullet into a 350-inch bull.

A shot denied brings no joy.

But it gives you more field time that, well used, makes you a better hunter! When you get no second chance, that hunt may succeed in ways you can’t imagine at the moment.

One long-ago October day, Don Hough and his hunting partner rode into the Gros Ventre forest fringing Jackson’s Hole. A storm rolled in as they climbed. Thick snow blew in from descending clouds. Elk appeared as dark shadows, individually then in groups, heading past them in the blizzard. The hunters turned their horses. This was no time to put elk on the ground!

In bitter wind, numbed by cold, Hough clung to the saddle, giving his horse free rein. “[Suddenly] we were surrounded by elk ... yellow rumps rose and fell ahead of me, all around me….” He lost sight of his friend. Night closed in as two big bulls ghosted through the swirling snow. “My only job [now] was to [reach] the valley…

The elk evidently felt the same …

Like a gang of kids who had been playing tag and [then] called in to supper, we were simply on our way home…” Lights from Jackson pricked diminishing flurries as dark rivers of elk converged on the elk refuge, bright white under an emerging moon.

Late in his career, O’Connor had sobering words for sheep hunters in the Southwest. They apply to most sheep ranges today. “I have been writing of days that are gone and will never come again—days when sheep were more plentiful and less harassed than they are now and when there were fewer people...

Mostly the hunters who shot the sheep off were poor hunters. They were out after meat, shot sheep only

Announcing the

2024 Fair-Chase Hunting & Conservation Award Winners

Presented by Dallas Safari Club & Rowland Ward

Asia

& Pacific Islands

Africa

Europe

Americas

Bukharan markhor Tajikistan 556/8 inches Oliver L. Burton

Savannah elephant Botswana 101 and 77 pounds Robert Fortier

European roe deer United Kingdom Total score 6613/16 Mikkel V. Olesen

Rocky Mountain elk Arizona, USA Total score 421 Rick Warren

The Rowland Ward Fair-Chase Hunting & Conservation Award is a solid silver medal given once a year by Dallas Safari Club and the Rowland Ward Foundation for an outstanding animal hunted under free-range, fair-chase conditions.

One award is given for each of four regions: Africa, Americas, Asia and the Pacific Islands, and Europe.

To qualify, the animals must have been hunted in accordance with Rowland Ward’s Guiding Principles on Hunting and Conservation. The winner must be a strong supporter of conservation and sustainable hunting and exhibit exemplary ethics in the field.

For more details visit

RowlandWard.org

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 71

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

This tight 100-yard group is in the right place for a 200-yard zero. Don’t “farm out” zeroing!

Do it yourself!

Outfitters know: Sometimes you must pause and rewind. Make a fire instead of wolfing a granola bar.

when it was easy, when they caught sheep crossing from mountain to mountain...or when they simply blundered into them.”

Comparing your hunting results 72 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

with those of another time or those of hunters with more access to game can make you morose. Each day afield holds raw material for good memories. Failing to kill, you

must find them in other elements of the hunt.

In 1919, after a taxing sheep hunt, the writer Stewart Edward White observed: “If you take your sense of humor into the Mexican desert, you can dispense with lesser things.” In unforgiving country, his party met one frustration after another. “Once we toiled 16 solid, hot, breathless and altitudinous days, moving camp six times… without result. [Then] a tenderfoot with us…took an old .30-30 carbine that [probably] had not been cleaned since it left the foundry, and announced that he was going up yonder hill to get a sheep. [After he crested this cone] we counted 19 shots.” The innocent had downed a ram. White laid its demise to “a number of miracles.” Among them: A bunch of sheep had decided to visit the Pinto Mountains, perhaps the first such pilgrimage since “the original pair had come down from Mount Ararat.” Their path met that of the tenderfoot, who “opened fire at about 300 yards.”

The shots confused the sheep.

They ran toward the youth, who killed the ram “at about 12 feet…”

White carried a heavy 9x57 Mannlicher-Schoenauer two weeks to earn his chance at a ram. After a scorching day clambering about lava and shale steeps “we came around a corner and there on a side-hill 100 yards away stood a bunch of nine rams.” He emptied his five-shot magazine without effect. “Leave us not dwell upon it.”

The rifle’s 300-yard sight leaf had popped up accidentally on the trail.

Your sense of humor intact, failure can still sting. But without risking it, you can hardly succeed. WS

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2025 AWARDS ARTEMIS AWARD: JESSIE YOUNG (YUKON)

WSF’s pantheon of Artemis winners are women who exemplify the hunting-conservation ethos and also give generously and strenuously to advance WSF’s mission. Hailing from a hunting outfitter family, this year’s Artemis is pilot, nurse, cattle rancher and standout guide Jessie Young of Midnight Sun Outfitting Ltd. in the Yukon. Jessie and her brother Logan Young own and operate Midnight Sun Outfitting and carry on their father Alan’s dreams. Alan guided and outfitted for over 30 years in British Columbia and the Yukon, where he owned Midnight Sun Outfitting and went on to win WSF’s Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter Award in 2010.

Jessie definitely follows her dad’s example and builds on his legacy.

She has guided the most sheep of any woman in North America and guided the world-record Stone’s sheep with a muzzleloader, said Artemis Award Committee Chair Jann Demaske.

“This year’s winner has a wonderful sense of adventure,” Demaske said.

“She represents wild sheep in most everything she does.”

Starting out as children helping with their parents’ outfitting business, Jessie and Logan have dedicated decades of unwavering support to WSF and conservation as Sheep Show® exhibitors, donors and volunteers.

Jessie goes above and beyond as a champion for women through “High Country Huntress,” which she created and hosts. The program offers introductory backcountry hunting, fishing and bushcraft programs exclusively for women. Serving on the board of WSF Alberta, Jessie has made invaluable contributions to numerous sheep-collaring projects in Alberta.

She has also participated in Yukon sheep enhancement work.

“My brother and I were raised in this room, and we could not be more grateful and thankful and excited

74 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Artemis Award recipient Jessie Young holding her award, pictured with Award MC Craig Boddington (left) and Artemis Committee Chair Jann Demaske (right).

every time we come here,” an ebullient Jessie told the crowd as she tearfully accepted the Artemis honor. “I could never give back enough to this foundation for what they’ve done for me and my family and our company.

And, it’s not going to stop; we’re just

getting started. All this credit goes to my parents. They drug Logan and me around to shows and meetings and we had no choice. The path was determined, for sure, and I’m completely grateful. We absolutely love what we do!” WS

2025 AWARDS

2025 Conklin Award recipient Deron Millman (left) with award presenter Dr. Brad Black, Conklin Foundation President.

CONKLIN AWARD: DERON MILLMAN

Land surveying as a profession seems like a good fit for someone interested in hunting wild and dangerous game all over the globe. Deron Millman, winner of the 2025 Conklin Award, started out as a land surveyor, and his success growing his company from its roots in Ohio to a national enterprise in all 50 states plus two offices in Mexico progressed in step with his hunting passion. Measuring, marking and mapping terrain as the 28-year-old founder of Millman Surveying, which would later become Millman National Land Services, likely gave Deron Millman the edge to

surmount a crowded field of Conklin Award competition. Yet, the humble Millman credits the many outstanding guides and outfitters worldwide who introduced him to adventures chasing species from the darkest African rainforests to airy Himalayan peaks.

According to the Conklin Foundation website, “The Conklin Award recognizes the world’s greatest active hunter who pursues game in the most difficult terrain and conditions, while abiding by the highest standards of ethics and fair chase, and is a strong participant in wildlife conservation.”

Conferred yearly at the Sheep Show®, the Conklin Award is based on points assigned to each hunting

accomplishment. In this, the award is objective, based on numbers. The practical effect is a hunter pursuing the award must be tireless and strategic in setting and achieving their hunting goals.

Yet, what distinguishes a hunter from a collector is the appreciation of the experience and the animals on every expedition, not just racking up points. Remembrances of edging silently into the secretive world of Cameroon’s forest elephants and dwarf forest buffalo ignite Millman’s imagination, as did the close-range shots required in the thick underbrush. From slow creeping to within a few yards of dangerous game that could charge at any instant, Millman pivots to the thrill of 26-straight hours of hiking after Yakutia snow sheep in Siberia— “earning it” when “it” always seemed one mountain range away.

“This is the honor of a lifetime,” Millman said in receiving the Conklin honor on the Friday Legacy Night banquet stage. “I accept this award on behalf of all of us.”

Among the 144 caprinae animals Millman has harvested as of the 2025 Sheep Show, 52 are wild sheep and 92 are in the wild goat family. Of Millman’s 41 distinct capra species successfully hunted, he is particularly proud of his markhors from Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The 39 distinct ovis species he’s taken encompass everything from Canadian thinhorns to Himalayan blue sheep in Nepal. As of this year’s Sheep Show®, Millman has 272 Conklin animals to his credit. His 133 international hunting trips as of January 2025 have spanned 42 countries. In his 38 trips to Asia, he has taken 65 species. Much more lies ahead for this Conklin Award recipient, who has a busy hunting itinerary for this year, with over 23 hunts planned across five continents.WS SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 75

2025 AWARDS

The 2025 State Statesman Award was presented to Idaho State Representative James Petzke (holding plaque). He was joined on stage by WSF Board Chair Glen Landrus, ID WSF past president Bill London, ID WSF Vice President Triston Warner, ID WSF President Josh Miller, and WSF Lobbyist Greg Schildwachter.

STATE STATESMAN AWARD: STATE REP. JAMES PETZKE (IDAHO)

Open records laws promote government accountability and assure public access to information. Yet, when information about wildlife is misused by the unscrupulous to gain an unfair advantage in the pursuit of a trophy ram, it violates the hunting community’s commitment to a fair, ethical chase. Idaho was facing such a dilemma, and Idaho State Representative James Petzke did something about it. Rep. Petzke’s House Bill 404, which was signed into law last year, exempts geographically specific wildlife data, including locations gathered from animals wearing GPS or VHF radio-telemetry devices, from the open records law. This protects such sensitive

76 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

information from those who would exploit it to cheat on a hunt or use it to disrupt someone else’s legal hunting.

“We were proud to have worked closely with Rep. James Petzke on the language of this bill,” said Josh Miller, president of the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation. “The Idaho WSF appreciates Rep. Petzke’s great work on behalf of the sheep and sheep hunters of our state. Fair chase is the backbone of hunter-driven conservation in Idaho and across the country, and we are proud that our own Rep. Petzke is leading the way in enshrining these important ethical frameworks into law.”

Some individuals have abused Idaho’s open records laws to obtain the exact GPS coordinates or collar frequencies of individual animals from the state fish and wildlife agency. This raised the possibility that someone

could use GPS, VHF radio-telemetry or other tracking technology in real time to pinpoint and move in on a particular animal. Such information obtained through Idaho’s open records is believed to have been used by antihunters to haze animals and to harass hunters and trappers in the field.

Petzke’s bill gained strong support from an array of organizations, including the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, Watershed Results, Idaho Sportsmen, WSF and the Idaho chapter of WSF. “A huge thank you to so many groups that helped make sure we protect animals from unfair targeting using public records requests,” Petzke said after accepting the award. “I hope that we start to use this as an example for other states. So, I would encourage each of you to check your public records laws in your states and find out if this is an issue.” WS

2025 AWARDS FRANK GOLATA OUTSTANDING OUTFITTER AWARD: LANCE KRONBERGER, FREELANCE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Recognizing a longtime outfitter who has supported WSF, its mission and the hunting-conservation industry substantially over many years, the Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter Award went to respected outfitter Lance Kronberger, owner of Freelance Outdoor Adventures in Alaska. The Freelance website says it all: “Specializing in wet, cold and miserable.” And, they’re not kidding.

They also specialize in epic hunts for Dall’s sheep, mountain goats, brown bear, moose and grizzlies. Petersen’s Hunting once ran a story entitled, “5 of the Toughest Hunts in North America,” where two of the five were Kronberger’s.

Kronberger started guiding in the early 1990s. In 2003, he launched Freelance Outdoor Adventures. Since then, through grit, determination and integrity, Kronberger has guided his clients to record-book rams and, last season, guided a client to a new worldrecord grizzly.

“God is good, isn’t He?” Kronberger declared before the applauding Grand Finale Banquet crowd on Saturday night. “You guys don’t understand how important you are to us. The trust that you have in us when I say ‘Grab your stuff, let’s go’—let’s go across that river, let’s get in that airplane, let’s go across that bay. And you guys have that trust in us. I don’t think you realize how special that makes us feel.

In the guiding community, you’re our family.”

A 16-year Sheep Show® exhibitor, Kronberger has made $138,000 in WSF donations over the years. In the field, he is a living legend, famous for his attention to detail, safety and preparedness for weather and

Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter Award Chair and 2012 recipient, Harold Grinde, left, pictured with the 2025 recipient Lance Kronberger of Freelance Outdoor Adventures, center, and Awards MC Craig Boddington.

other dangers in the most extreme environments.

Of the nomination letter comments urging his receipt of the Golata Award, some of the most memorable came from WSF Marco Polo Society members Doug and Shelly Sayer: “For almost two decades, Shelly and I have had the opportunity to spend hundreds of days with Lance and his crew in the field. . . . Lance has delivered time and time again.

Not only by outfitting the trip but personally guiding us both to worldclass trophies, including multiple

Boone & Crockett moose and recordbook brown bears, Sitka blacktail, Dall’s sheep and the largest grizzly bear ever taken by a woman. . . . A person can hypothesize what they might do or how they would react if they might find themselves in harm’s way or in imminent danger. One doesn’t need to imagine if you are with Lance.

There are a lot of really good outfitters in our community, and Lance, in the worst of times, is the Best. If I am ever in trouble, I want to be in trouble with Lance by my side.” WS SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 77

2025 AWARDS

President of the Eastern Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation Henry Noss and his wife and fellow board member, Amy Noss, accepted the Gordon Eastman Grass Roots Award presented posthumously to Sue Steffy by Gray N. Thornton, WSF President and CEO.

GORDON EASTMAN GRASS ROOTS AWARD: SUE STEFFY

The late Gordon Eastman of Eastman’s Outdoor World created this award to recognize WSF chapter and affiliate members and volunteers who often go unrecognized for their extraordinary labors. This year’s recipient, Sue Steffy of WSF’s Eastern Chapter, received the award posthumously since her passing in February 2024. An outpouring of enthusiastic letters nominated her for the long-overdue recognition.

“While many of us back East knew Sue Steffy well because of her unparalleled efforts toward Eastern (Chapter) success, her name could get lost in the pages of time because she was not well known in the wild sheep community,” said Eastern Chapter President Henry Noss.

Sue was not a hunter and never sought attention for her work, Noss explained. While her husband Scott and children pursued their sheephunting passions, Sue designed, edited

78 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

and produced printed materials of all sorts, from auction books to flyers to ads, promoting the Eastern Chapter’s fundraisers and activities. She singlehandedly developed the chapter’s Peaks and Valleys magazine, for which she did the layout, gathered photos, sold advertising to cover costs and tracked down hunters, biologists and other contributors willing to author articles. Her work was meticulous despite long hours, all without pay.

For years, Sue coordinated Eastern Chapter youth events that brought WSF’s Youth Education Coordinator Ryan Brock, who is based out of Reno, Nev., thousands of miles across the country to advance WSF’s mission.

At chapter banquets, Sue served as vocalist, proudly singing our national anthem and God Bless America.

Volunteering her expertise through 10-plus annual Eastern Chapter Hunting and Outdoor Expos, Sue enlisted her husband, children and elderly mother to volunteer. Together, the family did anything necessary to make the event and its fundraising succeed, from working tables, selling

chances, modeling clothes and jewelry for live auctions, and serving coffee and donuts to exhibitors. To make the event more interesting for everyone attending, Sue put together a slate of auction items and raffles tailored for women and nonhunters.

This was all in addition to Sue’s busy schedule volunteering for a variety of community and church groups.

“During my time, I am sure she either fundraised or personally contributed to over six figures’ worth of fundraising to ensure that we could put and keep sheep on the mountain. I have served in numerous organizations, and I can’t think of a single volunteer who did more than Sue,” wrote past Eastern Chapter President and longtime board member Mike Ewell in his nomination letter.

“Sue was truly a servant to her community, yet somehow she was able to dedicate so much to wild sheep,” Noss said in announcing the award at the Sheep Show®’s Wednesday evening banquet. “Let us learn from our friend Sue how much we can do if we set our minds to the mission.” WS

2025 AWARDS JACK O’CONNOR WRITERS AWARD: JIM MANLEY

From left: Chet Fitzgerald, Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center board member, Award recipient Jim Manley, guide Steph Lough, and Tony Caligiuri.

To honor the legendary hunter and outdoor writer Jack O’Connor, the Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center and WSF present the Jack O’Connor Writers Award annually to the author of the best published article about wild sheep, with special focus on hunting and/or conservation.

Jim Manley, a WSF Summit Life Member, took the honor for his story, “The Ladies and a Stone,” published in the fall 2024 edition of the Wild Sheep Society of BC magazine.

“This year’s winner is both a highly experienced sheep hunter and a longtime member of the Wild Sheep Foundation,” said Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center board member Chet Fitzgerald. “His story, ‘The Ladies and a Stone,’ is a wonderful example of high-quality storytelling from a man who has been there many times.” (See this story on page 40 of this issue).

“Steph (Shippy) Lough is an outstanding person, excellent guide, a good friend, and the recipient of the Outstanding Guide Award back in 2020,” Manley said in receiving the award with Lough by his side.

“Steph and Amanda Tompkins, now Amanda Wallace, were my guides on an epic Stone sheep hunt a few years ago. That adventure inspired me to keep better journals and eventually write a book.”

That 2024 book, Tracks on a Mountain: Journeys of a Sheep Hunter, is Manley’s first, a 419-page memoir of his 12 sheep hunts.

Manley adapted chapter 8, the BC Stone’s and elk adventure with Big Nine Outfitters guides Lough and Wallace, into the award-winning article. WS SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 79

2025 AWARDS

2025 GCF Dalziel Outstanding Guide Award recipient, Jorge Artee (holding award) is pictured with Award MC Craig Boddington, far left, Artee’s wife Martha, and presenter Jerry Brenner.

G.C.F. DALZIEL OUTSTANDING GUIDE AWARD: JORGE ARTEE

A crowning achievement for guiding professionals, the G.C.F. Dalziel Outstanding Guide Award recognizes dedicated guiding professionals who go above and beyond in the field while following the highest personal standards of character and ethics. This year’s recipient, Jorge Artee of Sierra El Álamo in Mexico’s state of Sonora, is all of this and more, said WSF Marco Polo Society member Jerry Brenner,

80 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

who has known Artee for 20 years.

“I am proud to call him my brother,” Brenner said of Artee.

A WSF life member, Artee has been guiding for over 30 years and honed his expertise in assessing animals on the hunt by becoming a master scorer with Safari Club International and with the Boone and Crockett Club.

“What truly sets him apart is his heart,” said Brenner. “He approaches every hunt, every client, every challenge with a dedication based on genuine love for what he does. Peers respect him, clients trust him, his family cherishes him, not just for what he’s

done but in celebrating who he is.”

With a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Artee makes each sheep hunt “an unforgettable experience that inspires, challenges and transforms” his clients.

As the audience cheered, Artee declared, “Everything begins with a dream,” and explained that guiding had been his childhood’s burning passion. His father Javier Artee, who founded Sierra El Álamo decades ago, taught him the value of hunting and conservation and pushed then-17-year-old Jorge to pursue his guiding dreams.

“Who would have thought I’d be standing here receiving this prestigious award 33 years later? This stunning, amazing award means everything to me.”

Growing up in the hunting business, Jorge joined his brothers and Javier in releasing the ranch’s wild desert sheep from fenced enclosures so they could range free. Those bighorns, set free just eight years ago, reestablished wild desert sheep in their traditional range near Sierra El Álamo. This began a conservation comeback story for Sonora, which just a few decades ago had been closed to wild sheep hunting because of a decline in wild sheep populations. Continuing to put more free-ranging desert bighorns on the landscape each year, Jorge and his family have been instrumental in reestablishing Sonora’s healthy wild sheep populations and fair-chase desert sheep hunting.

In addition, Jorge and his family have partnered with WSF in several habitat enrichment projects at the ranch to provide water and other resources for all wildlife. In 2022, WSF conferred the Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter Award on the Artee Family for their leadership in Mexico’s desert-sheep hunting and conservation efforts. WS

2025 AWARDS

2025 Outstanding Achievement – International recipient, Dr. Amganbaatar Sukh is pictured with his wife, Undral Damdindorj, the evening’s MC Corey Mason, WSF’s COO & Executive VP of Conservation (left) and Kurt Alt, WSF Conservation Director, International Programs, (right).

