Talk Is Sheep

On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle sits down with Kelli Poole of Global Rescue for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, wildlife conservation, international adventure—and what happens when the trip you spent months preparing for suddenly goes sideways. Kelli’s path into the hunting industry is anything but ordinary. With a background in wildlife biology and management, she has worked with wild sheep, contributed to wildlife management projects in Montana and Colorado, and spent time in Central Asia working around Marco Polo sheep, ibex and community-based conservation. Today, she leads the hunting vertical for Global Rescue. Fresh off a safari in Zambia, Kelli shares stories from Africa, her passion for predator hunting, the incredible biodiversity found on the continent and how different wildlife management models around the world can contribute to healthy wildlife populations. Then the conversation turns to something every mountain hunter and international traveller should be thinking about: what is your plan when something goes wrong? A broken leg deep in the backcountry. A serious medical emergency overseas. An accident hundreds of kilometres from appropriate medical care. We spend countless hours preparing our equipment, rifles, bows, fitness and logistics—but emergency planning can easily become an afterthought. That is why the Wild Sheep Society of BC is proud to be a Global Rescue Safe Travel Partner. Global Rescue provides medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services around the world, including 24/7/365 medical advisory, field rescue from the point of illness or injury, and medical evacuation to a member’s hospital of choice when required. Their medical memberships do not place limitations on activities—an important consideration for hunters and adventurers heading into remote country. Without the right protection, an emergency evacuation can cost well over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue when the unexpected happens. Global Rescue also offers access to IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠ as an add-on to a Global Rescue membership, helping protect the financial investment you have made in your trip against a variety of unforeseen circumstances. If you hunt, travel internationally or spend time in remote country, this is a conversation worth hearing before your next adventure. Learn more about the WSSBC / Global Rescue partnership and explore membership options here: https://partner.globalrescue.com/wildsheepsociety/index.html Travel prepared. Hunt hard. And make sure you have a plan for getting home. Presented by: @sitkagear This episode is sponsored by our Conservation Partner: @stoneglacier

On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana Erikson sits down with Trent Woloschuk, CEO and co-founder of Atlas Edge Mapping, for a conversation that starts with an idea between two hunting partners and ends deep in some of the nastiest sheep country British Columbia has to offer. Atlas Edge was born after Trent and his business partner, Cole, found themselves searching for a backcountry mapping platform that gave them everything they wanted in one place. Neither came from the tech world—Trent is a pipefitter and Cole a welder—but their passion for mountain hunting, mapping and building something genuinely useful for hunters pushed them to create their own solution. Trent shares the story behind Atlas Edge, the importance of listening to users, offline mapping, the features still to come, and why keeping the platform accessible to everyday hunters matters to their team. Then the conversation heads into the mountains. Trent tells the incredible story of returning for a massive, unmistakable Stone’s ram they had nicknamed Paddles. The hunt became a full-on sheep hunting sufferfest involving brutal elevation, knife-edge ridges, thick alders, dwindling water, heavy packs and a night spent on the mountain without sleeping bags or pads. It resulted in a truly remarkable old ram—and the culmination of a hunt that had started a year earlier. Trent also shares an unbelievable story from his childhood when, just before his seventh birthday, he survived a black bear attack near Powell River, BC—an experience that shaped his relationship with wildlife and the outdoors for years afterward. Most importantly, Atlas Edge has stepped forward as a supporter of wild sheep conservation. Use promo code SHEEP when signing up for Atlas Edge Premium and receive one free month of Premium. Atlas Edge will also donate 20% of the value of qualifying annual subscriptions using code SHEEP directly back to the Wild Sheep Society of BC. And during WSSBC's Mountain Hunting Expo and RAMFEST, Atlas Edge plans to donate 100% of qualifying subscriptions using the SHEEP code back to WSSBC. That is hunters supporting hunters—and helping put more resources back onto the landscape for wild sheep. Presented by: @sitkagear Conservation Partner: @frontiersmengear Thank you to Sitka Gear and Frontiersmen Gear for investing in healthy wildlife and sustainable ecosystems.