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: DR. SUKH AMGALANBAATAR (MONGOLIA)

Right after the International Statesman Award presentation to the Mongolian delegation, (see story on page 82) WSF’s Director of International Sheep and Goat Programs Kurt Alt presented the Director of the Argali Wildlife Research Center in Mongolia,

Dr. Sukh Amgalanbaatar, with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

One of the chief architects of wildlife management in Mongolia, Dr. Amgalanbaatar serves as chair of the Argali Foundation for Game Management and a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Caprinae Species Specialist Group. His Argali Wildlife Research Center is a WSF affiliate.

“Dr. Amgalanbaatar, the Wild Sheep Foundation recognizes your lifelong dedication to science-based

conservation of Mongolia’s wild sheep and wild goats,” Alt said in conferring the award. “Your efforts organizing countrywide argali surveys, your influence and input on argali quota recommendations to the Ministry and your involvement of Mongolian communities, outfitters and university students in developing sound sustainable use direction are extraordinary contributions.

Your efforts epitomize our purpose to ‘Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain®.’” WS SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 81

2025 AWARDS

This 2025 International Statesman Award was given jointly to the Mongolia Wildlife Association and the Mongolia Ministry of Environment. Pictured from left to right: Corey Mason, Battulga Tumurdash, Dr. Samiya Ravchig, Jack Atcheson Jr., Uranchimeg Tserendorj, Enkhtaivan Urcheen, Munkhnaran Dorj, and Kurt Alt.

INTERNATIONAL STATESMAN AWARD

At the Thursday Conservation Night banquet, Kurt Alt, WSF’s director of International Sheep and Goat Programs, presented the International Statesman Award to the Mongolia Wildlife Association (MWA) and to the Mongolia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (the Ministry) jointly for their work advancing argali sheep conservation.

During this year’s Sheep Show®, the MWA, which is a WSF affiliate, and WSF signed a landmark agreement to implement horn plugging of harvested argali in Mongolia.

Under the agreement, WSF will supply the horn plugs, drill bits and training to the MWA, which will implement a horn-plugging program according to their memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry. Under that MOU, the Ministry mandated horn plugging for all legally harvested argali rams starting this 2025 hunting season.

With horn plugs, Mongolian officials can immediately identify legally—and illegally—harvested animals.

“Beyond its anti-poaching benefits, the system aids in tracking key data,

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such as age, offering invaluable insights into population health and habitat conditions over time,” said Alt. “It opens the door for deeper research.

For example, horn shavings taken at the time of horn plugging can provide genetic information, while horn morphology can reveal subtle changes in habitat quality over time. This data, tied to specific animals, provides biologists with reliable information to guide future conservation decisions.”

The agreement, signed by WSF President and CEO Gray N. Thornton and Dr. Samiya Ravchig, who serves as president of MWA and a professor at the University of Mongolia, brought WSF and the MWA into an active partnership supporting the Ministry and argali conservation. Horn plugging is a key to WSF’s mission: Over the past 40 years, WSF has supplied horn-plugging materials to state, provincial, tribal and territorial wildlife agencies across North America.

“This isn’t just about plugs and drills. It’s ensuring sustainability and protecting the legacy of the wild sheep,” Thornton said. “The MOU will enhance the management of argali and ensure that import permits are not delayed, which we discussed

with the US Fish & Wildlife Service before signing. We are honored to be working with the Service and the Mongolia Wildlife Association on the sustainable use and conservation of the country’s argali populations.”

In addition to Dr. Ravchig, who is considered one of the founders of game management in Mongolia, on stage to receive the International Statesman Award were Battulga Tumurdash (co-founder of the Mongolian Outfitters Consortium and MWA board member), Uranchimeg Tserendorj (director and chair of the Ministry’s Game Species Professional Council), Enkhtaivan Urcheen (director-general of the Ministry’s International Cooperation Department) and Munkhnaran (Muugii) Dorj, who serves as an advisor to the Ministry.

Composed of Mongolia’s most recognized wildlife biologists and outfitters, the MWA works closely with the Ministry through the Game Species Professional Council.

According to Alt, this blend of biologists, outfitters and government officials is generating major advances in wildlife management and conservation across Mongolia.

The science-industry-political collaboration, Alt says, is focused on assuring that sound science underpins any Mongolian argali hunting permits, with commitment to sustainable use that will help fund continued restoration of argali. “And, to assure argali harvests are done to benefit not only wildlife but also Mongolian communities,” he adds.

“This really is an unprecedented collaboration among Mongolia’s wildlife professionals—scientists, outfitters, government leaders—to ensure conservation of Mongolia’s wild sheep and goats, managing them as a treasured and sustainable resource for Mongolia, her citizens and the planet,” Alt says. “This is unique in all the world.” WS

2025 AWARDS

Jeff Demaske, second from right, was joined on stage by award presenter Jack Atcheson Jr., daughters Liz and Madie, Billi Carey, Ron Roderick, Barbara Sackman, Jann Demaske, and Alan Sackman.

CHRIS KLINEBURGER MOUNTAIN HUNTER HALL OF FAME: JEFF DEMASKE

The Chris Klineburger Mountain Hunter Hall of Fame is WSF’s highest honor, named for worldwide sheephunting pioneer, advocate and legend, the late Chris Klineburger. Beyond their outstanding mountain-hunting achievements, inductees embody the highest ethics regarding wildlife, wild land and hunting and serve as leaders in wildlife conservation and advancing WSF’s mission.

This year’s inductee, Jeff Demaske of Colorado, is a household name in the sheep-hunting community.

Demaske started sheep hunting in 2010 and by 2012 had achieved his first FNAWS (Four North American Wild Sheep). To date, he holds 11 FNAWS. This breakneck pace offers an insight into Demaske’s commitment to hunting-conservation.

His good friend Jack Atcheson, Jr., of Jack Atcheson & Sons in Butte, Mont., in announcing Demaske as

the latest inductee into the Chris Klineburger Mountain Hunter Hall of Fame, gave the crowd Demaske’s “origin story.”

“I was working my booth here at the Sheep Show® 15 years ago when Jeff, his wife and two little girls came to talk to me. He wanted to hunt EVERYTHING!” Atcheson said with a beaming grin. “He said ‘I want to hunt everywhere, and I want to have some type of conservation footprint embedded in it every time we do a hunt.’ So, we developed an unlimited budget. And we exceeded it!”

Among his many other honors in the conservation world, Demaske is particularly proud of receiving Safari Club International’s Zenith Award and the Grand Slam Club/Ovis OVIS Award in 2023. He has taken wild sheep and capra on five continents, amassing, to date, 89 sheep total, 52 North American sheep and 39 different sheep species. Demaske has harvested 45 wild goats total and 38 distinct goat species, and he is one of the few who has taken all four huntable species of markhor. In the

Grand Slam Club/Ovis 700 Club rankings of largest combined score for a hunter’s four North American wild ram species, Demaske holds the world’s fourth largest, scoring 746 2/8. He has so many awards for mountain hunting to his credit and so many more he is currently working on achieving, the lengthy list grows bigger by the day and boils down to Demaske’s commitment to hunting as the direct path to conservation.

“In about 2008, I was whitetail hunting in Alberta, and my guides told me ‘You gotta go sheep hunting!’

I told them ‘I’m too big to go sheep hunting,’ but they convinced me to go. I want to tell them thanks,” Demaske said in receiving the hall of fame honor before the Saturday Grand Finale banquet crowd. “My only message I want everyone to remember is: This is a great family.”

Demaske is a WSF Life Member and a member of the foundation’s Marco Polo Society. He was instrumental in making the $1 million bid for Marco Polo Society capstone member #100. Since 2000, he has made $2.6 million in WSF auction purchases and given $50,000 in sponsorships. He also serves as a volunteer member of WSF’s Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter Award Committee.

“I’ve had the pleasure of traveling the world with my dad. I’ve watched his eyes light up when he sees firsthand the benefits he’s brought to the local community,” says Demaske’s award-winning international hunting partner and daughter Madeline Demaske. “Whether that’s listening to a story about a recent markhor survey funded through auction tag sales or a reminder that, without hunting, the area would have no, or very few, native wild sheep or goat species. I wish more people could see that genuine appreciation for local conservation efforts made possible through hunting.” WS SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 83

2025 AWARDS WILD SHEEP BIOLOGIST’S WALL OF FAME: BILL JEX

Inaugurated in 2006 by Kevin and Kyle Hurley, the Wild Sheep Biologist’s Wall of Fame honors those passionate, committed visionaries who apply scientific management for the benefit of North America’s wild sheep. This year, the 18th inductee is Bill Jex, the provincial wild sheep and mountain goat specialist for the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

His 40-year career as a wildlife biologist, most of which have been served in BC, has seen Jex rise as a prominent voice for the science-based approach to conservation of thinhorn sheep. In addition to many significant scientific publications, he was the lead author on the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Wild Sheep Working Group’s 2016 publication, “Thinhorn

Sheep: Conservation Challenges and Management Strategies for the 21st Century.” He recently led development of a North America thinhorn sheep status report.

Jex is active internationally on mountain ungulate issues and is widely respected by his peers. He has participated on the British Columbia Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation’s Technical Review Committees, the Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance’s Science and Conservation Committee, the Northern Wild Sheep and Goat Council’s working groups and WSF’s Professional Resource Advisory Board.

Since 2013, he has served as a BC Ministry representative to WAFWA’s Wild Sheep Working Group. An expert on horn aging, Jex has educated sportsmen on judging rams and taking the oldest ones in the field. He has mentored wildlife biology graduate students and led the effort to revise the taxonomy of Stone’s sheep eight

years ago. Jex developed important collaborations with resident and nonresident hunters, outfitters and First Nations people whose traditional land encompasses prime Stone’s sheep habitat. In addition to developing new regulations, policies and procedures to conserve BC’s thinhorn sheep, Jex is active in multiple, on-the-ground projects in Stone’s sheep range across northern British Columbia.

According to WSF Vice-President of Conservation – Emeritus Kevin Hurley, “I have worked with many excellent wild sheep managers and scientists over the past 45 years, and in my opinion, Bill Jex is one of the most knowledgeable and capable wild sheep biologists I have had the good fortune to work with. Bill Jex cares deeply about wild sheep and their habitats, and he recognizes how special wild sheep are to so many conservation stakeholders.” WS

Vice President of Conservation – Emeritus, Kevin Hurley, presented BC Biologist Bill Jex (center) as the 2025 Wildlife Biologist’s Wall of Fame inductee. WSF President and CEO Gray N. Thornton (right) was on hand for the presentation as well.

84 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

2025 AWARDS

WSF Board Chair Glen Landrus (right) presented his 2025 Chair’s Award to Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, represented by Dan Gates. Also on stage was WSF Board Member Jann Demaske.

CHAIR AWARD: COLORADANS FOR RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

On Friday’s Legacy Night Banquet, Glen Landrus, the outgoing chair of WSF’s board of directors, presented the Chair’s Award, which recognizes a WSF member, individuals or a group for their outstanding service and contributions to WSF, wildlife conservation and the huntingconservation community. Landrus bestowed the award on Coloradans

for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM) for their collaboration with many other groups and volunteers in defeating Colorado’s Proposition 127. Failing at the ballot box last November, Proposition 127 would have banned mountain lion, bobcat and lynx hunting in the state. (Lynx were already protected under state and federal laws and could not be hunted.)

Landrus presented the award to CRWM’s Dan Gates, who also chairs Colorado’s Wildlife Deserves Better and was the leading activist of the defeat Proposition 127 coalition.

Last year, WSF’s board of directors dedicated $100,000 to fight the ballot initiative. Colorado Parks and Wildlife believes that managing mountain lions and bobcats through hunting is appropriate for supporting stable and ecologically beneficial wild cat numbers. Hunting mountain lions and bobcats is highly regulated and does not negatively affect their population stability or abundance.

In fact, Colorado’s mountain lion populations have increased since legal managed hunting of them began in 1965.

CRWM worked for over 14 months educating the public and elected officials about the state’s thriving, well-managed mountain lion and bobcat numbers and the need to keep their management science-based.

Through podcasts, op-ed pieces, videos, appearances at events and testimony before lawmakers and the courts, CRWM and its coalition fought Proposition 127 with vigor and imagination. CRWM took on the pro-Prop-127 misinformation that hunters waste the meat and otherwise dishonor harvested lions, and CRWM pushed back on the fiction that lion hunting is easy, unsporting and orphans kittens. Championing the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, the group made a powerful case to voters that a cathunting ban would be a triumph of emotion over responsible wildlife management.

While the fight is likely not over, the Proposition 127 defeat was a victory of science-based conservation over antihunting extremism.

“WSF recognizes the relentless grassroots collaboration success that defeated Proposition 127 and kept extremists at bay,” Landrus said. WS

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 85

2025 AWARDS

Corey Mason, WSF’s COO & Executive VP of Conservation (left) and Kevin Hurley, Vice President of Conservation – Emeritus (far right) presented the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award to WY WSF Director Matt Hoobler, WY WSF Executive Director Katie Cheesbrough (holding plaque), and WY WSF President Zach McDermott.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: WYOMING WSF

White explorers in the early 1800s recorded bountiful wild sheep grazing in the shadow of the 73,000-acre Sweetwater Rocks of central Wyoming and crowding the banks of the nearby Sweetwater River. A century later, not one could be spied on the landscape.

Diseases from domestic flocks, overharvesting, habitat degradation and competition from grazing livestock all conspired to wipe bighorns off the map. Restoration efforts began in 1944, but the desert bighorns brought to the Sweetwater Rocks from Nevada were not adapted to the climate and died off. An imported herd of Rocky Mountain bighorns fared better but began dwindling in the 1970s and by 1980 had vanished. More efforts followed, with studies and public discussions occurring into the ’90s, ending when misinformation and disagreements scuttled further action.

Plans to bring bighorns back to the Sweetwater Rocks lay dormant for a generation. Then, in 2021, a landowner, Pathfinder Ranches, pitched a proposal. Overseeing 630,000 acres and the only remaining federal domestic sheep allotments in the vicinity of the Sweetwater Rocks, Pathfinder Ranches wanted to see agriculture coexist with bighorns by employing modern science to assure success of any new translocation.

86 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Wyoming WSF became a natural ally and partner for the initiative.

Scientists with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and the University of Wyoming gathered GPS collar data from over 100 bighorns in a region adjacent to the Sweetwater Rocks and performed habitat studies, with an eye for spotting any potential wild-domestic sheep interactions. The resulting report by top researchers concluded that the Sweetwater Rocks had ample habitat to support wild sheep without impacting existing wildlife or domestic livestock. Disease risk was minimal.

Public outreach to local ranchers was positive and ignited meaningful discussions. The overlay to all of this is Wyoming’s Bighorn/Domestic Sheep Plan, which brings together all the interested parties to act cooperatively to maintain healthy bighorn populations alongside successful livestock operations. Cooperation is vital, since of the 73,000 acres predicted to be wild sheep range in the Sweetwater Rocks, around 60 percent of the land lies within one of the region’s federal cattle-grazing allotments. Twenty-five percent of the Sweetwater Rocks area is privately owned.

The current proposal calls for 25 to 50 Rocky Mountain bighorns from the neighboring region to be introduced to the Sweetwater Rocks, which forage data indicate can support more than 400 wild sheep. The state is committed to assuring adequate

separation of wild and domestic sheep herds and monitoring bighorn habitat use, seasonal migration, agricultural impacts and more. This translocation had been hoped for in 2023, but concerns from a few skeptical landowners have delayed the effort.

The purpose of restoring bighorns to the Sweetwater Rocks of central Wyoming were manifold, according to WSF’s Vice-President of Conservation – Emeritus Kevin Hurley. The project is all about restoring a native species to native range and maintaining a viable bighorn population with a distinct herd that can withstand disease outbreaks. Moreover, the project will demonstrate that the 21-yearold Wyoming Bighorn/Domestic Sheep Plan works while proving that agriculture and wildlife can not only co-exist but benefit each other.

“This has been a 75-year work in progress. Seventy-five years!” Hurley said in conferring the award. “We recognize and congratulate the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation for their persistence, collaboration and continuing resolve to put and keep wild sheep on the mountains of central Wyoming’s Sweetwater Rocks.”

As the initiative to bring bighorns back to their homeland in the Sweetwater Rocks is ongoing, more work lies ahead. Wyoming WSF is committed to seeing it through to success.

Chapter President Zach McDermott, in accepting the award on behalf of Wyoming WSF, said, “When you believe in something, you fight for it.

This is 75 years in the making, with the work of our predecessors. It is their vision and passion that drives us to put bighorns back in their historic range. Most of all, it’s the support and dedication of the entire Wild Sheep family that motivates us to never give up. Remember: Keep fighting.”

The Sweetwater Rocks Initiative is the subject of a film on the Wyoming WSF website entitled, “Return to the Rocks,” which can be viewed for free: https:// www.wyomingwildsheep.org. WS

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 87

The Conklin Foundation would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank the following businesses and individuals for their generous donations.

The support of donors makes it possible for the Conklin Foundation to continue its efforts to educate youth about hunting.

• Canada North Outfitting • Mexico Hunting Specialists • Giuseppe Carrizosa • Spanish Mountain Hunts • Rancho Santa Elena • Legelala Safaris • High Mountain Hunts • MJ Miller and Company • Salvaforcaza • Go with Bo • Brilliant Stars • Bellreguart de Sochiapa • Iberian Hunters • Canis Ventures • Fernando Saiz • Profihunt • Vidale Safaris • Finstincts • Weatherby Rifle • Swarovski Optics • Yukon Stone Safaris • Baranof Jewelers • Kevin Downer Sporting • Point Blank Hunts • No Fly Zone Outfitters • SCI Manitoba • Johnny Fidler • Laser Shot • Renee Snider

Proud Partner of Conklin Foundation

Deron Millman T he Conklin Foundation board is pleased to announce the 2025 winner of the Conklin Award. Deron Millman is the 23rd winner of the “Tough Man” award, named after the late Dr. James Conklin, a Weatherby Award winner, who liked to pursue difficult animals throughout the world.

2025 CONKLIN AWARD WINNER

Deron has been married to Patricia for 33 years. They reside in North Canton, Ohio. They have twin children, Anthony and Taylor, and a granddaughter, Bailey. At age 28, Deron started and developed one of the largest commercial land survey companies in North America.

Deron persevered over the other challenging Deron started hunting at age 10 with his finalists: Jeff Demaske, Gervasio Negrete, Wayne grandfather. He has 39 different Ovis species and Farnsworth, Lee Anderson, and Jan Dams.

39 different Capra species. He has taken over 500 animals and has been to Asia over 36 times.

BASECAMP DISPATCHES

by Chester Moore

CONSERVATION IMPACT PLAYERS:

CAMP-FIRE CONSERVATION FUND CONTRIBUTES TO FRANKLIN MOUNTAINSDESERT BIGHORN RECOVERY

A

n ambitious effort to restore the desert bighorn sheep is underway in the high desert of the Franklin Mountains in Texas.

Phase 1 saw the release of 77 desert bighorns who have established themselves throughout this mountain range overlooking the city of El Paso.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) is vital to funding the restoration, and one of its funding partners for the project is CampFire Club of America (CFCA), an organization steeped in a legacy of preserving North America’s natural heritage.

Founded in 1897, the CFCA has long championed hunter-based conservation causes, from aiding in the recovery of the American bison to playing instrumental roles in establishing national parks like Glacier and Grand Canyon.

The CFCA has carried the torch of ethical hunting and stewardship for more than a century, rooted in the principles of Theodore Roosevelt—himself a foundational figure of the club.

In 2024, the Camp-Fire Conservation Fund (CFCF), in partnership with WSF, contributed $40,000 to the Franklin Mountains project. John Ward, a Summit Life member of WSF and CFCF Board member, said the project is a labor of love for the organization “Wild sheep have captivated me 90 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

for over a decade,” Ward said.

“The bighorn, in particular, symbolizes the spirit of North America’s wild spaces. When the grant request for the Franklin Mountains came across our table, it struck a chord with the CFCA’s heritage. The bighorn sheep is the iconic big game animal Teddy Roosevelt himself revered.”

Ward recalls the unanimous enthusiasm among CFCA members when the proposal to fund telemetry collars and helicopter airtime for the relocation process was pitched.

He and Parker Corbin attended the capture at Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area and release at Franklin Mountains State Park.

“It was a bucket-list, lifechanging event to see those funds put into action. Witnessing helicopters transporting these magnificent animals and fitting them with tracking collars to monitor their movements underscored the tangible impact of our efforts,” said Ward, who attended the capture at Elephant Mountain WMA as a volunteer.

Beyond the technical success, the initiative has reminded CFCA members of their historic roots.

“In the early 1900s, the CampFire Club and Boone and Crockett Society helped save the American bison from the brink of extinction.

Now, over a century later, we’re bringing the same spirit to another species in a part of their range where they are facing challenges,” Ward explains.

The collaboration also highlights the strategic thinking behind WSF’s conservation model.

“By allocating funding to specific, visible aspects of the project—like telemetry collars and helicopter airtime—it ensures stakeholders see exactly how their contributions make a difference,” Ward notes.

Looking forward, the CFCA remains committed to conservation on a national scale, inspired by projects like this.

“These successes energize us.

They remind us why we started this journey and how much more we can do to protect North America’s wildlife,” Ward said.

Corey Mason, WSF Executive Vice President of Conservation and COO, said partnerships like this are crucial to move conservation forward.

“We are grateful to the CFCF for partnering with us on this important restoration project. It reflects their legacy of supporting science-based conservation, which translated to desert bighorn sheep returning to mountains they haven’t lived in for 100 years,” Mason said. WS

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SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 91

BASECAMP DISPATCHES Co-authored by Maddie Richards, Membership and <1Clubs Manager Matt Dwonch, Marketing and Content Strategist

F

WILD SHEEP IN THE WILDCAT HILLS

or a couple of Wild Sheep Foundation office employees, having a boots-on-the-ground experience with the wild sheep of Nebraska was life changing.

While we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the amazing work WSF does from an administrative side, being part of a conservation project firsthand was unforgettable. Maddie, the Membership Manager, has been with the foundation since 2019, while Matt, the Content and Marketing Strategist, recently

joined the team in October 2024.

Here’s a look back on our first ever sheep capture experience in the Wildcat Hills...

MADDIE

The early morning sun climbed over the Nebraska foothills, spilling a brilliant shade of yellow across the landscape as we rumbled down a beat-up two track. Our energy was electric. Folks in orange vests worked diligently in preparation for the day ahead— setting up tables, dispersing

equipment, and ensuring supplies were in order. The distant hum of a helicopter sounded, and a reverent silence settled over the buzzing crowd. I’ve heard dozens of stories and seen hundreds of pictures of sheep captures, but nothing could prepare me for the swell of excitement and awe as the helicopter crested the hill with three sheep in tow.

MATT

The pilot skillfully banked to the right, gently laying down each

A collaborative effort: This project was made possible by the efforts of Nebraska Game and Parks, the Bergara Foundation, the Gilchrist Foundation, and the Wild Sheep Foundation.

92 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

sheep, one by one, just a few yards in front of us. I attempted to focus on the task at hand, but with so much adrenaline coursing through me, the next few moments became a blur of fur and dust. I clung to my handle of the stretcher, which we would load the sheep onto, like my life depended on it. I glanced around and noticed my friends from The Bergara Foundation doing the same. As the helicopter departed, we began running towards the first of the three ewes.

I knelt and picked up her head as the three others pushed and pulled until she was nestled firmly in the center of the stretcher.

After a short haul back to our station, we lowered the ewe’s legs into the four holes of the stretcher, making sure she was as comfortable as possible.

A team of veterinarians and biologists flocked to her, taking blood samples, testing for disease, and applying a GPS collar. During periods of prolonged stress, bighorns are known to overheat.

A palpable urgency permeated the atmosphere as the crew worked with unbelievable efficiency.

Before I knew it, the time had come to release our ewe back into her home. It all happened in about five minutes, but during that time, my appreciation for wild sheep grew tenfold, and I realized a childhood dream of working directly with wildlife.

Over the course of the next 48 hours, I witnessed the successful capture and release of 20 bighorn sheep, not an insignificant portion of Nebraska’s total population.

The herd here, like the people, appear to be resilient and strongwilled. The Nebraska Game and Parks biologists, Working Dogs for Conservation group, Bergara crew, wildlife veterinarians, and volunteers on this capture were of the very highest quality. I’m proud to call them friends.

Prior to this experience, I

Sheep country: Sandstone pillars dot the Wildcat Hills of Western Nebraska, providing a scenic backdrop for our capture team comprised of biologists, veterinarians, funding partners, and volunteers.

Teamwork in action: After the helicopter delivers the sheep, each team carefully retrieves the animal and transfers it onto a stretcher for transport to the three stations where it undergoes testing, collaring, and ear tagging.

Back on the mountain: After the samples were received and each animal was collared, we released them back on the Nebraska landscape.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 93

Special delivery: The helicopter team captures each sheep via net gun, carefully loads them, and expertly drops them at the designated job site.

thought the phrase “you don’t know until you know” was silly.

After all, I believed I knew. I felt I had a firm grasp on what we do here at The Wild Sheep Foundation, from the intricacies of wild sheep management to the funding mechanisms, to the anatomy and biology of the sheep themselves. Well, I can say with confidence I knew nothing until I laid my hands on that first ewe - and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. As long as wild sheep continue to inspire awe and wonder in those of us who seek to know them better, I know their future looks bright. WS 94 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

MORE THAN $3.4 MILLION PROVIDED TO THE STATE OF ALASKA FOR CONSERVATION

Step up and be part of the solution.

Join today and help us keep sheep on the mountains of Alaska www.akwildsheep.org Join our email list!

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 95 Photo by Jerry Herrod

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Sun, Surf & Sheep CHAPTER & AFFILIATE

SUMMIT XVII FT. LAUDERDALE, FL | JUNE 5-7, 2025

REGISTER TODAY!

Hotel, agenda, and tour information on our website at www.wildsheepfoundation.org/events Scan the code to go directly to the event page, or call 406.404.8769 to register.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 97

BASECAMP DISPATCHES

A

WE GIVE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

t the request of WSF supporters and consistent with the 2% for Conservation program of which WSF is a Founding Partner, we have launched the WSF Conservation Revolving Fund “We Give” campaign. Watch for WSF “We Give” partners who proudly include the “We Give” logo in their advertisements and/or promotions as those advertisers, exhibitors and businesses give a percentage or portion of their sales to the WSF Conservation Revolving Fund. 100% of WSF Conservation Revolving Fund contributions are directed to initiatives benefiting wild sheep and the habitat they call home.

Proceeds are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are directed to Grant In Aid and other specific conservation projects to Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain.

Photo: Vic Shendel 98 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Participants to date include: 1. Jack Atcheson & Sons 2. The Journal of Mountain Hunting 3. The Wildlife Gallery 4. Backcountry BC and Beyond, Ltd. 5. Stone Glacier 6. RPS Bancard, LLC 7. YETI 8. SITKA Gear 9. Benchmade Knives 10. Kenetrek 11. Full Curl Spirits 12. RMP Rifles 13. 5.11 Tactical 14. Best of the West/Huskemaw Optics 15. Clarke – “1% For Tomorrow” 16. Brown Precision 17. Diamond Outfitters of Arizona 18. Black Rifle Coffee 19. Eventgroove 20. iHunt Apparel

For more information and to become a part of the “We Give” team, please contact Gray N. Thornton at 406-404-8750 or gthornton@

wildsheepfoundation.org

GUIDELINES The 2024 Lottery Tag is valid for use in any open controlled bighorn hunt, i n c l u d i n g U n i t 1 1 .

“Tickets” are controlled hunt applications.

Ticket purchasers and persons named on tickets must be eligible to hold a hunting license in Idaho.

All controlled hunt rules apply.

This tag (and hunting license if needed) will only be issued to an eligible applicant (the person named on the ticket drawn).

The tag is nonͲtransferrable.

Drawing will be conducted July 26, 2024.

OnceͲinͲaͲlifetime rule is waived for this tag.

Need not be present to win.

Tickets are void where the ticket/tag sale is prohibited.

No limit to number purchased.

Any insufficient funds for tickets and/or incomplete forms will invalidate a ticket(s) immediately.

Additional rules apply. See official rules at www.idahowildsheep.org.

Deadline to enter is July 22, 2024.

1 FOR $20 6 FOR $100 14 FOR $166.75 25 FOR $250 No limit.

I DAHO B IGHORN L OTTERY T AG D RAWING AND S UMMER S OCIAL

E VENTS IN B OISE , L EWISTON , T WIN F ALLS AND I DAHO F ALLS

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 99

Visit Terminus Mtn. Outfitters

BUY!

100 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

2025 ANNUAL ROUNDUP BANQUET Tapatio Springs Resort, Boerne, TX

SAVE THE DATE JUNE 21, 2025

WWW.TEXASBIGHORNSOCIETY.ORG Join us in raising money for desert bighorn sheep in Texas!

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 101

CHAPTERS & AFFILIATES NOTE: bold/italics font denotes a joint WSF membership Chapter/Affiliate. Membership in these chapters and affiliates include membership in Wild Sheep

FOR COMPLETE CONTACT INFORMATION GO TO: www.wildsheepfoundation.org/memberships/chapters-and-affiliates

CHAPTERS: ALASKA WSF Kevin Kehoe, President 907-441-6323 kevin.kehoe@alaskan.com Molly McCarthy-Cunfer, Executive Director 907-615-2104 executivedirector@akwildsheep.org WSF ALBERTA Mike Smith tel:403-700-7746 mike@wsfab.org www.wsfab.org WSF ALBERTA Chapter Office Deena Arychuk, Chapter Staff info@wsfab.org 403-845-5544 CALIFORNIA WSF Donald C. Martin, President 310-766-3921 Don-martin@earthlink.net CALIFORNIA WSF Chapter Office Beverly Valdez, Chapter Staff 650-472-3889 forthesheep@gmail.com www.cawsf.org EASTERN CHAPTER WSF Henry Noss, President Noss-s.mt.redbones@olive.com 610-223-8798 EASTERN CHAPTER WSF Chapter Office Bill Carter, Office Manager info@ecwsf.org and bill@ecwsf.org 814-656-1831 www.ecwsf.org IDAHO WSF Josh Miller, President Joshmiller65mm@gmail.com 575-749-8859 Tracy Rowley, Chapter Staff 208-345-6171 tracy@rtmmagt.com www.idahowildsheep.org IOWA FNAWS Craig Nakamoto, President 402-650-1383 nakamoto01@sbcglobal.net iowafnaws@gmail.com www.iowafnaws.org WSF—MIDWEST CHAPTER Al Holland, President 651-492-2985 caholl@msn.com www.midwestwildsheep.com WSF—MIDWEST CHAPTER Mike Bouton, Executive Director 612-940-1979 mikwbouton@hotmail.com www.midwestwildsheep.com MONTANA WSF D.J. Berg, President 406-366-1849 dj@montanawsf.org Ty Stubblefield, Executive Director 406-696-3003 ty@montanawsf.org www.montanawsf.org MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT CHAPTER OF WSF Janessa Kluth, Chapter contact 208-420-4240 montanastatewsf@gmail.com facebook.com/MSUWSF NEW MEXICO WSF Bryan Bartlett, President (575) 635-3499 BartleBC@yahoo.com newmexicowildsheep@gmail.com

OREGON WSF Kevin Martin, President (541)969-6744 Kevindmartin63@gmail.com www.oregonfnaws.org

Cody Country Outfitters and Guides Association Lee Livingston 307-527-7416 Livingston@tctwest.net

Navajo Nation Department of Fish & Wildlife Jeff Cole, Wildlife Manager jcole@nndfw.org 928-871-6595

SE CHAPTER WSF Patrick Morse, President 415-559-2270 Southeastwsf@gmail.com

Colorado Outfitters Association Kelly Nottingham, Office Manager 970-824-2468 office@coloradooutfitters.com www.coloradooutffiters.org

Nebraska Big Game Society Jim King (402) 430-6566 jim@glsbinc.com www.nebiggame.org

Custodians of Professional Hunting & Conservation—South Africa Adri Kitshoff-Botha +27 0 83 6500442 ceo@cphc-sa.co.za www.thecustodians.co.za

Nevada Bighorns Unlimited Tom Fennel, President 775-250-6600 tfennell@dicksoncg.com www.nevadabighornsunlimited.org

UTAH FNAWS Travis Jenson, President 801-641-5453 tjenson@xmission.com www.utahfnaws.org WASHINGTON WSF Garrett Grant, President grant16garrett@hotmail.com www.washingtonwsf.org WYOMING WSF Zach McDermott, President 307-752-1212 zach@wyomingwildsheep.org Wyoming WSF Chapter Office Katie Cheesbrough, Executive Director 307-399-4383 katie@wyomingwildsheep.org www.wyomingwildsheep.org YUKON WSF Spencer Wallace, President 867-689-2074 yukonws@gmail.com www.yukonwsf.com

AFFILIATES: 2% For Conservation Jared Frasier, Executive Director 406-221-3102 contact@fishandwildlife.org www.fishandwildlife.org

Dude Ranchers Association Colleen Hodson 307-587-2339 colleen@duderanch.org www.duderanch.org Elko Bighorns Unlimited Cory Mahan, Vice President 775-397-4465 cmahan@ram-enterprise.com European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) David Scallan 00353-879504563 David.scallan@face.eu www.face.eu Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn Patrick Cummings, President Patrickcummings1002@gmail.com Michelle Mercer, Treasurer mercerlvnv@yahoo.in www.desertbighorn.com

Fundacion De Vida Silvestre En Sonora, A.C Alaska Professional Hunters Association Jacobo Artee, President 011-52-662-212-5510, 011-52-662-217-4119 Deb Moore, Executive Director jacoboartee@prodigy.net.mx 907-929-0619 Deb@alaskaprohunter.org Grand Slam Club/Ovis www.alaskaprohunter.org Jason Price, Executive Director Alberta Outfitters Association 903-466-2195 Kevin Stanton, President gsco@wildsheep.org 403-762-5454 www.wildsheep.org aoa@albertaoutfitters.com www.albertaoutfitters.com Guide Outfitter Association of BC Scott Ellis, CEO Alberta Professional Outfitters Society 604-541-6332 Jeana Schuurmaan, Executive Director ellis@goabc.org 780-414-0588 www.goabc.org jeana@@apos.ab.ca www.apos.ab.ca Ilbirs Fund Zairbek Kubanjchbekov, Director Argali Wildlife Research Center +996 558271081 Bamgalanbaatar Sukh, Game Biologist zkubanychbekov@ilbirs.com and head of “Argali Wildlife Research www.ilbirs.org Center” +976-99176580 International Caribou Foundation amgalanbaatarsukh@gmail.com Cheryl Lind, Executive Director Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Inc. 406-404-1297 T.J. Baehre, President cheryl@internationalcariboufoundation.org 602-663-7871 www.internationalcariboufoundation.org t.j.baehre@centurylink.net www.adbss.org Lubbock Sportsmans Club, Inc. Dan Boone, President Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep 806-733-0590 Society, Inc. dfb@sonoramfg.com Sam Gorton, President 480-285-7155 Mongolia Wildlife Association Samgoar15@hotmail.com Magsarjac Erdenebat, Executive Director admin@adbss.org mongolwildlife@gmail.com Association of Mackenzie Mountain Montana Outfitter & Guides Association Outfitters Mac Minard, Executive Director Tavis Molnar, President 406-449-3578 867-633-4934 moga@mt.net info@arcticred-nwt.com www.montanaoutfitters.org Bear Trust International Logan Young, Executive Director National Bighorn Sheep Center 406-595-6583 Amanda Verheul, Executive Director logan@beartrust.org 307-455-3429 www.beartrust.org amanda@bighorn.org www.bighorn.org

102 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Fallon Jay Lingenfelter, President jay.lingenfelter@cccomm.co 775-427-1254 Northern BC Guides Association Craig Kiselbach, President terminusmtn@gmail.com 250-442-7103 Northern Nevada SCI Chapter Gavin Chodera, President 916-960-8518 gchodera@nnsci.com www.nnsci.com Northwest Guides & Outfitters Association Colin Niemeyer, President 250-306-8624 hunting@kawdyoutfitters.com Northwest Sportsman’s Club Nate Perrenoud 509-994-6795 www.northwestsportsmansclub.com Purkersdorfer Jagdklub Gunther Tschabuschnig, Vice President 011-43-676-496-6691 info@jagdklub.eu www.jagdklub.eu Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Donna Noel, Director of Natural Resources 775-574-0101 Ext: 17 www.plpt.nsn.us Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society Ben Ramaker (785)760-1374 benramaker@hotmail.com www.bighornsheep.org Terry Meyers, Executive Director 970-640-6892 meyers.terry@gmail.com Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance Marvin Kwiatkowski, Chairman marvin@goatalliance.org www.goatalliance.org Contact: Kendrick Chittock, Fundraising Coordinator kendrick@goatalliance.org info@goatalliance.org Safari Club International 520-620-1220 info@safariclub.org www.safariclub.org Sheep Hunters of the World (SHOW) Billi Carey, Administrator 480-292-1674 www.sheephunters.com Shoshone & Arapaho Fish and Game Arthur Lawson, Director lawson@windriverfishandgame.com www.windriverfishandgame.com Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep Steve Marschke, President 310-339-4677 info@sheepsociety.com www.desertbighorn.org

Tahltan Guide Outfitters Association Rudy Day, President 250-235-3395 Dayrudy84@gmail.com Spanish Professional Hunters Association Diego Satrustegui, President +34 618 621 690 Direccion.aptce@gmail.com www.spanishprofessionalhunters.com Taos Pueblo Michael Martinez, Hunt Manager 575-758-7410 hunting@taospueblo.com Texas Bighorn Society Dr. Sam Cunningham, President 806-262-6889 scunningham@quailcreekent.com www.texasbighornsociety.org The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWS) Camille Brooks 541-553-2029 Camille.brooks@ctwsbnr.org https://warmsprings-nsn.gov The International Council of Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) Sebastian Winkler office@cic-wildlife.org https://www.cic-wildlife.org/ Wildlife Stewardship Council John Henderson, President sirjohn55@gmail.com wildlifestewarship@gmail.com www.wildlifestewardshipcouncil.com Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia Greg Rensmaag, President 604-209-4543 Rensmaag_greg@hotmail.com Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia Office & Staff Kyle Stelter, CEO 250-619-8415 kylestelter@gmail.com www.wildsheepsociety.com Hana Erikson, Executive Assistant 604-690-9555 exec@wildsheepsociety.com Wyoming Outfitters & Guides Association Jeff Smith, President 307-265-2376 wyoga@wyoga.org www.wyoga.org Yukon Outfitters Association Mac Watson, President 867-668-4118 (Office) info@yukonoutfitters.net www.yukonoutfitters.net Yukon Outfitters Association Staff Shawn Wasel, Executive Director 780-213-4301 (Cell) swasel@mcsnet.ca Brenda Stehelin, Office Manager info@yukonoutfitters.net

TECHNICAL/ ADVISORY AFFILIATES: Northern Wild Sheep and Goat Council Kevin Hurley, Executive Director 307-899-9375 info@nwsgc.org www.nwsgc.org Desert Bighorn Council Patrick Cummings, Chair Nevada Department of Wildlife (Retired) (702) 486-5127 patrickcummings1002@gmail.com www.desertbighorncouncil.com

SAVE THE DATE the

61

st

ANNUAL BANQUET LIVE AUCTION, OPEN BAR, RAFFLE, AND MORE..

SATURDAY MAY 17 th, 2025 AT SOUTH POINT CASINO FOR TICKET INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT JACKIE AT 702-733-7827 OR EMAIL JACKIE@REDSTARFENCE.COM

WWW.FRATERNITYOFTHEDESERTBIGHORN.COM

WORKING FOR NEVADA’S WILDLIFE SINCE 1964

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 103

REGISTER TODAY April 26, 2025 CAWSF.ORG

SPECIAL DRAWINGS Stone Sheep Hunt with YUKON STONE OUTFITTERS GOWITHBO Free-Range Weemsi Desert Bighorn Hunt

ON AUCTION

ZONE 10

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WWW.CAWSF.ORG 104 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 105

CHAPTERS & AFFILIATES

2025 BANQUET DATES NOTE: Dates noted are as of press time.

Please check C&A websites for updates.

WSF C&A Summit XVII.........................June 5-7..............Ft. Lauderdale

Westin, Ft. L’dale WSSBC Jurassic Classic.................August 22-24..............Chilliwack, BC

WSF CHAPTERS: Chapter

Date

Location

Date

Location

Alaska WSF............................................................. April 12.............................Anchorage, AK California WSF....................................................... April 26.......................... Sacramento, CA Eastern Chapter WSF..............................February 14-15................................ Lancaster PA MSU Student Chapter WSF............................................................................................... N/A New Mexico WSF ...............................................................................................................TBD Oregon WSF.......................................................... April 26.......................................Bend, OR Southeast Chapter....................................................June 7........................ Ft. Lauderdale, FL WSF Alberta – Yellowhead.................................. April 12........................................................