Sheep season is here. You’ve trained, dialed in your gear, studied maps and prepared for the mountains—but have you put the same effort into how you’re going to fuel your hunt? Kyle Kamp of Valley to Peak Nutrition returns to Talk Is Sheep for another installment in our backcountry nutrition series, and this time we take the conversation directly onto the mountain. We dig into what a real food plan looks like for a multi-day sheep hunt: how much food to carry, balancing carbohydrates, protein and fat, why “calories per ounce” doesn’t tell the whole story, and how to keep your body fueled when the intensity ramps up. Kyle shares practical strategies for building your daily food bags, making your own high-performance breakfasts and bars, staying ahead of hydration and electrolyte needs, and eating consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until you’re already running on empty. We also get into bonking—what’s actually happening when your body runs out of readily available fuel, why trying to simply push through it is a mistake, and how fast-acting carbohydrates can help get you back in the game. Whether you’re heading into the mountains for 3 days or 14, this episode is packed with information you can put to work immediately. Valley to Peak Backcountry Nutrition Resources Backcountry Nutrition Course Use discount code SHEEPBC for 50% OFF: Backcountry Nutrition Course DIY Backcountry Snack, Bar & Breakfast Recipes: Backcountry Recipes Backcountry Nutrition Calculator / Pack Planner: Backcountry Pack Planner If you’re preparing for a mountain hunt this fall, this is one you’ll want to listen to before you pack your food bag. Talk Is Sheep is the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, brought to you by SITKA Gear. This episode is sponsored by our Conservation Partner YETI.

On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter is joined by guest co-host Jann Demaske for a timely and important conversation with Charles Whitwam, Founder and Executive Director of HOWL for Wildlife. Charles has emerged as one of the leading voices in North America when it comes to mobilizing hunters, anglers, conservationists, and sustainable-use advocates around the issues shaping the future of wildlife management. What began as an effort to make it easier and more effective for everyday people to communicate with decision-makers has grown into a powerful grassroots movement focused on advocacy, education, collaboration, and making sure the hunting community has a meaningful voice when wildlife policy is being decided. Kyle, Jann, and Charles dive into Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28, an extraordinary proposal with implications extending far beyond hunting and fishing into agriculture, livestock production, commercial fishing, and the broader relationship between people and animals. Charles also shares his experience sitting down with one of IP28’s chief proponents and discusses the documentary HOWL is producing to bring this conversation to a much wider audience. The discussion also turns to Colorado, ballot-box wildlife management, Proposition 127, the movement to constitutionally protect the right to hunt and fish, and what can happen when the hunting community stops playing defence and begins thinking proactively. But this conversation is bigger than any single ballot initiative. It is about telling our story. It is about reaching people outside the hunting community, helping the public understand science-based wildlife management and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and recognizing that if hunters do not tell their own story, someone else will tell it for them. Charles challenges the hunting industry to think differently, invest in communicating with the non-hunting public, work together across organizations and interests, and recognize the opportunity in front of us. Engage. Connect. Educate. Show up. The future of hunting, fishing, sustainable use, and wildlife conservation may depend on it. Presented by SITKA Gear. This episode is supported by WSSBC Conservation Partner Precision Optics.

On this episode of Talk is Sheep, we continue our series introducing the people behind the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia with WSSBC Director Justin Kallusky. Justin is a lifelong hunter, mountain wanderer, writer, deep thinker—and the hunter behind a world-record Rocky Mountain goat. But this conversation quickly becomes about something much bigger than records, inches or animals on the wall. Justin shares how hunting has been woven into his life since childhood, how harvesting his incredible mountain goat ultimately changed the direction of his life, and how finding the conservation community gave him a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. We dive into the evolution of a mountain hunter: ego, intuition, risk, maturity and learning that success in the mountains doesn't always mean pulling the trigger. Justin recounts a solo Stone's sheep hunt where worsening weather, a massive grizzly and a series of warning signs forced him to make one of the hardest decisions a hunter can make—turning around. The conversation also explores Justin's upcoming Rocky Mountain bighorn hunt, the extraordinary privilege of hunting wild sheep in British Columbia, and why he believes hunters have a responsibility to give something back to the wildlife and wild places that give us so much. At the heart of the episode is community. Justin talks about finding his people through the Wild Sheep Society of BC, the friendships and mentorship that exist within the sheep hunting community, and why conservation needs more than followers—it needs members, volunteers, advocates and leaders willing to have conversations and bring others into the fold. It's an honest, thoughtful and occasionally hilarious conversation about mountain hunting, conservation, responsibility, belonging and what happens when the hunt becomes about far more than the animal. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @gunwerks Join the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia and become part of the community working to put conservation on the ground and protect wild sheep, wild places and our hunting heritage.