Wyoming WSF....................................................... June 6-7...................................Casper, WY Yukon WSF............................................................................................................................TBD

WSF AFFILIATES: Affiliate

Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society............. May 10.............................. Scottsdale, AZ Elko Bighorns Unlimited.....................................................................................................TBD Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn........................ May 17............................... Las Vegas, NV National Bighorn Sheep Center................November 1.................................. Dubois, WY Nevada Bighorns Unlimited................................ April 18.......................................Reno, NV Nevada Bighorns Unlimited - Fallon................................................................................TBD Nevada Bighorns Unlimited - Midas ...............................................................................TBD Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance..........................................................................................TBD Society for the Consv. of Bighorn Sheep........................................................................ N/A Texas Bighorn Society............................................June 21...........................San Antonio, TX Wild Sheep Society of BC – Northern. Jan 31 & Feb 1.....................Dawson Creek, BC Wild Sheep Society of BC – Salute to Conservation .Feb 20-23............. Penticton, BC

NOTE: No date listed = Date not yet determined or provided by C&A

106 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Join CRS for a Chance to Win! A BEST OF THE WEST 6.5 PRC

FROM JULY 1, 2024 - JUNE 30, 2025 The Chadwick Ram Society (CRS) was formed in 2013 to create a pathway for Wild Sheep Foundation members who were looking for an opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s Mission beyond their regular annual membership. In a short period of time, CRS has come to play a critical role in raising significant funding for wild sheep enhancement projects that otherwise would not have happened.

Since inception, the Chadwick Ram Society has put ~$2.5 Million “back on the mountain”. The best part is, there is a level of giving for just about everyone!

Chadwick Ram Rifle Specs: • 6.5 PRC • 26” Bartlein Carbon Fiber Barrel • Bix & Andy Dakota Trigger • .550 Defiance Rebel Action • Mountain Hunter Carbon Stock • 5-20 X 50 Tac Hunter Scope • Pic Rail • Hinged Floor Plate • Hawkins Tank Self Timing Break • Black/Tan Camo w/ Black Cerakote

*NEW members will be given 1 (one) entry per pledge level. *EXISTING members who upgrade will be given 1 (one) entry per level of upgrade (Max. 4).

LEVELS

NEW

Copper ......... $2,500............ One ticket Bronze .......... $5,000 ............ Two tickets Silver ............. $10,000 ......... Three tickets Gold ............... $25,000 ......... Four tickets Platinum ...... $50,000......... Five tickets

UPGRADE

1 ticket per level Upgraded (max four tickets) Example: Silver to Gold =1 ticket Bronze to Gold = 2 tickets Copper to Platinum = 4 tickets

FLEX PAY OPTIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE!

Bronze: $500 annually or $250 biannually.

Silver: $1,000 annually, $500 biannually, or $250 quarterly.

Gold: $2,500 annually, $1,250 biannually, or $625 quarterly Platinum: $5,000 annually, $2,500 biannually, or $1,250 quarterly.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 107

JOIN THE CHADWICK RAM SOCIETY AND YOU COULD

WIN

A DESERT SHEEP HUNT

FULL RULES AND REGULATIONS HERE

WINNER WILL RECEIVE A FULLY GUIDED ONE-ON-ONE DESERT SHEEP HUNT WITH SIERRA EL ALAMO IN 2026-27 • All current and new CRS members are entered into the hunt drawing • Current and new CRS members receive one (1) entry for every $250 PAID towards a CRS pledge.

• Need not be present to win.

• Facebook Live drawing to be held July 15, 2025.

NEW FLEX PAY AND AUTO PAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE! CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE!

108 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

TO JOIN CRS contact Paige Culver: 406.404.8758 or pculver@wildsheepfoundation.org

Save the Date

first annual banquet • June 7, 2025 Westin Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort

Reserve Room Here

Banquet Ticket Info Coming Soon

Sonora Desert Mule Deer Hunt

S LE FF RA • S N O CTI U A NT ILE S & OPEN BAR • LIVE WIN HUNTS, RIFLES, SHOTGUNS, & MORE!

www.SouthEastWSF.orgW S SPRING 2025 ~

ILD HEEP® 109

WOMEN HUNT®

by Grayson Highfield WSF Women Hunt® Class of 2023

H

GIVING BACK = EVANGELISM

all Five reverberates with the sound of excited voices and bursts with belly giggles.

There’s a rock-climbing wall to the right, an archery range adjacent, and before us is a large blue pool filled with plastic ducks, adults in waders, and kids in kayaks figuring out how to maneuver between obstacles. For some students, it’s their first time experiencing outdoor recreation activities and their first exposure to the topics of conservation, hunting, and angling.

It’s my second Sheep Show®, but my first time in the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience (YWCE).

I’m standing next to April Elwell, graduate of Women Hunt® class of 2021 and schoolteacher at a Title I public school in Sparks, Nevada.

She maintains a careful eye over her field trip group and answers questions between snapping photos of smiling students in boats.

“This is our third year bringing the class,” she tells me, “So the year after I graduated from Women Hunt® was the first. I have the opportunity to do this because of Women Hunt®; even on my application—from the beginning—I said that I hoped I could do this as part of giving back. Not every kid gets the opportunity to come to this. I am grateful, because it means a lot to them [the kids].”

April highlights the impact that the Women Hunt® group personally absorbs over the hours spent in this space: giving back is multifaceted;

All geared up for the inaugural Beer & Bubbly event 110 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

giving to the next generation of conservationists is imperative.

Giving back is the third pillar of the Women Hunt® program and a foundational aspect upon which it was built. Renée Thornton, Chair of the Women Hunt® program, has always been clear in her expectations of giving before receiving, and how this ethic was a critical piece of her hunting education.

Giving back cannot be defined by one dictionary translation.

There is an intrinsic responsibility to the resource and an equally important one to the community.

Giving to the resource is tangible and indicates responsibility to both wildlife and sportspeople. Giving to the community is abstract,

Putting finishing touches on the Women Hunt booth.

conversational. It is as simple and complex as reducing barriers and empowering other women by representing what it is to be a woman in the industry.

There is space for creativity within this pillar, but also curated opportunities for graduates to seize. Women Hunt® volunteers discussed with me their preliminary expectations of giving back and how those thoughts changed after participating in their first Sheep Show®.

Amanda Breski, Women Hunt® class of 2024, told me that a new vision formed as she worked the convention floor for the first time: “Gray [Thornton, CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation] likes to use the word ‘evangelism.’ You don’t realize how being an ‘evangelist’ and spreading that word is giving back until you are in the moment.”

“Evangelism,” Gray says, “is the act of promoting with an absolute dedication to a cause you believe in.”

Evangelism may relate to any cause, ideology, or even person that you inherently believe in.

Within that vein, Women Hunt® and the Wild Sheep Foundation provide graduates with a unique opportunity to give back. Gray recounts what Sheep Week® is like: “Look at our show; it’s different from a local show with local volunteers. We have volunteers from the Reno/Sparks region, but we aren’t based in Reno. We have offices in Bozeman and Cody and have remote employees and members all over. We rely on volunteers who are passionate, engaged and show up for all the right reasons. Sheep Show® is our number one fundraiser, but it is also a celebration of sorts. It brings people together from all over the world.

“To be effective as a fundraiser, we need to be very focused on being efficient and doing the best for wild sheep. If we don’t have local volunteers, it is expensive to bring people in, and that is an investment… That’s where Women Hunt® comes in. As you know, you were selected by a blind application process. You and your classmates

were 10% of the application pool; what is that 10% made of? First, people who are interested in and passionate about wild sheep and conservation. Second, a group that spent five days in an immersive cultural experience.

You have just gone through a life-changing, educational, enriching, and empowering course, and you’re fired up. Renée’s tenet of giving back is so important, and the Women Hunt® volunteers are there for the reasons we want them to be. I couldn’t think of a better example of who we want representing the Wild Sheep Foundation and Women Hunt®.”

His statements are echoed in the words of the staff, members, and volunteers who interact with and rely on the Women Hunt® community at the annual convention.

Beyond the YWCE, Women Hunt® graduates serve many roles throughout the week: the first to greet you at registration; a conversationalist and advocate at the Women Hunt® booth; a friendly face to hand off receipts and congratulate the highest bidder at an auction’s conclusion; prep chef and assistant at the Culinary Corner; and a wave goodbye as you collect merchandise at the Sheep Shop before you head out of the convention hall.

But the show is more than just a series of jobs to be done; its value is measured far greater by the interactions had, the community built, and the demonstrative power of confident women holding space within the industry.

Beth, a woman I met on the convention floor, expressed her feelings on seeing the Women Hunt® graduates at the show. She pulled SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 111

WOMEN HUNT®

Supporting the annual Life Member Breakfast.

WSF members in support of women in the outdoors.

Danene van der Westhuyzen, owner of Aru Safaris and longtime supporter of Women Hunt®, shared her perspective on the program. With her home in Namibia, Sheep Show® provides an indispensable opportunity for her to become acquainted with the women who have benefitted from the program she has supported from the beginning. “Graduates of the program often return to support new participants, ensuring that the next generation of women in hunting feels just as welcomed and encouraged as they did. There is a strong sense of community, where women uplift one another and contribute to conservation efforts beyond just personal hunting experiences.

Seeing this effect—where those who were once new to hunting become mentors themselves—has been incredibly rewarding.”

Sheep Show® is more than just a fundraiser, a party, or even a community gathering; it has become a place of persistent reciprocity. From million-dollar bids supporting sheep on the mountain to a knowledge-share of pertinent information on gear, health, relevant skills, and tips of the trade, and, of equal importance, space to share stories, inspire, and conspire in the name of conservation, Sheep Week® is all about giving back.

What Women Hunt® provides is the stage upon which their dedicated evangelists may go forth and make a difference. WS

Courtney Michels, class of 2022, and me aside after a Culinary Corner demonstration. “I’m a late onset hunter in Northwest Montana,” she told us. “I’ve been taught by a lot of male hunters. They’ve been great, but I don’t relate to them.”

Jana Waller-Bair, founder of Skullbound Chronicles, ambassador for the Wild Sheep Foundation, and ardent supporter of the Women Hunt® program, reiterates this point with a personal anecdote: Jana’s ah-hah moment came in college, when she met a female bowhunter. For some reason, it clicked in her brain that, “if she could do it, I could do it too.”

“I remember saying to her, I’m not strong enough to pull a bow back,” Jana recalls, “and she said, ‘well, you’ve got to find a bow that fits you.’” It was this connection that elicited recognition that

someone who looked like her could bow-hunt and compelled her to take next steps. “There is so much power in the face-to-face experience of talking with someone, especially if you’re a new hunter,” she says. “The Beer & Bubbly event, the banquets, or just stopping at the Women Hunt® booth and chatting with women who share their experiences, it’s invaluable.

Meeting someone like yourself can be inspiring. Those moments happen nonstop at Sheep Show®.”

The inaugural Beer & Bubbly event Jana mentioned welcomed over one thousand enthusiastic supporters of Women in Hunting®, a new community designed to elevate and serve women in the industry beyond the boundaries of the Women Hunt® program itself. The Women Hunt® graduates appeared alongside committee members, supporters, ambassadors, staff and

Meet the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Women Hunt® Committee Bios and photos at: www.wildsheepfoundation.org/ about/women-hunt-committee

Women Hunt® wants to hear from you! https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/womenhunt

112 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

womenhunt@wildsheepfoundation.org @womenhunt

@women_hunt

@womenhunt

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Our sincere appreciation to Bernie Fiedeldey and the “1 MORE FOR 4” participants for making this drawing and hunt of a lifetime possible!

• Bernie Fiedeldey • Kris Kohlhoff • André Van Hiltin • Shad Hulse • Darla Fiedeldey • Kevin & Lauri Gilbert • Renee Snider

Congratulations

to 2025 1MF4 winner, Darryl Sword from Canal Flats, BC

• Darin & Tonya Fiedeldey • Charles & Denise Swanson • Midwest WSF • Washington WSF • Jeff Haynie • Alberta WSF

If you would like to make a fellow WSF member’s FNAWS dreams a reality, please consider being a sponsor of the 2026 Bernie Fiedeldy 1MF4 Challenge.

DONATE TODAY

Tonya & Darin Fiedeldey, Darryl Sword and Rob Kopecky 114 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

For more Information Contact: Paige Culver: 406.404.8758 PCulver@wildsheepfoundation.org

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 115

CULINARY CORNER

by Joshua Schwencke WSF & Women Hunt® Executive Chef in Residence

D

HARD WORK AND TRADITION

eep in western Montana lives the prime example of the American dream. The hardworking men and women who call this place home, design, craft, and sharpen some of the best knives on the market.

As a wild game chef, I have never used a knife with comparable quality and comfort. In my efforts to convince you to become part of the ever-growing Montana Knife Company (MKC) family, I also strive to share the story of the American dream as lived through the eyes of its owner, Josh Smith, and his team.

You see, I had the chance to meet Smith, Brandon Horoho, and some of the MKC staff at Sheep Show® two years prior. It was there that I had the honor of using the culinary set I still travel and cook with to this day. Bound in bison leather and razor-sharp, I quickly became obsessed with these knives, the brand, and the culture they embodied.

Smith was no stranger to forging steel into hardworking knives. My opportunity to sit with him for an interview in Frenchtown was an attempt to tell his story while also offering a chef’s perspective on my favorite tools and the people who make them.

Our first conversation was with Brandon Horoho, coowner and CMO of Montana Knife Company. Known for his contagious smile and top-level marketing skills, Horoho has been

116 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Some MKC blades awaiting their handles on the production floor.

a driving force behind bringing MKC to hardworking Americans and beyond. His rugged, strong approach to design is evident in their social media, e-commerce, and apparel. I might or might not have a personal wardrobe consisting mainly of MKC gear—so to say I’m a fan of Horoho would be an understatement.

Soon, Josh himself greeted us.

Eager to show off his empire, we toured the rest of the facility, passing everything from blades adorned with handles awaiting their final sharpening to the iconic MKC boxes labeled for their destinations.

Every employee we encountered carried a passion for their craft that shines through in the quality of their blades.

Our conversation began with a

look at both the past and the future of his dream. Smith spoke about the next step in MKC’s story—the construction of their new facility less than a mile away. This led me to ask about the very beginning.

“Do you remember the first knife you ever put together? And do any characteristics of that blade show up in the knives you produce today?” I asked, eager to get the conversation started.

“I actually remember it from when I was 11 years old— amazingly. I remember the smell of the shop, and everything about the experience,” Josh recalled. He spoke of his mentor, Rick, teaching him the foundations of working with steel. “I remember working in Rick’s shop. He coached me through cutting a bar of steel on a bandsaw with the simple instruction: ‘Don’t cut your finger off.’”

“I later took those exact knives to my school science fair,” Josh continued. “I sold both of them to my history and math teachers for 20 bucks apiece.” He chuckled, no doubt reflecting on the journey that brought him to where he is today.

Josh went on, “Later, as I pursued my master smith journey and built my career, I started noticing a decline in the quality of storebought hunting knives. You could tell they weren’t necessarily designed by people who actually used them.” I nodded from across the table in agreement.

“I also saw a trend in thick, cumbersome knives made to be

indestructible—but they sacrificed usability. We make thin knives that are durable. It takes multiple passes through our CNC machines to create a quality knife that is both strong and comfortable in the hand.

If you use the right steel and heattreat it well, you make a blade that is easy to sharpen.”

“Remarkable,” I said. “One thing I see MKC excel at, beyond craftsmanship and quality, is service after the sale. Has that always been a core principle?”

“Yes! Before I even started the company, I knew I wanted to guarantee our knives for life,” Josh said, leaning back in his chair. “We also want to ensure our customers always have a sharp blade. I’d much rather have someone send in a dull knife after a hunting season than turn to a lesser-quality blade from someone else.”

“Amen to that,” I replied.

Josh nodded. “People break tips off their knives—it happens. With our Generations program, we remachine those knives, as well as ones that are dull, back to a razorsharp edge. Many customers choose to have their original knife restored rather than getting a new one.

Those knives get sharpened in a day and sent right back out.”

I smiled, understanding a hunter’s deep connection to the tools of the lifestyle—their knife, rifle, and gear.

“I tell hunters and chefs alike: Box up all your knives and send them to us at the end of your season. That way, you’re ready to go when the next one rolls around.”

That, right there, is the definition of service after the sale. The conversation soon shifted gears to our love of hunting.

Josh grinned. “We just got back from a moose hunt in B.C. with my

son, Hank,” he said proudly. “The first morning, we spotted a giant bull. After glassing and stalking, we lost him. Twelve hours later, we finally spotted him again—at 644 yards.” Josh paused, reminiscing. He pulled out his phone. “Then Hank smoked it.”

He scrolled through his recent photos and held up his screen.

“Here we are, just after he got it.” The phone glowed with his memories. As we watched the footage of him and his son celebrating the harvest, I smiled, knowing that exact feeling— excitement, adrenaline, and gratitude.

Returning to my list of questions, I continued, “Out of all the knives you make, which is the ultimate

the Jackstone. Both are light but strong enough to cape a sheep and do the hard work.”

For my final question, I asked, “With the team you’ve built at MKC, has there been a common core value that runs through your company?”

“Absolutely. For me, it’s ‘Working Knives for Working People’. It’s about hard work and grit. It’s simple, but it’s strong. It all comes down to hard work and tradition.”

That was exactly what I had witnessed at MKC—passionate craftsmanship intertwined with tradition, started by a young knife smith many years prior and carried on by his team.

As we left Frenchtown, a roadside billboard caught my eye: “The Future Home of Montana Knife Company,” with an arrow gesturing to a large plot of undeveloped land.

I pictured a young 11-year-old boy crafting his first blade and unaware of where it would take him.

This is the American dream—not a life free of hard work, mistakes, and loss, but one defined by passion, dedication, and sharpening those around you. That is, after all, the role of a knife-smith. WS

Chef Schwencke and John Smith in Smith’s podcast studio/office. Frenchtown, Montana.

‘sheep hunter’s knife?’”

Josh answered without hesitation.

“Two come to mind. If you’re extreme about cutting weight, go for the paracord version of our Speed Goat or the Stone Goat—they’re about an ounce and a half and easy to sharpen. If you prefer a nonparacord handle, the Blackfoot or

Scan here for the Mountain to Plate Video Series with Chef Josh Schwencke

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 117

CONSERVATION EDUCATION

by Ryan Brock, Ph.D. WSF Youth Education Coordinator

T

14 YEARS OLD AND GROWING

he apex youth event of the year that Wild Sheep Foundation plans and executes is by far the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience (YWCE) that takes place at Sheep Show® each year. This year marked the 14th year of the YWCE. The goal of the three-day event, which takes up almost 90,000 square feet, is to excite and inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists.

This year’s event had a few new participating organizations. A local herpetology 4H group came in with a variety of reptiles where kids could get up close to learn about a variety of aspects of each species.

A high school outdoor club taught kids how to make survival bracelets while Sierra Nevada Journeys, an outdoor school, engaged the minds from a strong outdoor science perspective. Even Montana Next Generation and the Montana Conservation Elders were involved and showed kids how to pack up horses for the backcountry. In all, 45 different stations greeted youth which were ran by over 500 volunteers. A special thanks goes out to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, as multiple stations were run by them and their volunteers.

The three days were divided up between two days of private experiences where school groups were bused into the event. During these first two days, the students’ day started with a presentation on wild sheep and their adaptations

118 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Students from Jessie Beck Elementary pose near wild sheep mounts during their exploration of the exhibit hall floor.

which transitioned into the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The presentation ended with how groups such as Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and Whitetails Forever are hunting-based organizations that do conservation work. Emphasis on wild sheep with detailed efforts by the Wild Sheep Foundation and its chapters and affiliates were given as examples.

Following this, students moved into outdoor career seminars.

Twelve seminars were offered with only time to visit and learn about three. Based on interest, students moved into and out of the different presentation rooms.

Lunch followed, and while students ate, Dylan Stewart gave a keynote on his journey into getting a degree in rangeland, wildlife, and

fisheries management. He was one of this year’s WSF’s Life Member Scholarship awardees. Following his presentation, the hands-on stations opened and students spent the next few hours going through the stations that most excited them.

This included access into the Sheep Show® exhibit hall.

We’ve also really been able to tap into the homeschool network and private schools. The event does have limited capacity for the presentations, lunch, and career seminars. However, after lunch an additional 200+ youth came in to participate in the hands-on stations. For their morning, they were granted access to the exhibit hall to roam around and see those aspects of the show, including a helicopter that is used in sheep translocations.

Saturday looked a little different.

This day was open to the public and was a free event. From the start, it was busy. The event opened at 10:00 and families began showing up at 9:40. We encouraged them to check in, or register if they hadn’t yet, and then go into the exhibit hall until the YWCE opened up.

This worked smoothly for a while.

However, it seemed like half of Reno showed up all at once and by 10:20 the line to the youth area had extended all the way down the hallway to the Sheep Show® registration line and was starting to interfere with that line. Security made us move the entire line and we quickly adjusted, trying to let in

folks who either didn’t care about getting access to the exhibit hall, or would come back later to scan their QR code to receive their badge. The line soon came to a manageable size but continued for the remainder of the day.

Additionally, for youth ages 12-17, the Tracks Program took place. Youth picked up a special punch card and followed wild sheep prints that were stuck to the floor at several participating exhibitors who taught the youth something unique about the outdoors or an outdoor product. Leica, the organization who originally came up with the idea almost a decade ago, was the key sponsor.

Other sponsors included Sitka, Kenetrek Boots, Mystery Ranch, Northern Nevada SCI, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and Bear Trust International. Donated prizes were then raffled off to those who completed the Tracks Program.

Total for Saturday, 1,875 youth attended the YWCE. This was a new record. In total, 2,904 youth came through the youth area in the three days.

Many of the school students completed a post-survey the following day after returning to school. Of these, ninety-one percent said they “learned so much about at least one career” or “learned some new things about

BIGHORN SHEEP CURRICULUM KIT DO YOU KNOW A TEACHER WHO TEACHES LIFE SCIENCE, OR THEMED UNITS ON WILDLIFE? The Wild Sheep Foundation has put together an educational kit that includes a variety of information and hands-on items that teaches about bighorn sheep and their conservation. The kit can be checked out for week-long segments for free and shipping is paid for.

Kit includes a ram skull, GPS collar, hide sample, curriculum book with over 20 lessons, Ovisopoly game, consumables to hand out to the students, a curriculum book and a USB drive with PowerPoints and movies for lessons with an optional “talk to a sheep expert” through Skype or Zoom class meeting.

To reserve your week, contact: Ryan Brock Youth Education Coordinator Rbrock@wildsheepfoundation.org

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 119

CONSERVATION EDUCATION

Aria, a 5th grader, learns the art of tying a fly.

at least one career.” Although 42% enjoyed the live animals (falcons and hawks during the school visit days), duck calling and archery tied for first place with 66%, and the BB gun and pellet guns at a very close second. The event had three separate stations involving these, with a Daisy BB gun range, a pellet gun range, and Boy Scouts running a third, huge BB gun range. The survey also revealed that for 39% of the students this was their first time shooting a bow. It is important to reveal that one school who completed the survey had previously attended an outdoor school where they all shot bows, which was in part sponsored

by WSF. So, this data would be even much higher if they hadn’t participated in that other event in September. Of the students, 72% percent felt this was the first time they had learned about wildlife conservation in depth.

A parent survey went out to those families who attended the YWCE on Saturday. With a good sample rate of 210 families filling out the post-survey it was 120 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

interesting to discover that until this event, 29% had never heard of the Wild Sheep Foundation and 12.5% had never heard of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Although we hope to inspire all youth, those are the families who we try hardest to reach out to, as many of them haven’t discovered ways to get involved with the outdoors and wildlife yet. After listing 28 of the organizations who helped run stations at the event, 27.6% said they 100% would certainly reach out to at least one of those participating organizations in the future, with another 17% giving a 75-99% chance they would.

Much of the rest of the survey provided similar results to those the students filled out in terms of what was learned or experience coming into the YWCE. For example, 54% of the youth on Saturday had never shot a bow before attending this event. Perhaps one of the most important questions was, “Do you see your family taking up any of the activities seen at the YWCE? If so, which activities do you see your family getting more involved

with in the future?” Archery, camping, and fishing all tied in the top spot with 71% of the families saying they would pursue these.

Getting involved with the shooting sports (BB guns, trap/skeet, rifle) and simply spending more time outdoors was the second highest response, with hunting coming in third with 55.5% of the families believing they would be getting their family more involved with this in the future.

The YWCE has become a tradition for many families and youth groups to attend. However, this year we saw that on Saturday 55% of the families had not attended this event before. The YWCE has become more than just a one-day “fun event.” It has become a place of not only educational fun, but also an event of making contacts and setting up future outdoor adventures and inspiration. Perhaps Lila Pinto, a student who attended the YWCE, said it best: “I loved the experience of Youth Wildlife Conservation!

I learned new things and was exposed to things I have not even heard of about all types of wildlife.

I deeply was inspired. Getting over my fears was one of my goals, and the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience helped me achieve that! I overall recommend this experience as it has had a positive impact in my life!” WS

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SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 121

BOOK REVIEW

by Ashley McEnroe

DREAM RAMS OF THE NORTH

O

scar-nominated Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles recently said that “movies are instruments against forgetting” since “cinema reconstructs memory.” Our sense of who we are is the product of our memories, which can dissolve as time degrades the human mind or be rewritten by those who prefer another version of the truth. Books, too, serve this purpose and remain powerful weapons against losing our memories and, with them, our identity.

Bill Pastorek’s latest book, Dream Rams of the North, released in 2024, is a perfect instrument against forgetting the contributions of not the famous few but the dedicated many in the sheep-hunting community.

In the variety of stories within this expansive book, Pastorek has reconstructed our collective memory of what sheep hunting is and, more importantly, what it means for us, the natural world and the future. Long after we leave the mountain for the final time, Dream Rams will be here to prevent future generations from forgetting the conservation contributions of those whose sheep hunts Pastorek has collected and the broader sheep-hunting community they represent.

The sequel to Dream Rams of British Columbia, Pastorek’s latest

122 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

by Bill Pastorek

installment is a 507-page treasury of tales from sheep hunters, hunting families, guides and outfitters committed to throwing their mental and physical best at often-brutal, occasionally devastating, sometimes hilarious,

always riveting ram quests.

Divided into distinct chapters for each region—Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, the Yukon and Northwest Territories—the approximately 439 individual stories of various lengths recount patience, reverence and quite a bit of “but it was worth it” suffering through tests and tempests.

Peppered with around 800 photos, almost all in vivid full color, plus outstanding original art heralding each chapter, the book’s images alone are worth grabbing a copy.

While this book is a must for anyone who loves sheep-hunting stories, it’s a quantum leap forward in visual appeal since Dream Rams of British Columbia was published over five years ago. The font, quality photos and overall layout of Pastorek’s new volume are more engaging than his prior release. Unlike its predecessor, Dream Rams of the North chapters are arranged by region, not species. Yet, like its BC predecessor, this book reads as if you were milling around the Sheep Show® listening to everyone’s hunting exploits, complete with scrolling phone images.

Within Dream Rams of the North lie some genuinely monstrous bighorns and bruiser thinhorns. And unusual fare: among them, Ben Stourac’s ram nicknamed Quasimodo, a 12-year-old swaybacked Stone’s with a torn backstrap and a palsied left horn, which he pronounced “the ugliest and most beautiful sheep I’d ever seen.” You would need to have attended every Ram Awards ceremony for decades to get the backstory on all these sheep hunts.

Yet here they are assembled in

living color to dazzle the sheepcrazed dreamers out there.

Part of this book’s allure is Pastorek’s knack for mixing narratives of varying lengths.

Stories the size of a Wild Sheep® magazine feature article are interspersed with “photo galleries” offering several pages teeming with brief snippets about individual hunts in just a paragraph or two. In all, I tallied 61 full-length stories and 368 short summaries in this book.

Some of my favorites in Dream Rams include “Lessons in Stone,” Andrew Horvath’s bow hunt where weather, wildfire, frustration, queasy self-doubt and trust all added up to a lesson on keeping yourself together in extreme isolation. And, Anna Vorisek’s frozen bow release, thawed by her guide with a cigarette lighter seconds before she drew on her first ram. Then there’s Norm Brennand’s cautionary tale about daring to take ultra-light to a new level, with a $10 emergency tent and evergreen boughs subbing for a waterproof dome and air mattress. Some hunters in Dream Rams offer philosophical gems, like Scott Widdifield, after losing sight of the majestic full curl he labored so hard to find: “I have always strongly believed a sheep hunter and his ram have a special connection and destiny brings them together.”

Dream Rams has it all: the broken scope rings and waterlogged optics, arthritic knees and severed tendons, flipped rafts and soaked sleeping bags, horses eating the gear and every other thing that could, and does, go wrong on a

typical sheep hunt. Readers also relive the campfire chats, sheep ribs, cowboy coffee and reflections on the meaning of life that suddenly flood the mind when mere mortals stumble into God’s country. The memorable moments go on and on in this excellent compilation.

Interesting anecdotes from the more distant past splash across these pages as well. This includes an explanation of how recordbook classifications changed Bob Landis’ ram from a “White” to a Dall’s to a Stone’s to the #1 Dall’s in the world since its harvest in 1969. Pastorek himself gives us a cameo appearance late in the book with his own sheep hunt from years ago.

Anyone who picks up Dream Rams of the North will be impressed

by Pastorek’s monumental undertaking in curating, editing, rewriting, organizing and presenting these stories. Pastorek says it took about 6,000 hours to assemble the text and pictures. This includes his sleuth work, digging through decades of Wild Sheep® magazines and scanning social media for leads on ram harvests and sheep hunters, most of whom are not well-known outside their own circles.

Pastorek made a special effort to track down youth and women hunters because, he says, “They’re the future of sheep hunting and conservation.” The youngest hunter in this book is 12, and more than one story recounts father-son dual ram harvests. Whether it’s a solo or guided hunt, a record-book trophy or personal best, a first ram or a second FNAWS, Pastorek is adept at leveling the field to honor

them all, both the hunters and the harvested animals, as they so richly deserve.

All told, Dream Rams of the North stands out as a solid and essential contribution to the hunting literary genre. While a few authors appear multiple times in different chapters, this book brings us a chorus packed with hundreds of sheep-hunting voices now preserved as part of our shared history. With fastidious editing and compelling content, this book is not just an achievement for Pastorek, it’s also a service to the wild sheep hunting-conservation community.

My only qualms with this book are it lacks a table of contents, and an index at the back would also be supremely helpful to readers hoping to find specific people, places or other details in this lengthy volume.

These omissions perhaps can be remedied in a future edition or in Pastorek’s next work.

A glutton for punishment like the most obsessed sheep hunters out there, Pastorek is already teasing readers about his latest work in progress, Dream Rams of Old. A blurb about it appears on the final page of Dream Rams of the North. Pastorek is taking submissions now for pre-1980 sheep hunt stories, story ideas and photos. Email him your tales of old at billpastorek@gmail.com.

The first edition of Dream Rams of the North, published in 2024, is available for purchase at https:// www.dreamrams.com/. The regular edition sells for $140, plus tax and shipping. WS

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 123

GEAR TIPS

by Jeremy Bryant

I

THE BEST COMPACT SPOTTING SCOPES FOR BACKPACK HUNTS

t’s ten minutes before dark on August 31st. I’m sitting on a ridge in the Alberta Rocky Mountains, glassing a band of rams with three of the best spotting scopes available. The rams are 700 yards away and I can still clearly distinguish which are shooters. I’m using 55mm spotters that each weigh less than 36 ounces—a good thing too, because we’ve hiked 50+ miles since leaving the trailhead, and our packs were plenty heavy. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was only 18 hours until we’d kill our target ram.

When it comes to spotting scopes, bigger is not always better.

This is most evident when you’re considering a spotter to take on a backpack sheep hunt. And with the recent improvements in glass quality and top brands now producing 55mm “compact spotters”, there’s never been a better time to consider using a smaller spotting scope.

I know that lots of folks reading this might be thinking ‘there is no way that a little spotter could come anywhere close to my ol’ trusty 65mm or 85mm spotter—I NEED the big boy for sheep hunting’.

If that’s you, don’t let me get in the way of a hunter and a trusted piece of gear—if it’s working for you, great! But what I’ll say is this: it’s hard to believe just how well these 55mm spotters perform until you’ve spent time behind one. It’s worth giving one a try.

Besides great performance, there are plenty of compelling reasons to pack a smaller spotting scope while 124 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

hunting—the first and obvious one is the weight savings; you’ll save 16+ ounces going from a 65mm spotter to a 55mm spotter.

A smaller spotter also allows you to pack a lighter tripod while achieving the same stability, so it’s a double weight savings (and no, the irony of me carrying three 55mm scopes on a hunt is not lost on me). Another benefit to a compact spotter is in the name; the compact spotter saves precious space in your pack, which can be used for other gear on the hike in, or meat on the way out. The last benefit is cost—compact spotters cost less than comparable fullsized spotters. As a backpack sheep hunter, if I could only own one spotting scope, it would undoubtedly be a 55mm.

Having established a good case for compact spotters, here’s a brief history lesson: since 2017, a Japanese optics company called ‘Kowa’ had the high-end compact spotter Scope market cornered.

The Kowa 553 was hands-down the best option. The next best option wasn’t even close in terms of glass or build quality. Then in 2023 everything changed—Vortex and Swarovski both released their own high-end compact spotters and suddenly Kowa was outmatched. However, in 2024, Kowa released an updated model.

With three high-end compact spotters hitting the market in the last year, it’s time to evaluate which is the best option for you.

What a time to be alive (unless

you’re a ram, of course).

At a high level, the Kowa TSN55A and the Swarovski ATC are the very best options that money can buy. They differ slightly in brightness, chromatic aberration, edge-to-edge clarity, pincushion distortion, and contrast. But, even if you scrutinize them side by side (as I did), you’ll have a tough time saying the glass in one spotter is definitively better than the other.

They both have massive fields of view and are bright and crisp right down to the last few minutes of light. Furthermore, the build quality is superb on both—they are smooth to adjust, have well-fitting components, and tight seals.

The Vortex Razor HD is also a great spotter, but it’s just a step below the other two options in terms of glass and build quality. It does however have other benefits that make it a great option to consider, which I’ll explore in more detail on the page at right.

Which Compact Spotter Is Right For You?

These are the top compact spotters available on the market and you wouldn’t be disappointed with any of them—there is no bad option here. That said, here is how I would think about picking between them.

If budget is a major concern or you’re likely to need a great warranty (e.g., it will be used by kids or newer hunters), then I would lean towards the Vortex.

If you are looking for the very

best compact spotter that money can buy, then pick the Kowa or the Swaro. Deciding between these two is tricky—their glass and build quality are on par with each other and they are a similar price.

The best way to decide would be to compare them in person to evaluate which feels most comfortable to handle, and which

feels most natural for your eye to look through. If you can’t get your hands on them, here’s how I would decide: if you like a traditional helical focus ring, you want the peace of mind of the rubberized armor, or space in your backpack is at a premium, pick the Swaro. If those aren’t critical factors or you like the sounds of the dual focus

knobs, go with the Kowa.

I personally prefer angled spotters for sheep hunting. Each of the spotters also come in straight models as well if you prefer those.

Regardless of which you choose, you won’t be disappointed adding a 55mm spotter to your pack next season. Happy glassing! WS

Swarovski ATC 17-40x56 - MSRP $2569 - 36.0oz The Swaro ATC is an incredible piece of glass. It will outperform almost any other manufacturer’s 65mm or even 85mm spotters. The zoom and focus rings are silky smooth and speak to the Austrians company’s 75-year history of building the world’s best optics. It has a large and forgiving eye-box and offers the best eye relief out of the three spotters (20mm). The crystal-clear edge-to-edge clarity means that you can see an entire band of rams at once, and your eye just doesn’t seem to get tired looking through it. One very clever feature is that the objective lens cap fits into the attached lens cap when they’re removed, ensuring you don’t forget them on the side of a mountain. And of course, it features Swarovski’s classic rubber armor exterior which helps protect it from falls, trips and bumps—each of which I managed to accomplish on my most recent hunt! Finally, the ATC is very streamlined and slides nicely into a pack.

Kowa TSN-55A PROMINAR 17-40x55 MSRP $2,299 - 35.3oz Like the Swaro, the Kowa features excellent optical and build quality. The Fluorite Crystal that Kowa uses for this spotter means the image is bright, sharp, and provides exceptionally natural colors. The moment you pick up the Kowa 55A you will feel the attention to detail and the craftsmanship. The most unique feature of the Kowa is the dual focus knobs, which let you make big adjustments to bring things into general focus and then use the micro adjustment knob to bring a ram’s horns into perfect focus every time. And as you’d expect, the lens caps on the Kowa are robust and fit snug.

Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 - MSRP $999 - 30.4oz The glass quality in the Vortex is very good! Its not quite on the same level as the Swarovski and Kowa, but practically speaking, the difference is hardly noticeable until you get it in low-light situations. The overall build quality is also good, but with a couple things to note—the zoom and focus rings are not perfectly smooth, so when you’re making adjustments, the image tends to shake a bit. The objective lens cover is also a bit cumbersome, and I found it fell off in my pack quite often. However, the Razor HD is smaller than the other two spotters and weighs just 30.4 ounces, making it nearly 20% lighter. One feature I love is the integrated Arca Plate, which means one less thing to buy and the elimination of a point of instability. Add Vortex’s legendary warranty and the Razor’s lower price, and it’s hard not to love this option for cost-conscious hunters.

Jeremy Bryant is an avid hunter and conservationist from Alberta. When not looking over ridges for the next adventure, Jeremy runs No Story Lost, a company that helps families preserve their own great stories and memories.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 125

SHEEP SHORTS

Photo: Duncan Gilcrest

by Patrick Lewis

W

THE PERFECT HUNT

e have all heard the story of the first-time applicant receiving the coveted sheep tag that the aging hunter has been applying for every year for their entire adult life, never complaining, waiting patiently for their turn. This is a different story.

For the last forty years, the excitement of applying for and the failure of not drawing was an annual rite for Fred King, his son Ray, and friend Patrick Lewis. Three buddies who vowed to make sure they were together once one of them drew “The Tag.” Years ago, we would race to the mailbox to see whether we received a permit or the disappointing refund check, followed by phone calls to each other to lament our poor fortune. More recently, in a society of instant gratification, our excitement and agony has taken the form of an internet search.

On May 12, 2023, it wasn’t an email or phone call, it was a group text with a screenshot. “2023 Sheep License…..Successful.”. Fred had received the one permit for an exclusive area in Montana. WE had just won the lottery, all for one and one for all.

Over his 78 years, Fred King has been the ultimate public 126 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Life long hunting companions Ray King on the left and Pat Lewis on the right were the big help that the “vintage” sheep hunter needed during the hunt.

servant for wildlife and hunting.

He worked for the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks for over 40 years as a Wildlife Area Manager, overseeing southwest Montana’s wildlife Management Areas, 170,000 acres, for the benefit of hunting, fishing and outdoor activities. He was an

integral part of the establishment of the very sheep herd he would be hunting, with transplants from the Missouri Breaks and Sun River herds in 2003 and 2004.

He has been an official measurer for the Boone & Crocket club since 1984, as well as a volunteer hunter education instructor. He

Fred King with his “Last Minute Ram”. Score on this bighorn is 169 5/8. A perfect ending for this hunt.

enjoys three traditions: chopping firewood, cutting a Christmas tree and harvesting wild meat. There’s something primitive and gratifying in the labor of being self-sufficient that’s worth passing on to the next generation, King believes. That third tradition of harvesting wild meat is one he’s been passing on to thousands of people over the past 46 years as a volunteer hunter education instructor. “It allows me to emphasize why I am a hunter to those new students who are coming into the field with a lot of question marks,” King explains.

“And here they stand in front of you, wanting to know anything they can possibly glean from you as a hunter education instructor.

That’s exciting to me.”

Ray and I met in high school,

and formed an immediate bond of brotherhood over hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. This bond was so strong, we served as each other’s best men in our weddings.

Ray is now a hunting and fishing guide, so proficient in his trade that he was recognized by the Montana Outfitters and Guide Association as Montana Guide of the Year in 2022. Unfortunately, his profession was going to limit the time he could spend on “the hunt.” Fred began as a father figure, taking a couple of teenagers hunting at Freezeout and fishing ice-out at Hebgen, which led to a 40-year friendship of men sharing the love of the hunt, and the trials and tribulations of life.

Fred’s news set the wheels in motion. We needed to research the area, the habits of the sheep,

and make contacts. In June, Fred volunteered with chores for a land owner in his hunting area, making a vital contact, “eyes on the ground,” and access to the history of years of sheep activity and habits. The primary advice that was given, was to wait until later in the season when the rams would come out of the high country onto their rutting grounds.

It was a long summer of waiting and anticipation. To pass the time, we shared the stories of legendary sheep hunters and outdoor writers Jack O’Connor and Buck Buckner, poured over pictures of rams, did our research—all fueling “the dream”—the high expectations of a true trophy. The discussion of what type of gun he would use also came up. A true traditionalist, Fred SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 127

would use a Winchester pre-64 model 70 chambered in 300 H&H with a Weaver K6 six-power scope, going against the trend of highpowered optics and new calibers.

Due to the unique nature of this tag with limited recipients, hunters are willing to share information more willingly than typical. During this time, Fred also got a call from the previous year’s tag holder in this area to measure the sheep he harvested. Pictures of this sheep also made the rounds between the three of us, stoking the excitement.

As mid- October rolled around, we couldn’t wait any longer. We started scouting the country to locate our quarry. Due to Fred’s 78 years of living and painful knees, our hunt consisted of driving to high vistas and glassing the surrounding areas until we located some sheep. The first couple of trips showed us the early fall beauty of God’s creation here in Montana, but no sheep.

On October 29th, we received a picture from the landowner of four rams. Business meetings were canceled, social events called off.

Fred and I made plans to hunt the very next day.

The fall of 2023 was abnormally warm. It was an Indian summer that ended up extending until the end of the season. We didn’t realize that this would be the beginning of our Groundhog Day of a hunting season. We reached our high vantage point, settling into comfortable glassing positions, butterflies doing flips in our stomach. In the shadows of a west facing slope, I spotted two groups of sheep, one group of ten ewes and lambs, and another with twenty-six. In the bigger group were three rams, the largest a half curl. We couldn’t find the four from the previous days’ picture, but our optimism was off the charts. Watching these sheep while we were hunting them was a dream come true. But we were missing our 128 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

third comrade who couldn’t be with us due to guiding elk hunters.

We texted him the results of the day, but boy, we all sure wished we were together.

Fred and I continued through the next few weeks only seeing lambs and ewes and updating Ray at the end of each day. We ground out the hunt, ending each outing discouraged, but hopeful that the next day a ram would show up.

The last weekend of the season arrived. We tried to stay optimistic, keeping the feelings of desperation at bay, but there had been no change in the number of sheep and no rams had joined the groups of lambs and ewes. We knew time was running out. Four weeks now. Despite all obstacles, we felt rejuvenated when Ray joined us. We were finally able to hunt together. Even if we couldn’t find a ram, the three of us were going to be able to experience the Last Best Place together.

Saturday was more of the same, sheep but no rams. Ray now felt our frustration, dumbfounded that in the middle of the rut, there were no mature rams. The thought of “eating” the tag weighed heavily on all of us. Fred and I had done everything we could think of. The sheep just hadn’t moved onto their traditional rutting grounds. Even discussions with other hunters didn’t lead to any sheep sightings.

The tag was for “any ram” so the thought of shooting even a young ram began to creep into Fred’s mind. The regulations will not allow a successful applicant to apply for another seven years, so he knew this would likely be his last opportunity to harvest a bighorn sheep in his lifetime.

Fred and I paused at the thought of going out that last day. Ray insisted, knowing that if we stayed home, the chance of success would drop to zero. As we pulled up to the first of our normal spotting locations, there were no sheep in

sight. Our enthusiasm dropped.

We moved to another location when another friend who was in the area pulled up next to us and said he had spotted two ¾ curl rams. O’boy, the adrenaline was flowing now. We were all so excited. In a basin about a mile away, we spotted them. Two rams following a ewe, very preoccupied.

We discussed strategy. These sheep saw many hunters each year pursuing elk and deer but were not accustomed to being hunted.

Should we go right at them or be stealthy? Our decision was made by a low flying airplane that spooked them over the ridge out of sight.

Ray and Fred decided to follow while I set up in a different vantage point. I watched them pursue their quarry. I got sentimental thinking this could be their last mountain hunt together. As they closed the distance, getting into shooting range, I wondered about their strategy and conversation. I also found great contentment knowing this is how it should be. A father and son hunting together, me being fortunate to be a part of it, but from a distance. At the shot, the ram toppled over backwards and was still. The trophy of a lifetime.

I realized many things that day. One of which was that I now understood the meaning of “The perfect hunt.” If Fred had been successful earlier in the season, it would have been special, but this was a storybook ending. The perfect hunt, I realized, is three friends sharing life through a common bond of the outdoors. It’s about the conflicts of jobs limiting our time together, it’s about staying optimistic through discouragement.

It’s about age hampering the ability to climb mountains. Having another experience to relive every time we got together. But most importantly, it’s about being together, and all of us realizing that time is a fragile thing and that there is no guarantee of tomorrow. WS

#631

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 129

HOODIES W I L D S H E E P F O U N D AT I O N

WSF SHEEP SHOP

Sitka → Collaboration Hoodie All proceeds to the Fraser River Project

$80 Mountain Topo Hoodie →

$45

↑ Women’s

Chadwick Ram Cropped Hoodie

$42

← Chadwick Ram Hoodie

$45

PUTTING AND KEEPING WILD SHEEP ON THE MOUNTAIN®

Your purchases not only show your support wild sheep conservation, the proceeds actually help WSF enhance wild sheep populations, promote scientific wildlife management, educate the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting while promoting the interests of the hunter.

Visit the Sheep Store at www.wildsheepfoundation.org or scan →

130 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

We are so excited to welcome you back for the 2026 Sheep Show®!

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 131

SONNY PARKER

2,500+ PHOTOS FROM SHEEP SHOW ON OUR FLICKR PAGE

2025

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2025

‘25 JAN. 16 -18 RENO, NV

SPONSORS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME

WSF SALUTES OUR 2025 CONVENTION SPONSORS WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PATRONIZE THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION

OFFICIAL SHEEP WEEK® SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSOR

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PLATINUM+ SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

SE CHAPTER WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION

Kevin & Tuesdy Small GOLD SPONSORS

O U T F I T T E R S

Jeff & Jann Demaske SILVER SPONSORS

M F SPONSOR

M F SPONSOR

DARIN & TONYA FIEDELDEY

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M F SPONSOR

DENISE SWANSON

M F SPONSOR

RENEE SNIDER

KEVIN & LAURI GILBERT

BRONZE SPONSORS

COPPER SPONSORS Dave & Joanne Turchanski William “Bill” Tittle Mike Opitz James Lines

RAM AWARDS BUCKLES Gary & Penny Young Paul Gann Bobby Theis Mike A. Carpinito Michael J. Carpinito

M F

Sean Keck Sue & Steve Skold Terry Rathert Dyrk Eddie Robert Mullins

Kris Kohlhoff Brett & Maureen Jefferson

CONVENTION APPEALS TAKE 1 PUT 1 BACK

FRIENDS

Take One Put One Back

M F $

$

155,000

37,000

$

$

CALIFORNIA CHAPTER Wild Sheep Foundation

SPONSOR

10,000

5,000

SPONSOR

100,000

Jean & Daniel Smith, Jr. & Cheryl & Daniel Smith, III

25,000

$

$

Mike Opitz Mesara Family Fdn. Kevin & Lauri Gilbert

Steve Raymond Mark Watkins Kevin & Tuesdy Small

Samuel Hays Terry Rathert Robert E. Rose Fdn.

$

1,000

Renée & Gray Thornton

André Van Hiltin Shad Hulse Darla Fiedeldey

Bryan & Barbara Bartlett

LIFE MEMBER BREAKFAST PATRON SPONSORS Kurt Alt John & Jane Babler Paul Baird Max Banwell Mike Borel Wendy & Peter Burchfield Angela Cain (3CS Farms Weddings) Frank Cain (3CS Timber Cutting) Scott Callaghan Julie Chapman Sam & Tracy Cunningham Caleb Curtis Denis Dale Terry Dieren Lisa Dieren

Sandra Fields Cameron Foss Dale & Donna Gaugler Kevin Gilbert Kevin Gilbert Justin Hallock Alan Hayes Jeff Haynie Martin & Jeanne Hendrix Zach Higgins Tom & Denise Hoffman Shad Hulse Bailey & Landrus Hunting Co. Kevin Hurley Larry & Gay Johns

Kevin Kehoe Roger Kenner Dan & Jessica Kluth Jeff Lindgren Robert & Marion Logan Gordon Lyons Josh & Kelcie Martin Roger McCosker Jim McEnroe Larry & Joanne McGovern Zackery Moorman Don & Danette Perrien Drs. Glen & Caroline Pyne Steve Quisenberry Hank Raats

Dustin & Heather Roe Mark Schall Steve & Sue Skold Kip & Sue Slaugh Kevin & Tuesdy Small Jim & Alisia Stager Nicholas Swindle Gray & Renée Thornton William Tittle Matt Tomseth André Van Hilten Bob Wallock Jamie & Janice Wisley

We invite you to become a sponsor of the 2026 Convention in Reno.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information call 406.404.8750 or contact: Gray N. Thornton – gthornton@wildsheepfoundation.org | Keith Balfourd – keith@wildsheepfoundation.org

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PINT HOUR - COMPLIMENTARY BEER RECEPTION

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WEDNESDAY - GRAND OPENING BANQUET

30-year donors, Americana & Zimmerman Wildlife. 25-year donors Gana River Outfitters & Rowdy McBride Hunting Services.

35-year exhibitor, King of the Mountain. 25-year exhibitors, Mexico Hunts and Four Seasons Safari New Zealand.

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Maddie Richards and Keith Balfourd - 5 years of service

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WEDNESDAY - GRAND OPENING BANQUET

Wild Sheep Biologist’s Wall of Fame recipient Bill Jex

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Gordon Eastman Grass Roots Award recipient Sue Steffy

Special Service Award - Recognition of Emeritus Status Kevin Hurley

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TODAY, TOMORROW & FOREVER RECEPTION

Jeff Lidgren, Kevin Rinke, Tonya & Darin Fiedeldey, Gary Romain, and Paul Mattes

June & Jeff Geiger

Jan & Craig Johnson

Kristina Meyers, Stacey Hunt & Paige Culver 142 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Gary & Tamra Sessions

John Harris & Mary Mason

Gray N. Thornton

Kevin Rinke, Paige Culver, Shane Mahoney & Gray N. Thornton

Sebastian Winkler, Kevin Hurley and Tristan Breijer

Gary & Tamra Sessions, Barbara & Bryan Bartlett

Cindy Atcheson, Chipper & Carolyn Dipple, Curt Thompson & Mary Mason

Dusty & Kiersti Felska, Jill & Kris Killorn SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 143

BEER & BUBBLY - COMPLIMENTARY RECEPTION

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THURSDAY - CONSERVATION NIGHT BANQUET

Thursday banquet sponsors SITKA, YETI, Browning, Vortex, Alaska WSF, Kenetrek and South East Chapter

International Statesman Award recipients: Mongolia Wildlife Association and Mongolia Ministry of Environment & Climate Change

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Outstanding Achievement Award - Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation

Jack O’ Connor Writer’s Award recipient Jim Manley

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THURSDAY - CONSERVATION NIGHT BANQUET

148 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Townsend Youth Conservation Award recipient Luke Briant

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HORSE PACKING - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

150 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

World Championship Horse Packing Competition 1st place team SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 151

TOUGH SHEEP WORKOUT

Innagural Tough Sheep Workout put on by MTN TOUGH

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SHEEP SHOW ® SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT

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Second Place: Cullins, Behr, Rhoads, Steen, Peter

First Place: NBU; Chris Cefalu, Clyde Carmack, Dave McClanahan, Kirk Sheely SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 155

LADIES LUNCHEON - “LADY IN RED”

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<1 CLUBS BEER RECEPTION

A life changing moment for Bucky Ihlenfeldt

Longtime <1 supporter Kevin Small & Bucky

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A life changing moment for Marjorie Pope

A life changing moment for Ella Bliss

A toast from John Legnard as is tradition

<1 supporter Jeff Demaske with friends and family

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FRIDAY - LEGACY NIGHT BANQUET

Friday banquet sponsors Alaska Outfitters Unlimited, Bergara, Schnee, Best of the West, Montana WSF, and Wild Sheep Society of BC

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Chair’s Award - Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management

Conklin Award winner - Deron Millman

Lee & Penny Anderson

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FRIDAY - LEGACY NIGHT BANQUET

162 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

State Statesman Award - Idaho State Representative - James Petzke

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BACKPACK RACE & OUTER CIRCLE CLUB

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LIFE MEMBER BREAKFAST

Keynote Speaker - Dania Vizzi US Olympian 166 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Bo Morgan winner of the La Palmosa desert sheep hunt.

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YOUTH WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE

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MARCO POLO & KEEP CLIMBING SOCIETIES RECEPTION

Rick Murphy

Tuesdy Small & Maye Rangel

Mike Borel & Roz Faugier-Borel, Ron Roderick & Billi Carey 170 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Gary Young & Peter Burchfield

Jane Link, Robert Hall, Sam Cunningham, Clint Bentley Lyle Wood, Jim Zeimer, Charles Herron

Peter Burchfield, Gray N. Thornton, Derek Blake & Matt Tomseth

Robert Gerstner

Michael A. Carpinito, Zach Higgins, Michael J. Carpinito

Anna Norris Vorisek & Ken Vorisek

Alden Glidden & Matt Tomseth

Joanne & Kyle Meintzer

Kip & Sue Slaugh

Rick & Linda Murphy, Jerry & Amy Brenner, Doug Sayer, Kevin & Tuesdy Small, Sean Olmstead, Charles Herron, Emilio Espino, Maye Rangel, Jann & Jeff Demaske. (Not Pictured - Shelly Sayer, Janine Rinke, Dennis Dale) $1,000,000 to the endowment fund for MPS member #100 at Sheep Show 2024

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SATURDAY - GRAND FINALE BANQUET

Saturday banquet sponsors Weatherby, Freelance Outdoors, Leica, Silencer Central and Shikar

Winner of the MTN TOUGH Dall’s sheep hunt Lasse Vinding

50,000 check presented to WSF from MTN TOUGH

$

Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter of the Year Lance Kronberger 172 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Artemis Award winner Jessie Young

G.C.F. Dalziel Award winner Jorge Artee

Bernie Fiedeldey “One More for Four” winner Darryl Sword

Chris Klineburger Mountain Hunter Hall of Fame winner Jeff Demaske SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 173

SATURDAY - GRAND FINALE BANQUET

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EXPO HALL & RAFFLES

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EXPO HALL & RAFFLES

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EXPO HALL & RAFFLES

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37th ANNUAL DUNCAN GILCHRIST PHOTO CONTEST PEOPLE’S CHOICE - Abe Blair

2025 DIGITAL PHOTO CONTEST RESULTS LIVE SHEEP (LS)

OPEN (O)

HUNTER IN FIELD (HIF)

HUNTER WITH TROPHY (HWT)

1 ........ Savanna Van Diest 2nd ..... Mitch McPherson 3rd ...... Abe Blair

1 ........ Chris Auch 2nd ..... Glen Connally 3rd ...... Kristy Behnke

1 ........ Ben Beroukoff 2nd ..... Zion Pilgrim 3rd ...... Brock Judson Higgins

1st........ Adam Foss 2nd ..... Andrew Staszcuk 3rd ...... Marcus Hockett

st

st

182 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

st

LS - 1

LS - 2

LS - 3

O -1

O-2

O-3

HIF - 1

HIF - 2

HIF - 3

HWT - 1

HWT - 2

HWT - 3

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RAFFLE & GIVEAWAY WINNERS SHEEP WEEK GENERAL RAFFLE

WEATHERBY WALL OF GUNS Orion 12 Guage Shotgun Jeremy Wise

PATRON PRIZES YETI Hondo Chairs Tom Kauffman

14-Day Alberta Bighorn Sheep Hunt Carter Outfitting LTD Bret Johnson

307 Range XP Rifle 7mm Trevor Varain

Boswell Custom Rifles Certificate Charlene Winkler

307 Range XP Rifle 6.5 Michael Taverner

Mystery Ranch Package Jeff Morton

307 Range XP Rifle 7mm Jeff Veach

Vortex Bantam Binoculars Bill Tittle Mike Borel Larry McGovern Jim Stager

Golden Ticket - $40k YOA Credit Bredon Rosales

12-Day Stone’s Sheep Hunt in BC Spatsizi River Outfitters Jacob Herman 10-Day Sonora Desert Sheep Hunt Sierra El Alamo Michael Cole 7-Day Late Season AK Mtn. Goat Hunt Ultima Thule Outfitters Brian Solan 10-Day AK Brown Bear Hunt Alaska Hunting Expeditions LLC Kelly King 5-Day Alaskan Caribou Hunt Alaska Hunting Expeditions LLC Alan Brock 10-Day Cape Buffalo Hunt with Craig Boddington Zambeze Delta Safaris/Craig Boddington Jim Billingsley 10-Day Alaskan Moose/Brown Bear Alaska Outfitters Unlimited Full Curl Outdoors Sam McVay 5-Day Texas Aoudad Hunt Rowdy McBride Hunting Services Sam McVay 8-Day Spring Muskox Hunt Canada North Outfitting Steven Osminski Ultimate Florida Alligator Hunt Bienvenue Outdoors David Colclough Louis Vuitton Bag/Walther P22 22LR Pistol/Sitka Gear Mitchell Miller Boswell’s Custom Rifle Custom Caliber Boswell’s Custom Rifles Rob Kopecky 3-Day New Mexico Pronghorn Hunt (Women Hunt Package) Frontier Outfitting David Zyta 184 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

307 Alpine Rifle 300 PRC Sara Stayer 307 Alpine Rifle 300 Victor Smith 307 Adventure Rifle 6.5 x 300 Cody Shoman 307 Adventure Rifle 300 David Lynn Orion Matte Shotgun 20 Gauge Steve Gingras Orion SxS Shotgun 410 Gauge Danielle Wilkerson

RAM AWARDS

Steyr Classic Mannlicher Rifle with Zeiss Scope + Case of Fiocchi ammo Blake Preeshl Montana Knife Company Culinary Set Roger Kenner Floor Credit 2,500 each Bryan Tulare Adam Urban $

SHEEP SHOW REGISTRATION BIGHORN HUNT Baldy Mountain Outfitters Danny Sanders

50/50

Jon-Paul Dafonte

LIFE MEMBER BREAKFAST

La Palmosa Sheep Hunt & Wildlife Gallery Custom Pedestal Mount Bo Morgan

Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Scott Callaghan Alan Hayes Vortex Crossfire Spotting Scope Hank Raats Weatherby VGD Outfitter 7MM Martin Hendrix Weatherby VGD Outfitter 243WIN Lisa Dieren Weatherby VGD Badlands 6.5PRC Larry Johns Weatherby VGD Badlands 300WIN Justin Hallock Stone Glacier Pack Dan Kluth 2026 Sheep Show Couples Registration Jeff Lindgren Custom Horn Cradle Jeff Haynie Bob Wallock Mathews LIFT Kevin Hurley DOOR PRIZE Winchester Shotgun Kathy Hill Snowy Mountain Rifle Raffle Jodie Donofrio Hat Raffle - $2,500 Floor Credits KUIU - Hoyt Kramer SITKA - Rick Murphy Kryptek - Monty Brown Stone Glacier - Jeff McMinn Barney’s - Laureen Nakamoto

RAFFLE & GIVEAWAY WINNERS

BERNIE FIEDELDEY ONE MORE FOR FOUR DRAWING Darryl Sword

MEMBERSHIP BOOTH

<1 CLUB BUCKET RAFFLES

<1 CLUBS HUNT WINNERS

SITKA Gear Duffel & Gear System Tim Gavey

Balkan chamois Safari International Macedonia Marjorie Pope

SITKA Gear Sleeping Bag Austin Raun

Stone Glacier Sky Archer Pack Alan Piombo

Weatherby MKV Guide Rifle New & Upgrading Members Courtney Hedgecock

onX Lifetime Elite Membership Miranda Smith

THURSDAY FLOOR CREDITS 1,000 $

Mateo Moralesa Bob Sherer Den Conley David Downey Anne Kulp

Friday Floor Credits $2,500

YETI Tundra Haul Jeremy Alderman Mystery Ranch Package Mike Hill Schnee Boot Certificate Justin B

Alyssa Loubet Garret Munson

Weatherby MKV Guide Rifle Sarah Schwandt

Saturday Floor Credit $5,000

MKC Blackfoot Knife Andrew MacKay

Roger Kenner

Kenetrek Mountain Boot Certificate Vanessa Falk Lindner

LADIES LUNCHEON Weatherby Badlands 223 Rem

Fiocchi Case of Ammo Rafael Cruz

Weatherby Orion SxS 28 Gauge

Sheridan Buckle Co. Custom Saddle James Hamilton

Jackyln Wallace Rhonda Gully

$25K Auction/Floor Credit Allyn Ladd

Mouflon - Herederos Hunting Christopher Loomis

Pyrenean chamois The Iberian Hunting Experience Darren Boudreaux Desert Sheep - Sierra el Alamo Eric Hopkins Dall’s Sheep - Northcurl Outfitters Bucky Ihlenfeldt Dall’s Sheep - Raven’s Throat Ella Bliss

WSF ENDOWMENT PACKAGE Christopher Collier

WOMEN HUNT

Weatherby Guide RM 6.5 x 300 Rebecca Jones Weatherby Orion SxS 28 Gauge Caitlynn Slocum Walther P22 CA Pistol 22LR Michelle Cavigilia

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WSF’s 2025 Ram Awards Luncheon a Success!

2025 RAM AWARD SPONSORS

TITLE SPONSOR & SCORING PARTNER

OUTFITTER SPONSORS

SCORING PARTNERS

PROGRAM SPONSORS

2025 RAM AWARD RAFFLE SPONSORS

1 0 0 % F U L LY D O N AT E D

2025 BELT BUCKLE & OUTFITTER PLAQUE SPONSORS

JON PYNCH – BIGHORN SHEEP

Mike A. Carpinito | Michael J. Carpinito | Dyrk Eddie | Paul Gann | Sean Keck | James Lines | Robert Mullins | Mike Opitz | Terry Rathert | Sue & Steve Skold | Bobby Theis | William “Bill” Tittle | Dave & Joanne Turchanski | Gary & Penny Young

Scan to download the complete 2025 Ram Awards Photo Book ↓

186 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

The anticipation of seeing some of the biggest wild sheep and goats in the world cumulated with the ever-popular Wild Sheep Foundation Ram Awards Luncheon on Thursday during the 2025 Sheep Show®.

On behalf of the Ram Awards Committee and the entire WSF Staff, I would like to thank everyone who attended the 2025 WSF Ram Awards Luncheon. The awards, started in 1978 are truly an “everyman’s” event with winners coming from all walks of life.

Celebrating outstanding trophies from around the world including international sheep and goats in the Mountain Monarchs categories, the Four North American Wild Sheep (F.N.A.W.S.)— presented to members who have achieved the pinnacle of sheep hunting success by taking Dall’s, Stone’s, desert and bighorn sheep, plus five categories of North American rams. New this year we have moved the Rocky Mountain goats to our North American Awards.

Many of the animals in this year’s awards symbolize the opportunities created by wild sheep management and restoration projects funded by your efforts.

We are thrilled to share with you Award winners from our bestever International Mountain Monarchs and North American Ram Awards, as well as our FNAWS recipients! For the full listing, scan the QR code on the opposite page to download the 2025 Ram Awards Photo Book.

NORTH AMERICAN

RAM AWARDS

Award Presentation by Charles Hartford OFFICIAL SCORING PARTNERS

MINIMUM SCORES CATEGORY RIFLE

ARCHERY

Rocky Mtn. Goat 47

40

Dall’s

160

120

Stone’s

160

120

Bighorn

175

140

Desert

165

120

California*

165

140

California bighorn sheep are not recognized by either B&C or P&Y, therefore the minimum scores are established by the Awards Committee.

Tony Caligiuri — R A M AWA R D S C O MMI T T E E CHA IRMA N

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT ARCHERY

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT RIFLE

G O L D AWA R D ARCHERY

G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

FRANK NOSKA IV

B&C Score: 53 2/8 Alaska 2022

JOSEPH WIGGS

P&Y Score: 48 6/8 Alaska 2024

Primo Expeditions Marvin McCloud

DIY – Self Guided

S I LV E R A W A R D ARCHERY

CAMERON MICHELL

P&Y Score: 48 4/8 British Columbia 2023 Beaverfoot Outfitting

Chad Valente B R O N Z E AWA R D ARCHERY

CRAIG VAN ARSDALE

S I LV E R A W A R D R I F L E

DIY – Self Guided

BC and Beyond Outdoor Adventures Darren Bell and Marty Loring

P&Y Score: 40 6/8 Alaska 2023

BRYCE BAKER

B&C Score: 47 British Columbia 2022

“We had until late afternoon to connect with a billy, or the weather would indefinitely force us off the mountain. As the clouds crept up the mountain drainages, the sun fell behind the highest peaks, and I prayed the shadows would reach the goats before the clouds did.

A large mature billy emerged from the trees, offering a 300-yard shot. I took careful aim and the beautiful billy was mine.”

– Joseph Wiggs

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DALL’S SHEEP ARCHERY

DALL’S SHEEP RIFLE GOLD AWARD ARCHERY

G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

DAN EVENSON

DALE MADSEN

P&Y Score: 152 6/8 Yukon Territories 2023

B&C Score: 164 7/8 Alaska 2024

Ceasar Lake Outfitters Tyler Kilik and Braden Gedson

S I LV E R A W A R D ARCHERY

CRAIG VAN ARSDALE

P&Y Score: 141 4/8 Alaska 2023 DIY – Self Guided

“All we could do was watch and wait for the rams feeding in the middle of no-man’s land, hoping they would move to a better position. They were in no hurry to go anywhere, and we had all day. A strong storm swept across the valley. We used Mother Nature’s blessing as cover and ran for it. We were positioned just 54 yards from the rams when the storm passed.

When the ram stood, the arrow was sent.”

– Dan Evenson

STONE’S SHEEP ARCHERY

Alaska Trophy Adventures Dan Montgomery Hank Frank, Mike Gray S I LV E R A W A R D R I F L E

CHARLES KAHAHAWAI

B&C Score: 161 5/8 Alaska 2024 DIY – Self Guided

“I took two military Airmen assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf for their first-ever sheep hunting experience. We spotted the ram on opening day and found him almost a mile away the next morning.

Through our perseverance, we closed the distance after many hours of walking and climbing. It was a textbook hunt, in which the biggest takeaway was the experience the two young Airmen that accompanied me got to see, and to this day, they tell me they are ready to go again.”

– Charles Kahahawai

STONE’S SHEEP RIFLE G O L D AWA R D ARCHERY

G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

JONAH STEWART

B&C Score: 168 6/8 British Columbia 2023

GAGE KISELBACH

P&Y Score: 140 6/8 British Columbia 2022

Terminus Mountain Outfitters Craig Kiselbach

Stone and Folding Mountain Outfitters Hamish Armstrong

CALIFORNIA BIGHORN RIFLE

S I LV E R A W A R D R I F L E G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

LOUIS BRELAND B&C Score: 182 1/8 Washington 2023

Bailey & Landrus Hunting Co. Bryan Bailey, Glen Landrus, Hank Flatow, Derek, Garrett Grant, Andy Kelso

JESSE SIMONSON B&C Score: 168 5/8 British Columbia 2023

B R O N Z E AWA R D R I F L E

LEO GOSS

B&C Score: 163 5/8 British Columbia 2024 Gundahoo River Outfitters Scott Erickson

EXCELLENCE, DEDICATION, AND COMMITMENT DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED.

“In late July 2023, my friend and I made the long journey from Hawaii to the Northern Rockies of British Columbia. We hunted separately, and over the course of my 11 days in the field, I was extremely fortunate to harvest this amazing Stone’s ram, the first legal ram we saw, all alone in the basin.

Everything played out perfectly, with my partner tagging out on day 8 and finishing out my hunt with me.

This was truly a Cloud 9 experience on all levels!”

– Jesse Simonson

The Wild Sheep Foundation gives various recognition awards annually. Due to the tremendous participation we receive from our members, the prestige and popularity of these awards continue to grow each year. Be sure to keep your accomplishments afield up to date in your member account! We monitor your Hunt Report submissions for potential awards and track your One More for Four eligibility and FNAWS as well. Scan the QR code for more information including the most up-to-date awards criteria and direct access to the on-line Hunt Report form.

188 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

DESERT SHEEP ARCHERY

DESERT SHEEP RIFLE G O L D AWA R D ARCHERY

G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

TERENCE MASON

B&C Score: 186 4/8 Sonora 2024

JAY WEBSTER

P&Y Score: 172 Nevada 2023

Wade Lemon Sonora Hunts Tyler Mott

Borrego Outfitters Victor and Mikele Trujillo

S I LV E R A W A R D R I F L E

S I LV E R A W A R D ARCHERY

SHELLY SAYER

B&C Score: 185 2/8 Arizona 2023

RAY PASTWAY

P&Y Score: 169 3/8 Chihuahua 2023

Arizona Desert Outfitters

Rancho La Guarida Nayo Balderrama Jr.

B R O N Z E AWA R D RIFLE

LEO GOSS

B R O N Z E AWA R D ARCHERY

B&C Score: 183 2/8 Coahuila 2023

JONAH STEWART

La Palmosa Ranch

P&Y Score: 167 3/8 Sonora 2022 Martin Leon

BIGHORN SHEEP ARCHERY G O L D AWA R D ARCHERY

RAM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

JON PYNCH

– ARCHERY –

P&Y Score: 201 1/8 Oregon 2024

BIGHORN SHEEP RIFLE G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

RAM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

LINDSEY STROUD B&C Score: 195 6/8 British Columbia 2023

– RIFLE –

DIY — Self Guided

Sheep Mountain Outfitters Cal Halladay

S I LV E R A W A R D R I F L E

“MAC” SHELLEY PLYMALE JR.

S I LV E R A W A R D ARCHERY

B&C Score: 190 4/8 Montana 2023

JUSTIN KAMPS P&Y Score: 183 Montana 2023

Montana Outfitting Rocky Preeshl

Dog Creek Matt Wickens

B R O N Z E AWA R D RIFLE

B R O N Z E AWA R D ARCHERY

JAY WEBSTER

AARON LOUKS

B&C Score: 184 6/8 Nebraska 2023

P&Y Score: 182 1/8 Colorado 2023

Bailey & Landrus Hunting Co. Brian Bailey, Glen Landrus, Hank Flatow, and Wayne Clouse

DIY — Self Guided

YOUTH AWARDS

RAM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – YOUTH –

D A L L’ S S H E E P R I F L E

D A L L’ S S H E E P R I F L E

FA N N I N S H E E P R I F L E

DESERT SHEEP RIFLE

STONE’S SHEEP RIFLE

MILES STEWART

CODY MAURER

DEAGAN SOLAN

PARKER CHRISTENSEN

GAGE KISELBACH

Alaska 2024

Alaska 2023

Yukon Territories 2024

British Columbia 2023

New Mexico 2023

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INTERNATIONAL

MOUNTAIN MONARCHS Award Presentation by Dave Turchanski

ARGALI G O B I A R G A L I | G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

TIM PASK

OFFICIAL SCORING PARTNER

SCI Score: 230 2/8 | Mongolia 2022 WildHunting in Turkey & Asia Kursat Ekenler

“It’s never lost on me the amount of work and dedication that the outfitters and guides put into their areas in order to provide opportunities for hunters from around the World. Kursat and Temir Ekenler of Wild Hunting Outfitters have always put together world-class hunts throughout Asia and Europe for me and my hunting partners. This trip for Gobi Argali’s in Mongolia was truly an unbelievable experience and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to hunt such a magnificent animal. It’s a true testament to their dedication to conservation that allows these great ram to get old and reach their full potential.” – Tim Pask

NEW ZEALAND TAHR

CHAMOIS G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

ALPINE CHAMOIS G O L D AWA R D ARCHERY

REX BAKER

SCI Score: 45 2/8 New Zealand 2024

BEN SALLERAS SCI Score: 17 4/8 France 2023

Rangitata Hunting Steve Brown

S I LV E R A W A R D R I F L E

GREG SAWCHUCK SCI Score: 43 6/8 New Zealand 2023 Monarch Pursuits Luke Romano

BARBARY SHEEP

NEW ZEALAND CHAMOIS B R O N Z E AWA R D R I F L E

GREG SAWCHUCK SCI Score: 23 1/8 New Zealand 2023 Monarch Pursuits Luke Romano

“For many years I dreamed of bowhunting chamois in France. In 2023 I had hosted my good friend Errol Benstead in Australia for a hunt and later in the year he returned the favor with a hunt in his homeland for chamois.

Less than ideal weather made locating animals difficult. We covered plenty of miles hiking trails through the mountains.

On the fourth day I eventually found a shot opportunity and took it!

– Ben Salleras

AOUDAD G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

MIKE BOREL

SCI Score: 131 1/8 Morocco 2024

Point Blank Hunts Renaud Desgrées du Loû

“The afternoon plan was to climb to the high pass, cross over and hunt. Renaud thought we did 10 km, but I’m convinced it was more! My iPhone reported 14,401 steps.

We spotted 6 rams, including 3 very good ones.” – Mike Borel

190 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Errol Benstead

“I finished my first FNAWS in 1978. I have been blessed to collect 88 wild sheep, however I am 83 and most of my sheep hunting is behind me. I hunted with Steve Brown of Rangitata Hunting. My first tahr was in 1996 and it was a tough snow hunt and I took the trophy on the fourth day, no helicopter. I told Steve I needed an old man’s hunt but no helicopter. He came through and we lucked into this 11-year-old billie.” – Rex Baker

G O L D AWA R D ARCHERY

JIM BOYER

SCI Score: 150 3/8 Texas 2023 Rowdy McBride Hunting Services Rowdy McBride

MARKHOR BUKHARAN MARKHOR G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE INTERNATIONAL – RIFLE –

WILLIAM “BILL” SHIELDS

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE INTERNATIONAL – ARCHERY –

SCI Score: 131 4/8 Tajikistan 2023 Tucannon Outfitters Craig Martin

TUR

MID-CAUCASIAN T UR GOLD AWA RD ARC HE RY

PEDRO DE AMPUERO

SCI Score: 143 3/8 Russia 2023 Club Ibex Alexey Podtyazhkin

WILD GOAT RIFLE

“It was very warm so animals were extremely high in the mountains.

We didn’t have horses and camp was at the bottom, so we had a lot of elevation gain to reach to the tur level. We connected in the afternoon with this old 14-year-old billy, which was the first Mid-Caucasian tur harvested with archery equipment in modern times. One arrow and billy dropped.”

— Pedro de Ampuero

WILD GOAT ARCHERY BALEARIAN BOC G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

BEZOAR G O L D AWA R D A R C H E RY

JEFF MORTON

THAREN SOROKA

Iber Hunting Spain |Antonio Teruel

Nature Explorer Iman Najmeddin

SCI Score: 75 2/8 Spain 2024

SCI Score: 86 3/8 Iran 2024

“After locating several good rams, Antonio insisted we could find a larger ram. We continued to move and glass until we spotted this one. It took about 45 minutes to get in position to make the shot.

I had no idea he would end up being so high in the record book and have only Antonio’s to thank for my success.”

– Jeff Morton

IBEX RIFLE

The first few days we had to work the bugs out as a typical Asian country has a lot of helpers and they like to do drives, which is not good for bowhunting.

Once we got this figured out, I did a final stalk myself on day four and shot this bezoar at 18 yards.” – Tharen Soroka

IBEX ARCHERY H I M A L AYA N I B E X G O L D AWA R D R I F L E

JASON SOULLIERE

BECEITE IBEX S I LV E R A W A R D R I F L E

GREG SAWCHUCK SCI Score: 80 3/8 Spain 2022

Great European Hunts Felipe Matossian

BECEITE IBEX G O L D AWA R D ARCHERY

DENISE HOFFMAN

SCI Score: 109 1/8 Pakistan 2023

SCI Score: 78 2/8 Spain 2022

Inferno Outdoors Mohammad Shifa

SMC Spain Hunting Ibex Joan Catala

“This hunt was a very dangerous hunt for me as I had a coal burning stove back up on me and almost kill me from asphyxiation. After two days of recovery, I made it to the top of the glacier and shot the ibex at 630 meters. I still am suffering the effects of the lack of oxygen and have trouble with my eyes a year later!”

– Jason Soulliere

“When we spotted the ibex it was tucked behind a rock wall feeding. Only his head was visible when he lifted it between bites.

We waited patiently and eventually he worked away from the wall just enough to expose his vitals. Since we were above him, I had to drop the arrow between the rock and him.

Fortunately, the arrow hit its mark and our patience was rewarded with a beautiful animal.”

— Denise Hoffman

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 191

2025 Ram Awards Luncheon

192 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 193

F.N.A.W.S.

Four North American Wild Sheep The F.N.A.W.S. recognizes those members who have harvested the four North American Wild Sheep. Completion of a F.N.A.W.S. is one of the most sought after accomplishments for North American sheep hunters and a F.N.A.W.S. is highly respected throughout the hunting community.

The four North American sheep are: 1. Dall’s Sheep 2. Stone’s Sheep (or Fannin) 3. Rocky Mountain Bighorn (or California Bighorn) 4. Desert Bighorn To qualify for a F.N.A.W.S. a member must have legally and ethically harvested all four sheep in a free range environment. Each sheep harvested must be recorded with WSF using the Hunt Report Form and submitted with a field photograph.

Jason Anderson FNAWS | Rifle

Second FNAWS | Rifle

Keith Atcheson

Clint Baker

John Bottomley

Albert (Pete) Burchfield

Charlotte Catlin

Clinton Davis

Wayne Deason

Second FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

194 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

Michael Braegelmann FNAWS | Rifle

Jeff Demaske

Eleventh FNAWS | Rifle

Madie Demaske Third FNAWS | Rifle

Mark Fear

Madie Demaske

Madie Demaske

Toby Deputy

Dan Evenson

Chad Hall

Jared Hemmert

John Justus

Andy Kelso

Dion Luke

Dale Madsen

Paul Mattes

Fourth FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

Wayne Lennington

Mitchel Lopez

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

Fifth FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Bow

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 195

Timothy Pask

Ray Pastway

Jeffrey Perez

Todd Peterson

Ryan Powell

Jon Pynch

Gordon Rudebusch

David Schrader

Joe Schumacher

Justin Shaffer

Mike Snider

Jonah Stewart

Robert Theis

Evan Thompson

Second FNAWS

FNAWS

Mike Snider FNAWS | Rifle

Second FNAWS

FNAWS | Rifle

Second FNAWS | Rifle

196 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Bow

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

Fourth FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS | Rifle

FNAWS

FNAWS | Rifle

Francis Tuma FNAWS | Rifle

Anna Norris Vorisek Second FNAWS | Bow

Jay Webster

Second FNAWS | Rifle

Sean Whipple FNAWS | Rifle

Boyd Wilson FNAWS | Rifle

WSF HUNT REPORTS Be sure to submit your Hunt Reports on the WSF website to be eligible for your FNAWS.

Brian Winot FNAWS | Rifle

Glen Anthony Wyatt Third FNAWS | Rifle

Not quite there yet? We’ll keep track of your submissions and make sure you’re entered in the One More For Four drawing once you have three of the four qualifying categories.

SCAN FOR DETAILS ON SUBMITTING YOUR HUNT REPORT.

wildsheepfoundation.org/awards

WSF Chairman of the Board Glen Landrus greets FNAWS recipients on stage during the 2025 Ram Awards Luncheon, pictured here with Dan Evenson receiving his first FNAWS.

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 197

RPS Bancard LLC is the preferred merchant services provider for the Wild Sheep Foundation, and proud participating partner of the WSF WE GIVE Program.

RPS provides Retail and E-Commerce businesses with ultracompetitive rates for credit/debit card processing.

RPS will help minimize your company’s merchant services fees while maximizing your support of WSF, as RPS donates a percentage of your processing fees to the WSF Conservation Revolving Fund.

Join RPS in supporting the WSF WE GIVE Program, and support our shared passion for “Putting and Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain®”.

PAYMENT INNOVATIONS FOR A CHANGING WORLD.

For more information or to receive a no obligation rate review please call: RPS BANCARD LLC JUSTIN WISE | WSF SUMMIT LIFE MEMBER Office: 541.326.8984 • Justin@rpsbancard.com www.rpsbancard.com

198 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 199

ADVENTURE PROFILES

Richard Stock

SPECIES: Desert Bighorn OUTFITTER: La Guarida Ranch GUIDE: David Robles LOCATION: Mexico I rode horseback in beautiful weather and I was accompanied by my wife and son who joined me for their first sheep hunt. We were selective on our hunt, and on the second day found a suitable ram in the afternoon. The horses did wonderful getting us into range where I made a shot that took the ram down.

I will always remember the wonderful hospitality and friendliness of the host family and the wonderful guides. It was a privilege to share the completion of my FNAWS with my wife and son. WS

200 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Zach Higgins

SPECIES: Stone’s Sheep OUTFITTER: Stone & Folding Mountain Outfitters GUIDE: Clayton Steffey LOCATION: British Columbia This was my first time to Canada and I didn’t know what to expect other than what I had seen in videos. I was on a backpack hunt and we were able to cover some of the most beautiful country I have been fortunate enough to set foot in. We had seen a ton of lambs and ewes, and several young rams, but nothing legal through day five of the hunt. On day six, after a long climb, our wrangler Eli spotted my ram 500 yards below us. After Clayton and Eli determined he was legal we moved into position to get a shot at the ram. I took my longest shot on an animal to date at 470 yards and successfully harvested my Stone’s sheep. WS

John Goggins

SPECIES: Rocky Mountain Bighorn OUTFITTER: Dog Creek Outfitters GUIDE: Matt Wickens LOCATION: Montana I had a five-day hunt scheduled with Dog Creek Outfitters. We hunted hard for five days walking 5.5 to 9 miles per day in extremely steep, rugged country, but didn’t see any shooter rams. In fact, we didn’t see many rams at all as it was 85-90 degrees each day. I went home feeling sad and exhausted as it took me over 40 years to draw this tag. Matt had three more sheep hunters scheduled after I left. Of course, it rained the day after I left and cooled down and Matt was able to get those three hunters exceptional rams. I pretty much thought all the big ones were gone and started to hit the panic button. But then I got the call from Matt to come back. I immediately jumped in my truck and took off. We were able to see a big ram that night, but ran out of daylight.