On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle welcomes back Doug Chiasson, Executive Director of the Fur Institute of Canada and co-host of The Truth About Fur podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about conservation, advocacy and the future of sustainable wildlife use. Kyle and Doug begin with the growing Canadian Wildlife Conservation Partnership and its mission to unite hunters, anglers, trappers, outfitters, falconers and conservation organizations behind a stronger national voice. Doug draws on his experience working in federal and provincial politics to explain what truly influences decision-makers—and why personal conversations, original letters and meaningful relationships carry far more weight than another form email. The conversation then turns to the growing pressure on science-based wildlife management. From proposed fur restrictions in Colorado and Oregon’s IP28 initiative to the loss of British Columbia’s grizzly bear hunt and mink-farming industry, Doug explains how emotional campaigns and politically motivated decisions can quickly override wildlife science. This episode is also a reminder that the sustainable-use community cannot afford to fight among itself. Whether it is trapping, hunting, angling, firearms ownership, predator management or the use of wild fur, every loss weakens the entire community. The message is clear: protecting our hunting and trapping heritage is not someone else’s responsibility. Every one of us has a role to play. Show up, build relationships, tell better stories and make sure elected officials understand that wildlife, conservation and sustainable use matter to the people they represent. Presented by: @sitkagear Sponsored by our conservation partner: @gunwerks Thank you to Sitka Gear and Gunwerks for investing in healthy wildlife and sustainable ecosystems. Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @gunwerks @schnee_hunt @precision.optics

Something big is coming to Prince George—and this episode of Talk Is Sheep delivers the official reveal. Kyle is joined by Tanner Dannish of Frontiersman Gear and WSSBC's own Kris Wrathall to unveil RAMFEST 2027, an entirely new hunting, conservation, and outdoor experience taking place April 29 to May 2, 2027. RAMFEST is not simply another banquet or trade show. It is being built as a high-energy celebration of wild sheep, mountain hunting, conservation, family, and community. Expect outdoor experiences, interactive demonstrations, shooting and archery events, local artists, leading outdoor brands, food trucks, live music, a Friday night dance, beer gardens, family activities, and a Saturday night conservation banquet for approximately 500 guests. This is a chance to learn, participate, meet the people and businesses driving conservation forward, and have one incredible weekend with the wild sheep community. Most importantly, RAMFEST has a mission. Funds raised will support northern conservation projects benefiting Stone’s sheep and the historic Coming Home project—an ambitious effort to return approximately 100 California bighorn sheep from Oregon to British Columbia. These sheep are descendants of animals originally translocated from BC more than 70 years ago. Now, they are coming home. This is conservation you will be able to see on the mountain. Every ticket purchased, raffle entered, auction item won, membership sold, and donation made will help put more wild sheep on the landscape. The inaugural RAMFEST banquet will be intentionally limited, and demand is expected to be high. Get the dates on your calendar, secure your accommodations early, and prepare to be part of Wild Sheep Society of BC history. RAMFEST 2027 April 29–May 2, 2027 Prince George Conference and Civic Centre Prince George, British Columbia Learn more at wildsheepsociety.com/ramfest. Presented by: @sitkagear This episode is sponsored by our conservation partner: @stoneglacier Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