Once again, I was extremely nervous as we had seen sheep before right at dark, but by early the next morning they had gone back into hiding. I paced the hunting lodge all night praying the ram would still be in the area we left him. Sure enough he was! I have never felt so much relief and gratitude in my whole life, as I truly was worried I might “eat” a once-in-a-lifetime tag. WS

Matt Dent

Mark Campbell

I was fortunate to take this old ram on opening day in an archery- only unit. I watched this bruiser of a ram for close to three months, keeping close tabs on his habits. I scouted as much as I could with my wife and two children who nicknamed him “Bones”.

On December 1, opening day for this unit, I knew which path Bones would take to get water from the river. I glassed with a couple of close friends that accompanied me on my adventure and within minutes we had him spotted. I climbed up to just above the ram’s location and worked to within 20 yards of him when he came into view from behind a boulder. I drew back and released my arrow just as he presented a perfect opportunity at his vitals.

The challenge of taking a ram with a bow, and the outcome made this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I will never forget. I am thankful for my close friends and family that helped me throughout the whole process. WS

It took me 20 years to draw this bighorn tag! It was just me and my two sons on a do-it-yourself hunt in Colorado’s Unit S01. I was able to harvest my ram on the second to last day of the season. The picture says it all, what a great experience. WS

Species: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Outfitter: Self-Guided, Archery Location: Colorado

Pete Spear

SPECIES: Alborz Red Sheep and Armenian Mouflon OUTFITTER: Rowdy McBride Hunting Services GUIDE: Rowdy McBride LOCATION: Texas This was a special hunt with longtime friend and fellow FNWAS holder, Victor Engel. It was great sharing a sheep camp with him after many years.

We both labored long and hard to take red sheep. I got mine on the last afternoon of the hunt, at close range and with a running target.

The following day I harvested an Armenian mouflon. I had thought of this hunt as an “old man’s hunt” prior to my arrival. Turns out, it wasn’t easy at all! There is steep, mountainous terrain—and this is where the rams live. They are a little unusual in that they move about quite a bit. It is a comfortable hunt unless the wind and rain are horizontal! WS Photo: Tim Shinabarger

SPECIES: Rocky Mountain Bighorn GUIDE: Self-Guided LOCATION: Colorado

SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 201

Dave Beeler

William “Bill” Brine

Joel Faestel

My 2024 Dall’s sheep adventure took place in Alaska’s famed Brooks Range. I hunted hard and didn’t see our first legal ram for 11 days. We were able to get within 400 yards but had to call it a day. We decided to sleep on the mountainside that night. I was able to slide within 32 yards the next morning and got an arrow in! WS

My hunt in Nevada’s Unit 068 lasted 17 days. Most of those I was hunting solo and three days were with Currant Creek Outfitters and guide Prio Laughlin. It was one of the top five experiences of my life behind marriage, kids, and my military service.WS

I saw more sheep in a day and a half than I have ever seen in a single day in my life—and I live in Colorado and have done sheep counts for years!

Meade is the man of Wyoming sheep guides and outfitters. Just wish my hunt was longer to spend more time in the mountains with him, Roc, and Ward, plus all those sheep! WS

SPECIES: Dall’s Sheep OUTFITTER: Jonah’s Alaskan Outfitters GUIDE: Trevor Hoerner LOCATION: Alaska

SPECIES: California Bighorn OUTFITTER: Currant Creek Outfitters GUIDE: Prio Laughlin LOCATION: Nevada

SPECIES: Rocky Mountain Bighorn OUTFITTER: 7D Outfitting GUIDE: Meade Dominick LOCATION: Wyoming

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he one thing that is certain (outside of death and taxes) is that nothing in life is static. It is ever changing. The Wild Sheep Foundation witnessed the winds of change along with the rest of the world this spring. We have done our fair share of bemoaning while remaining cautiously optimistic.

While we know that things will eventually normalize, we have always been aware that the change 2020 brought us has no foreseeable end. Thanks to sound leadership and our staff’s willingness to pivot quickly, we have been able to adjust our sails.

As soon as the world “shut down,” each staffer at the Wild Sheep Foundation was commissioned with the task of rethinking and retooling efforts within our respective departments to ensure that we will continue being a leader in the world of conservation. As one example, we launched a pilot run on a new fundraising platform called Classy.

It is a digital platform that allows for crowdfunding, peer-to-peer II fundraising, team fundraising, and virtual events. We wereIIexcited to add this new tool to our IIarsenal and we are even more thrilled in the incredible success we saw from the outset. On October 22, we released a campaign to help PROUD SPONSOR fund two bighorn reintroduction

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challenging and revered animals in the mountains— YUK sheep. It’s not just about the hunt; it’s about the wild O un Outfittin m g L idnightsunoutfiN tting.co tthe journey, the fasuffering, the reward, and the respect m ceboo .com/L athe zyJBarO for both the animal kand land. minox. com Growing up hunting, I always dreamed of going mystery ranch.c om kenetre There’s nothing easy about it— on a sheep hunt. k .com sitkagea r.com it can be one of the most grueling yet rewarding arOftwoutfitters.com B yJ az YUKON /L om ok .c bo ce fa experiences a hunter can have.

Last year, I had the noutfitting.com chance to go on my first sheep hunt and watch my dad harvest a beautiful desert ram. I was hooked.

Just being there with him, witnessing the s.com fitterchallenge, ar.com ftwout ge ka sit the effort,keand the reward, was something I never m netrek .co com ysteryranch. thought I’d experience. And I would have been content with that moment alone.

Little did I know, I’d be lucky enough to repeat that experience the very next year—only this time, it would be my turn. My brother was able to join us, making it even more special. On day five of the hunt, my dad spotted a group of rams along the rimrock of a canyon. After carefully picking out the oldest one, we got into position. My heart pounded as I settled in, focused, and made it happen on a beautiful ram. WS Way to make it happen Augustine! You are Kicked Out! Please su our gene pport ro sponsors us

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2025 GUIDE & OUTFITTER APPRECIATION SPECIAL SECTION

Thanks to everyone at Midnight Sun for a great hunt!

— Tony Caligiuri

Thank You Logan, Jayne, & Midnight Sun for the gorgeous velvet moose!

— Mike Evans

Thank you Logan for guiding me to one of the biggest all time Yukon bulls ever, September 2024!

— Tom Teague

Thanks Mack, Emma and entire crew FROM MIDNIGHT SUN for the great ram!

— Wade Lynton

206 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

2025 GUIDE & OUTFITTER APPRECIATION ADVERTISEMENT

I’d like to say Thank You to Logan, Jessie & Alan Young, and all the passionate crew at Midnight Sun, Ltd! Behind every happy hunter there is a great outfitter!

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SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 209

LAST SHEEP CAMP

Jim Babala

James (Jim) Babala was born on May 31, 1925, in Edmonton, Alberta and at the ripe age of 99, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Jim started his work life at the coal mines at Luscar, Alberta. In 1946 he left mining to start a guide/ outfitting business with his brother Bill. In 1949 he ventured out on his own, outfitting from the Brazeau wilderness all the way to the Smoky River until 1972. He and his wife Pam then moved to the Yukon where he guided and outfitted until 1980. Jim was highly successful doing what he loved to do during those 34 years in the business, through hard work and determination. He was a highly sought after guide/ outfitter that was always booked several years in advance. Although he hunted multiple species, his favorite big game animals were mountain sheep, particularly the Rocky Mountain bighorn. After retirement, he hunted whitetail and mule deer in Alberta and fished for salmon and halibut out of Haines, Alaska. He will be greatly missed by family and friends and his voice will echo forever in the mountains of Alberta and the Yukon. WS 210 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Michael Braegelmann

Michael Braegelmann died on August 2, 2024, of multiple cancers, with his wife Zona Pinto and family by his side. Michael was born in Melrose, Minnesota to C.M. (Mike) and Ruth Braegelmann.

Richard Lewallen

Richard was born in Billings, Montana on February 27, 1953 and passed away at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, with his wife, son and hunting dog at his side. He was a lifelong member of the Billings community.

He graduated with honors from West High in 1971 and continued his education at Northwestern University in their Honor’s Program for Medical Education. Upon graduating in 1977, Richard traveled to Nepal to intern at one of the most

He was a graduate of Melrose High School and of Alexandria College with a degree in accounting.

He also earned an associate’s degree in banking at Pima Community College.

After graduation from college, Michael served in the U.S. Army 1970-73 as a Chinese Linguist/ Intelligence Analyst in the 7th PYSOPS GRP, 15th Psychological Warfare Detachment in Okinawa, Japan. Michael moved to Tucson when he was discharged from the Army in 1973 and began his career with State Farm Insurance as a claims adjuster. Three years later he opened his own State Farm Agency.

Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, trap shooting and traveling around the world. Golfing was always fun but challenging. Much to his surprise he did have a hole-inone at the golf course at Torreon.

Michael belonged to many hunting and fishing organizations.

Safari Club International was his favorite. He served on their board for many years and was president of the Arizona Chapter for two years.

He was honored as Member of the Year in 1994. He was a life member of the WSF, NRA, SCI, Boone & Crockett Club, and the Amateur Trap Shooting Association. He served on the board of the Tucson Trap & Skeet Club for 30 years, 27 years as a treasurer.

Michael and Zona, along with his Dad and brothers, built a remote cabin on West Twin Lake in Alaska.

They spent many enjoyable days out in the wilderness of Alaska.

Michael enjoyed good wines, good friends, and the memory of a good cigar. He lived a full and admirable life and loved his country. WS

isolated mission hospitals in the world. The last forty miles to reach the hospital had to be done on foot.

After his time in Nepal, Richard began his internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

This was followed by a Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship at the University of Manitoba Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, Canada.

Richard returned to Billings in 1983 and joined Orthopedic Associates which later became Ortho Montana.

Richard retired from surgical practice in June of 2015.

Richard met Patti Kjelland during his internship at Mayo Clinic. They were married on May 5, 1979, at a replica of the Borgund Stavkirke church in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Richard introduced Patti to the natural wonders of Montana and the neighboring states. They enjoyed time together backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains and Wind River Range, floating the Salmon River in Idaho, canoeing Montana rivers, as well as downhill and cross

country skiing.

After their son was born in 1989, they built a cabin along the East Rosebud river.

Richard was an avid big game, waterfowl, upland bird, and archery hunter. Over a twenty-five year span, he hunted on five continents and harvested all four species of North American wild sheep.

Richard also supported and held offices in organizations that sought to protect hunting rights and habitat for wildlife. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Montana Chapter of Safari Club, National Safari Club, Wild Sheep Foundation and Montana Bowhunters Association. During his retirement, Richard became an avid Sporting Clays shooter. He pursued lessons with a passion and became a Level 1 Instructor. He especially enjoyed introducing new shooters to the world of shotgun sports. Richard served as president of Sporting Clays at the Billings Rod n Gun Club and treasurer of the Montana Safari Club. WS SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 211

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212 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

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Photo: Tim Shinabarger SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 213

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216 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

LET THE WILD SHEEP WORLD KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN WILD SHEEP® MAGAZINE! Photo: Tim Shinabarger

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ON THE ADVENTURE TRAIL

by Ken Nowicki

TARIFF TIFFS Let me tell you how it will be There’s one for you, nineteen for me ‘Cause I’m the taxman Yeah, I’m the taxman*

“W

*Taxman, by George Harrison

e sure are glad to

see you Boy,” smiled Lead-On Highfee when I joined him at the counter of Ruby’s Café.

Packtrain McNammee nodded his approval.

I like to meet the two old-timers for coffee at least once a week. I am hopeful that one day they will let it slip where to find big rams. These men spent over 100 years outfitting and a better font of knowledge cannot be found. They are retired now but they still know more about hunting than anyone I know.

Packtrain used horses to squire his hunters into the high lonesome in search of splendid specimens of Dall’s, Stone’s, and bighorn sheep.

He always wears a big Stetson and cowboy boots. Lead-On never leaves home without his wool toque and a splendid green topcoat filched off a European hunter. Highfee was a master at flying small planes into remote strips and backpacking for sheep before it became popular.

Ruby’s Café is the pride of the Kootenays. The décor is pure 1960s with swivel chairs and a big counter where you can rest your elbows and chew the fat with the local gentry and feel comfortable wearing hunting clothes.

220 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING 2025

Ruby, a classic beauty, brought me a cup of Joe and asked if I would care to try a shot of Kopi Luwak or Espresso or both. “These guys really seem to like the strong stuff,” she said and batted her eyes at the two old reprobates who were leering like a couple of bobbleheads. “I’m expanding my menu to include Espresso, Capo, and some exotic brands.” I’ve been getting these scallywags to try some new flavors.

“Darn tooting,” mugged Packtrain. “This new coffee is just dandy. I used to brew it over the campfire. It tasted just like this.” He gave her a big supercilious grin.

“Do you guys even know what Kopi is,” I asked? “Forget about it.”

“She’s raised her prices, Boy,” whispered Lead-On. “I am sure glad you happened along. We’re a little short on cash today. The government checks are late again.

And this new brew is pricey.”

I rolled my eyes, but let it pass. I would be happy to pay for coffee if I got some useful tips on where to find big rams. But I would have to steer the conversation away from the usual complaining about Trudeau. But it was too late.

“It’s the tariffs. Governments are slapping them on everything. The

price of coffee sky-high,” snarled Packtrain. “Everything from eggs to bacon to coffee. This coffee supports thousands of bean pickers in Columbia and Kenya.”

“It’s all the middlemen that make the money,” snapped LeadOn. “The beans go to the Greek shipping companies, and then to distributors in New York and finally to the grinders in Saskatoon who pack and ship to us out west.” LeadOn looked smug with his grand understanding of the situation.

“They are just like booking agents.

They take a big cut off the pie.”

“I never needed one of them, not like you.” Packtrain pointed his finger at Lead-On. “I got all my clients from great references.” Oh, oh, this might spark a fight between the two old competitors. I needed to change the subject fast. They could easily start to quarrel and it could lead to fisticuffs. One time down at the Sheep Show® they got feisty right in front of the Royal Ram’s Lounge and hotel security had to come sort them out.

“Hey, what are the ramifications on sheep with these new quotas on cougar harvest?” This was a big topic in the press these days. I wanted them to start talking sheep.

“Look Boy, quotas are killing the tradeoff between predator and prey.

Cougars are deadly on sheep. We all know it. Wolves too. Did you see where the good folks in Colorado are fighting over proposed introductions of wolves?”

“Them wolves will tear up the sheep and everything else,” echoed Lead-On. “Shipping Canadian wolves down to Colorado is skyhigh stupid.”

“Darn straight it is. And B.C. and Alberta sent a pack to Montana and Idaho didn’t we?” Packtrain continued. “We got the best out of

that deal. We got rid of the wolves.

I can’t understand why anyone would want them.”

“Lots of people think you have to have a balance between predator and prey. They just don’t understand wolves. They run amuck and wipe out every last ungulate. There’s no balance in that.”

“I hear say,” mused Lead-On, “That they is set to start putting a tax on my favorite beverage made in Kentucky. I’d love a shot in my coffee right now. This brew is a little mucky for my taste.”

“I’ll ask Ruby to get you a fresh cup of Kopi,” I smirked. He waved his hand over the coffee signaling “no”. “Guys, where do you think I can find me a big ram?”

My impertinence in asking that question generated blank stares.

Then the answers started coming.

“Get down to the border by Eureka, Montana and watch, Boy. Those wolves will drive those sheep back up north.”

“Sure they will, a bunch of them rams got exported into the USA to establish some depleted populations. With the wolves bugging them they will head north across the line. It’s in their DNA to come home.”

“Those sheep sure are smart.

They walk right down the highway during the migration.”

“I seen big rams gathered up for a border dash just last week. They wait for dark to jump the fence and go over the wall. All you need to do is set up and watch the trails a mile or two back in the timber.”

“Those trails across the border have been used since the early days.

They used to run liquor both ways across the 49th parallel. It come north from Fort Benton during the whiskey trade back in the early days. It went south into Montana during the 1920’s. They called it the Prohibition Era. But then the G-men figured out they can raise a lot of money taxing the good stuff.

That ended the ban on booze.”

“I sure hope these new tariffs don’t make my supply run dry,” moaned Lead-On. “It ain’t fair.”

“Check out the Flathead river too,” mused Packtrain. “We been trading grizzly and sheep up there for years. They got no season in Waterton Glacier Peace Park SPRING 2025 ~WILD S HEEP® 221

so the critters migrate back and forth across the border with no problems.”

Lead-On was still thinking about his favorite libations. “Maybe I can substitute it with some of that cactus cut firewater from Mexico. I bet I can get it cheap.”

Packtrain thankfully still had his mind on sheep. “Why don’t you go hire an outfit in Mexico to get you a ram, Boy? They have had great success in building up populations of desert sheep. They don’t have a goods and services tax and provincial sales tax like we do around here. It’s twelve percent in B.C. in case you haven’t noticed.”

I actually do think they have a tax down there in Mexico but the Canadian dollar is pretty much dropped to the value of a peso and outfitters everywhere charge in American greenbacks.

Hunting with an outfitter is getting expensive. I often have wondered

why they ask for cash? Do outfitters actually pay taxes?

I don’t stint when it comes to spending money on sheep hunting and I knew I would be paying for the coffee and probably some pie before I got any more out of the old codgers. I have been saving up for a desert sheep for years and squandering way too much money on fast food. But they may have given me the tip I needed. I was going to head for the border and see if those rams were really coming north from Colorado on the long road home to Canada.

I headed for the door and left a good tip for Ruby and even calculated it to include the tax.

It would all be worth it if I could find one of those rams crossing the border free and clear. I felt pretty good and I was not very worried about the cost at all.

Lead-On shouted out as I left, “Conservation knows no borders.

WSF’s Legacy Society recognizes individuals, families and foundations making testamentary bequests or contributions of major gifts, gift annuities or other charitable-giving instruments. Since inception of the Ensuring the Future of Wild Sheep (ETFOWS) campaign, 47 Legacy Society members have been recognized through WSF’s Legacy Society for contributions or pledges of future gifts.

Anonymous Anonymous Lee & Penny Anderson Jack, Jr. & Cindy Atcheson Derek W.O. Berry Mike Borel Cabela’s Outdoor Fund David W. Campbell Rick & Heather Carosone Dr. Robert W. & Cynthia Cassell David & Sona Combs Monty & Becky Davis

Howard & Mary Deters Doug & Patty Dreeszen Buddy DuVall Tom Grimes Eric & Sue Hansen Robert & Arlene Hanson Dr. Paul F. & Kathy J. Havey Zach & Amber Higgins John R. & Mary Ann Justus Blair A. & Victoria M. Kenewell Robert M. Martin, Jr. Robert and Lisa Mays

Good looking.”

So true, and with a little bit of luck it will all work out. WS Editors Note • Nowicki reports that his research has revealed that over 1300 sheep have been transplanted from Canada and Mexico into several U.S. states in order to provide genetic diversity and develop and increase populations in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, and Montana.

It is clear that cooperative efforts by the Wild Sheep Foundation and state and provincial wildlife managers have had fantastic results, and in many areas, hunting seasons for rams are now available where nobody has ever seen anything like it before. Nowicki hopes to see his picture in the Wild Sheep® magazine posing with a respectable ram sometime soon.

Bequests made through the New Beginnings Campaign* or other bequests may be recognized through the Legacy Society by contacting WSF. For more information on the Legacy Society or Estate Planning resources available through WSF, please contact Paige Culver at 406.404.8758 or PCulver@WildSheepFoundation.org.

Roger McCosker Kyle & Joanne Meintzer Chuck Middleton David Mode John & Leslie Pearson Brad R. Plaga Robert L. & J.P. Puette Kevin & Janine Rinke Lanny Rominger Louis & Pauline Rupp SCI Foundation - Hunter Legacy Fund (HLF-100)

Roger Segebrecht Kasie and Jason Sheridan Tim & Roxane Shinabarger Steve & Sue Skold Curt & Marcia Thompson Gray & Renée Thornton Jim Travis Tim & Ruth Van Der Weide The Estate of Robert B. Johnson Zachary Walton Wayne W. Webber The William H. Donner Foundation, Inc

*New Beginnings Campaign was the FNAWS Capital Endowment Campaign conducted 1998-2003.

2025 222 WILD S HEEP® ~ SPRING

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