California bighorn sheep in British Columbia’s Okanagan are facing a serious and unfamiliar threat. Psoroptic mange is a highly contagious disease caused by mites that attack the skin, producing severe itching, crusting, hair loss, poor body condition and, in the worst cases, death. In this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter is joined by Mackenzie Clarke of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Wild Sheep Society of BC Vice President Peter Gutche for an in-depth look at the groundbreaking Okanagan Bighorn Psoroptes Treatment Trial. Mackenzie explains how 28 bighorn sheep were captured and moved into four five-acre research enclosures on Penticton Indian Band land. The team is testing three treatment approaches—moxidectin, fluralaner and a combination of both—to determine which treatment is most effective and how long it can protect sheep from reinfestation. The preliminary results are encouraging. Sheep treated with fluralaner or the combination treatment remained free of mange for at least 86 days at the time of the webinar, while moxidectin used alone did not provide the same results. Animals that entered the trial in extremely poor condition have regained body mass, grown back hair and shown remarkable improvements in their overall health. The conversation also explores the broader challenges facing Okanagan bighorns, including Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, bluetongue virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, habitat fragmentation and poor lamb recruitment. Mackenzie and Peter discuss what it could take to move treatment from the research pens onto the landscape and ultimately treat entire wild herds. This project represents conservation at its best: Indigenous leadership, scientific research, community participation, volunteer commitment and collaboration between the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Penticton Indian Band, Wild Sheep Society of BC, Wild Sheep Foundation, Washington Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation, government, researchers and conservation partners from across North America. It is an inspiring story about people coming together to confront a devastating wildlife disease—and to give Okanagan bighorn sheep a healthier future. Talk Is Sheep is the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Presented by @sitkagear. Supported by @yeti, @zeisshunting, @frontiersmengear, @onxhunt, @stoneglacier, @wild_tv, @schnee_hunt, @precision.optics and @gunwerks.

On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter sits down with renowned bowhunter, photographer, filmmaker and conservation advocate Adam Foss for a wide-ranging conversation about what it truly takes to become a successful sheep hunter. Recorded as part of the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s Summer Webinar Series, this episode is an open and honest question-and-answer session covering sheep hunting, physical preparation, mental resilience, optics, glassing strategies, gear selection and backcountry decision-making. Adam explains why bowhunting sheep requires complete commitment, why boots and backpacks can make or break a mountain hunt, and why hunters should spend more time behind their optics instead of continually searching for the next valley. He also shares practical advice on digiscoping, selecting binoculars and spotting scopes, preparing with a hunting partner and using digital mapping without becoming overly committed to a plan. The conversation goes far beyond equipment. Adam discusses embracing discomfort, completing difficult tasks when motivation is low and developing the mentality to keep hunting when the weather turns, the food runs low and the comforts of home begin calling. He also reflects on how becoming a father has changed his approach to risk, time in the mountains and balancing a deep love of sheep hunting with his responsibilities at home. At the heart of the episode is a powerful reminder: successful sheep hunters refuse to be denied. They remain positive, adapt when plans fall apart and understand that some of the greatest opportunities arrive during the final days of a hunt. Whether you are preparing for your first sheep hunt or have spent decades in the mountains, this conversation will leave you informed, motivated and grateful for the extraordinary privilege of pursuing wild sheep. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: Supported by YETI, ZEISS Hunting, Frontiersmen Gear, onX Hunt, Stone Glacier, Wild TV, Schnee’s, Precision Optics, and Gunwerks. Talk Is Sheep is the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia.

On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle sits down with Greg Rensmaag, President of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, for a candid conversation about leadership, conservation, wild sheep, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding one of the most iconic wildlife resources in North America. Greg has been at the helm of WSSBC through a period of significant growth and impact. Under his leadership, the Society continues to deliver meaningful work for wild sheep across British Columbia, supported by a dedicated board, staff, volunteers, members, partners, and conservation-minded supporters from across the province and beyond. In this conversation, Greg reflects on what makes the Wild Sheep Society of BC so effective: a strong volunteer board, a committed staff team, and a community that consistently shows up when wild sheep need it most. He speaks to the importance of healthy organizational leadership, noting that strong boards and aligned teams are critical to keeping conservation work moving forward. Kyle and Greg also dig into the major issues facing wild sheep in British Columbia today, including disease, habitat loss, predation, and the ongoing need for education. Greg shares his perspective on the threats posed by respiratory disease such as Movi, the importance of landscape-level habitat work like prescribed burns and brushing, and the role predators can play in fragile sheep populations. The conversation highlights several major WSSBC priorities, including the Fraser River Test and Remove project, the Okanagan Psoroptes Treatment Trial, northern prescribed burns for Stone’s sheep habitat, horn-aging education, and the continued push to grow awareness around wild sheep conservation. Greg also reflects on British Columbia’s unique responsibility. BC is home to all four North American wild sheep subspecies: Dall’s, Stone’s, Rocky Mountain bighorn, and California bighorn sheep. That privilege comes with a tremendous obligation to ensure these animals and their habitats are conserved for future generations. Listeners will also hear Greg’s personal story: growing up in a hunting family, learning from his father and grandfather, and now passing that heritage on to his own children. His reflections on legacy, youth, and conservation remind us that the future of wildlife depends on the people we inspire today. The episode closes with a call to action for WSSBC members and supporters. Whether it is volunteering at an event, joining a sheep count, helping with projects, becoming a member, or simply sharing the message, every contribution matters. This is a heartfelt, honest, and important conversation with one of the key leaders behind the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Presented by SITKA Gear. Supported by YETI, ZEISS Hunting, Frontiersmen Gear, onX Hunt, Stone Glacier, Wild TV, Schnee’s, Precision Optics, and Gunwerks.

On this episode of Talk is Sheep, we bring listeners inside a special WSSBC summer webinar featuring Chris Procter, Provincial Wild Sheep and Mountain Goat Specialist, for an in-depth update on the Fraser River Test and Remove project. Chris walks through the history, science, and results of this major wild sheep recovery effort, including the impacts of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae — MOVI — on Fraser River bighorn sheep, the role of female carriers in lamb mortality, and how targeted test and remove work is helping improve lamb survival across treated bands. The conversation also features WSSBC Vice President and Project Chair Chris Barker, who shares how this project grew from a simple conversation into a multi-million-dollar conservation effort, and Hana Erikson, who highlights the importance of volunteer sheep counts, lamb monitoring, and community involvement on the Fraser. This webinar-style episode is a powerful look at science-based wildlife management, collaboration, policy challenges, and the on-the-ground conservation work required to recover and protect wild sheep in British Columbia. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle and Hana sit down with Joe Eppele, WSSBC Director, Chair of the Youth Committee, host of The Edge on Wild TV, former professional football player, and passionate advocate for hunting, conservation, and the next generation. Joe shares his story of growing up in Squamish, BC, where hunting, fishing, mushroom picking, family, hard work, and time outdoors shaped the foundation of his life. From there, the conversation follows Joe through college football at Washington State, a professional football career, an MBA, and eventually a path back home to British Columbia and into the outdoor industry. At the heart of this episode is youth, family, and the future of hunting. Joe talks about why introducing kids to the outdoors matters, how WSSBC’s youth initiatives and Half Curl Membership are helping build the next generation of conservationists, and why hunters need to be thoughtful, articulate, and intentional when communicating our values to the broader public. This is an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about family, stewardship, communication, sacrifice, opportunity, and the responsibility we all share to keep wild sheep on the mountain for generations to come. Presented by: @sitkagear Sponsored by: @wild_tv Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @gunwerks @schnee_hunt @precision.optics

On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter is joined by guest co-host Jann Demaske, Chair of 1Campfire, for a powerful and timely conversation with Dan Gates, Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management. Colorado has become one of the front lines in the fight over hunting, wildlife management, ballot-box biology, predator management, and the future of science-based conservation. Dan has been at the centre of that fight, helping lead the successful opposition to Proposition 127 while continuing to advocate for hunting, fishing, trapping, agriculture, and responsible wildlife management. Kyle, Jann, and Dan dive into the rise of anti-hunting ballot initiatives, the dangers of rewilding and preservationist ideology, the lessons learned from wolf reintroduction, the importance of defending all legal methods of take, and why hunters, anglers, trappers, ranchers, conservation organizations, and non-hunting allies must stand together. The conversation also explores Colorado’s Initiative 302, the effort to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish, and what hunters across North America can learn from Colorado’s fight. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who cares about hunting heritage, wildlife conservation, science-based management, and the future of our outdoor traditions. For more information and to support visit: www.savethehuntcolorado.com and www.savecoheritage.org Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana sits down in 150 Mile House, British Columbia, with legendary predator control specialist, houndsman, trapper, and wildlife management professional Dan Lay. Dan brings a remarkable and hard-earned story to the podcast. Raised in a predator control family, he grew up around hounds, traplines, cougar complaints, livestock conflicts, and the realities of human-wildlife interaction in British Columbia. Over the course of his career, Dan has worked on grizzly, wolf, and cougar studies, responded to some of the most serious predator conflict files in the province, and built a line of working hounds known for their grit, intelligence, and ability to perform when the pressure is at its highest. This first episode begins with Dan’s early life, his struggles in school, his introduction to hounds, and the path that led him into government predator control work at a young age. From there, Hana and Dan dive into early cougar complaints on Vancouver Island, the politics of predator management, the pressure of responding to livestock and human safety concerns, and the deep trust required between a houndsman and his dogs. Dan also shares powerful stories from the field, including the role his dogs played in serious cougar conflict situations, the importance of genetics and instinct in working hounds, and the story of his first dog, Mike, and his first cougar hunt as a teenager. This is the first episode in what will become a multi-part series with Dan Lay. Future conversations will explore hound lineage, cougar behaviour, wolf trapping, grizzly work, predator-prey relationships, conservation, and the lessons learned from a lifetime spent working in wild places. This is a raw, honest, and deeply educational conversation about predators, working dogs, wildlife conflict, and the responsibility that comes with managing animals at the intersection of conservation, public safety, and rural life. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana Erikson is again joined by guest co-host Jann Demaske, Chair of 1Campfire, for a powerful conversation with Amy Schaffer of Branded Rock Canyon. Amy brings a remarkable story to the podcast: Olympic rower, wildlife professional, videographer, hunter, guide, and General Manager of Branded Rock Canyon in western Colorado. From the mountains of British Columbia to the wild places of Alaska, Africa, Asia, and beyond, Amy has lived a life shaped by grit, adventure, wildlife, and a deep connection to hunting culture. The conversation begins with Branded Rock Canyon and its mission to prepare hunters for the moment that matters most in the field. From there, Hana, Jann, and Amy dive into mountain hunting, women in the hunting space, wild meat, conservation funding, predator management, firearms rights, and the urgent need for hunters to speak up, stand together, and defend our shared hunting heritage. This is a wide-ranging, honest, and inspiring conversation about grit, wild places, conservation, and the responsibility we all share to protect the future of hunting. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

n this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter welcomes back Kyle Kamp for the second installment in our quarterly mountain nutrition series as we move closer to sheep season. With the dust of New Year’s resolutions behind us and mountain hunts quickly approaching, Kyle Kamp breaks down how hunters should adjust nutrition as training volume increases. From adding calories without overdoing it, to understanding carbohydrates, protein, hydration, electrolytes, and weight loss, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone preparing for a demanding backcountry hunt. The conversation also dives into the mental and physical side of mountain readiness, including Kyle Kamp’s annual “Death Hike” with the EXO Mountain Gear crew, the value of building confidence through hard efforts, and why training is not about perfection — it is about becoming more prepared than you were before. Kyle Kamp explains how to fuel long training sessions, avoid under-eating, manage hydration in hot weather, recognize whether you are a salty sweater, and plan calories for different hunt intensities. Whether you are heading into sheep country, preparing for a mountain hunt, or simply trying to get stronger and leaner for fall, this episode offers timely guidance as the season draws near. In This Episode Kyle Kamp’s annual Death Hike preparation How nutrition should change as training increases Why carbs matter for mountain performance Protein needs during hard training Common mistakes with weight loss before a hunt How to avoid overtraining When and how to taper before sheep season Hydration strategies for long days in the mountains Electrolytes, salty sweaters, and product selection How to plan calories for backpack hunts Fueling for low, moderate, and difficult hunt days Why consistency matters more than perfection Presented by: @sitkagear This episode is sponsored by our conservation partner: @yeti Supported by: @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana Erikson takes over the mic from Branded Rock Canyon in DeBeque, Colorado, during the Wild Sheep Foundation Chapters and Affiliates Summit. Joined by Jann Demaske, Megan Costanza, Hadli Sorenson, and Dr. Helen Schwantje, this conversation celebrates the women helping shape the future of wild sheep conservation. From banquet halls and boardrooms to field projects, youth education, wildlife health, backcountry experiences, and chapter leadership, this episode highlights the many ways women are driving conservation forward. The group shares laughs, personal stories, career reflections, and honest perspectives on hunting, non-hunting conservation roles, mentorship, and the importance of welcoming more people into the wild sheep family. The conversation also touches on Women Shaping Conservation, Elevate, One Campfire, chapter and affiliate collaboration, and the need to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. It is heartfelt, funny, unfiltered, and a strong reminder that there is a place for everyone in conservation. In this episode, we cover: A live conversation from Branded Rock Canyon in DeBeque, Colorado The Wild Sheep Foundation Chapters and Affiliates Summit The role of women in wild sheep conservation How non-hunters, hunters, biologists, event leaders, volunteers, and advocates all contribute to conservation Hadley Sorensen’s leadership with Utah Wild Sheep Dr. Helen Schwantje’s remarkable career in wildlife health and wild sheep work The growth of Women Shaping Conservation and the Elevate backcountry event One Campfire and the importance of reaching the non-hunting public Why mentorship, youth education, and succession matter The strength of the wild sheep “family” across chapters and affiliates A call to action for more women and new voices to get involved Whether you hunt, fish, hike, volunteer, fundraise, study wildlife, organize events, or simply care about wild places, there is a place for you in conservation. This episode is your invitation to get involved, ask questions, show up, and help keep wild sheep on the mountain. Talk is Sheep is presented by @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

In this episode, Kyle Stelter and Chris Barker continue their South African adventure from the Limpopo province with a story that neither of them saw coming. What began as a plains game safari quickly turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hunt Cape buffalo — one of Africa’s legendary Big Five. Chris shares the full story of how the hunt unfolded: the unexpected phone call, the pressure surrounding an escaped buffalo bull, the patience required to stalk through swirling winds and wary cows, and the incredible professionalism of their PH, Jacques. From the tension of the final approach to the emotion of walking up on an old buffalo bull, this conversation captures the weight, respect, and responsibility that comes with hunting dangerous game. Kyle and Chris also reflect on the deeper lessons from South Africa’s wildlife management model, the role of private land stewardship, the value of wildlife, and the abundance of game on the landscape. While very different from the North American model, their experience sparks an honest discussion about conservation, investment, habitat, science-based management, and what hunters back home might learn from other systems around the world. This episode is about much more than pulling the trigger. It is about opportunity, trust, reverence for wildlife, hunting culture, friendship, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks Episode Sponsor: Stone Glacier

On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle welcomes back Mike Drury, founder of Alpine Riflecraft, for a wide-ranging conversation on rifles, business, family, and legacy in the mountain hunting community. Mike shares how Alpine Riflecraft has evolved since its early days, from launching its first lightweight mountain rifles to expanding chambering options, barrel contours, and future product offerings. The discussion dives into the realities of building a premium Canadian-made rifle company, navigating market demand, staying true to a clear brand identity, and creating rifles designed first and foremost for hunters. Kyle and Mike also talk about the growing interest in Canadian-made products, the challenges and opportunities of serving both Canadian and U.S. markets, and why word of mouth, trust, and community remain such powerful drivers in the hunting world. Mike breaks down some of Alpine Riflecraft’s newest developments, including the Ridgeline barrel contour, growing demand for 7mm offerings, interest in left-handed actions, switch-barrel options, and the company’s plans to offer actions for custom builders. Beyond the rifles, this episode is also about legacy. Mike reflects on leaving a comfortable engineering career to pursue Alpine Riflecraft full-time, involving his children in the business, and building something that may one day become generational. Kyle and Mike also discuss the importance of getting kids outdoors, exposing them to conservation culture, and ensuring the next generation understands the “why” behind hunting, conservation, and community. This is a great conversation for anyone interested in mountain rifles, Canadian manufacturing, entrepreneurship, family, and the future of hunting culture. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

In this episode of Talk Is Sheep, the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, Kyle sits down in South Africa with Riaan Jacobs of Bosveld Jacobs Safaris to discuss conservation, hunting, and the realities of wildlife management on the ground. This is a fascinating conversation about the role hunting has played in restoring wildlife populations across South Africa, the importance of putting value on wildlife, and the challenges posed by corruption, poaching, predator management, and anti-hunting politics. The discussion explores how private landowners, outfitters, and hunters have helped drive the return of abundant wildlife, while also addressing difficult issues surrounding elephants, leopards, rhinos, habitat loss, and the broader future of conservation in Africa. The episode also highlights the family roots and hunting heritage behind Bosveld Jacobs Safaris, the professionalism and hospitality of their operation, and why so many Wild Sheep Society of BC members have come home raving about their experience. This is an honest, fact-driven conversation about conservation, coexistence, and the value of sustainable wildlife management. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks