Talk Is Sheep

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 mo...

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...

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 feat...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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 fina...

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.

...

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...

Fresh from the field in South Africa, Kyle Stelter and Chris Barker sit down on day three of their safari to recap the first leg of an unforgettable hunt in the Limpopo region. Recorded live on location, this episode captures the raw sounds and energy of Africa—from swirling winds and distant wildlife to honest reflections after long days in the bush.

The two discuss the journey to camp, first impressions of Bosveld Jacobs, and the incredible abundance of wildlife they’ve already encountered, including giraffe, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, sable, kudu, and more. They also brea...

This is the first episode in a new podcast series from the Dark Continent. Kyle Stelter and Chris Barker travel to Africa on safari, offering listeners a unique opportunity to explore conservation and the benefits of hunting in South Africa.

Kyle and Chris are joined by Don and Tyler Stevenson at the Africa Sky Hotel in Johannesburg. On the eve of their ten-day hunt, the four discuss their expectations, what they hope to take away from the experience, and, of course, the conversation turns to conservation — a critically important topic in South Africa.

Karly Barker joins Hana at Wild Sheep Foundation’s Sheep Show for a great conversation about life on the water, forging your own path, and earning respect in one of the toughest working environments out there.

Raised in the outdoors and shaped by a life connected to the coast, Karly now makes her living as a guide with Queen Charlotte Fishing Lodge. In this episode, she shares why a career in the trades was never the right fit, how she found her place on the ocean, and what it took to establish herself as a fe...

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle Stelter sits down with Kyle Kamp of Valley to Peak Nutrition for a practical and motivating conversation about building a nutrition plan for mountain hunting season.

With sheep season only months away, this episode focuses on one of the most overlooked parts of preparation: having a plan. Together, they break down how hunters can identify their goals, whether that is fat loss, improved performance, or both, and then start building a nutrition strategy that actually supports training and recovery.

Kyle Kamp explains how...

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle Stelter sits down with legendary outfitter Harold Grinde of Gana River Outfitters for a conversation about legacy, wild sheep, and a life spent in some of the wildest country left in North America.

Harold shares his remarkable journey from guiding in the Yukon and British Columbia to becoming one of the most respected names in the Northwest Territories. He reflects on decades in the Mackenzie Mountains, the history and evolution of Gana River Outfitters, and what makes the NWT such a special place for mountain hunters. From...

Kyle sits down with Tanner Dannish, CEO and bladesmith at Frontiersmen Gear during the Alberta Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation's annual Bighorn Banquet. The two have a great discussion on a variety of topics, but front and centre is a discussion around Canadian innovation, manufacturing and production.

We discuss the Wild Sheep Foundation Alberta's event and we look back at the Wild Sheep Society of BC's Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo that was hosted the week before. Core to our conversation is the conservation movement and our wild sheep community and how...

Peter sits down with Jeffrey Nishima- Miller at Sheep Show in Reno. Jeffrey is a PhD Candidate

Centre for Environmental Assessment Research and works for Xeni Gwet'in First Nation on the recovery of Bighorn Sheep. 

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

Recorded on the ground at Sheep Show 2026, this episode brings the energy of the show floor straight to your headphones as we sit down with Julie Chapman, Bryan Bailey, and Glen Landrus.

Julie shares the full story behind an unforgettable adventure—a Washington bighorn sheep hunt she won through a raffle draw, then experienced alongside Baily and Landrus. From the moment her name was called to the planning, expectations, and emotions that come with a once-in-a-lifetime tag, Julie walks us through what the hunt meant to her, what surprised her most, and the moments she’ll n...

This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, leadership, and mountain hunting.

Kyle sits down with Kip Fulks—Under Armour co-founder and the owner behind Bushwhack Guiding—to talk about what it really takes to build something that lasts. From the early days of scaling a global brand, to the hard-earned lessons that come from running businesses in the real world, Kip shares the mindset, risk tolerance, and decision-making that separate dreamers from doers.

We also dig into why domestic production and building things “close to home” matters more than ever, how values shape companie...

Hana Erikson and Rebecca Peters sit down with Jann Demaske, Secretary of the Wild Sheep Foundation and Chair of the 1 Campfire program.

Jann shares her story of how she found her way into conservation and hunting, how she met her husband, and how they introduced their daughters to hunting at a young age. She is humble, deeply respected, and someone who truly leads through service. 

For over a decade, Jann has poured her time and heart into volunteering with the Wild Sheep Foundation. Her passion for conservation, mentorship, and community is in...

Hana Erikson and Rebecca Peters sit down with Jann Demaske, Secretary of the Wild Sheep Foundation and Chair of the 1 Campfire program.

Jann shares her story of how she found her way into conservation and hunting, how she met her husband, and how they introduced their daughters to hunting at a young age. She is humble, deeply respected, and someone who truly leads through service. 

For over a decade, Jann has poured her time and heart into volunteering with the Wild Sheep Foundation. Her passion for conservation, mentorship, and co...

Raised in an outfitting family, Jessie Young grew up where long days and hard work were just part of life. From owning and operating a cattle company to breeding tough, sure-footed mountain horses, Jessie’s roots run deep in Western tradition. But her story doesn’t stop there.

Alongside life in the backcountry, Jessie built a career in nursing—bringing compassion, grit, and balance to everything she does. Now, she’s stepping into a new chapter! Not only does she operate Midnight Sun Outfitting with her brother, Logan Young, Jessie is launching a guiding outfit in Alberta...

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, host Kyle Stelter sits down with longtime conservationist and Wild Sheep mainstay Don Stevenson. From growing up hunting in Alberta to becoming a dedicated supporter in the wild sheep world, Don shares the moments that shaped his conservation ethic—and why giving back isn’t optional if we want wildlife to thrive.

The conversation weaves through Don’s 27+ years in conservation and the unexpected path that turned Don’s passion for knife making into a fundraising engine for mountain wildlife. Along the way, Kyle and Don dig into modern w...

Sheep Week is here—and the Wild Sheep Society of BC crew is fired up for Sheep Show 2026. On the eve of Sheep Week, Kyle sits down for a raw, uncut podcast with Colin Peters, James Mitton, and Chris Barker to talk all things Sheep Show: the buzz in the air, why this gathering matters, and what makes it such a powerful meeting place for people who care about wild sheep and conservation.

James shares the excitement of heading to his first Sheep Show, and the group digs into what makes Sheep Week special—community, conn...

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, host Kyle Stelter sits down with Kyle Kamp (Mountain Tough) to talk about the often-missed edge in mountain hunting: nutrition that’s consistent, flexible, and hunt-proof.

Kyle breaks down why macronutrients matter, how to build a plan that actually fits real life, and why autonomy and flexibility are critical for long-term success—especially when training for the mountains. He also shares his personal weight-loss journey that launched his career in nutrition, and offers practical, field-ready strategies for maintaining energy on long days, staying fueled during multi-day hunts, and usin...

From a frosty morning in BC’s Cariboo, Hana Erikson sits down with a special guest Thomas Giles for a raw, powerful conversation about grit, wilderness, and what it takes to fight your way back.

Thomas is a hardcore hunter and horseman—until life flips overnight. After pushing through a fly-in moose hunt with a broken shoulder, Thomas suffers a massive stroke at age 34 and has to relearn how to speak, walk, and rebuild his life from the ground up.

He shares the moment it happened—alone at home—when his puppy Je...

This week on Talk is Sheep, we sit down with longtime Wild Sheep Society of BC supporter and Lex Ross Award recipient Don Lynum.

Don’s love for precision shooting and custom rifles is only matched by his passion for wild sheep conservation. We unpack the origin story behind the BiG BoaR rifle series—created in memory of Don’s friend Dave Marsh (aka “BiG BoaR”), and built into one of the most meaningful fundraising traditions in our community.

Over the last decade, Don has donated 20 rifles in 10 years, a program that has g...

What matters most in conservation—perfect opinions, or real effort? In this year-in-review conversation, Kyle Stelter and Greg look back on the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s biggest wins, hard lessons, and the reality of doing conservation work in real time.

They dig into major investments on the ground, the role of the Mountain Wildlife Conservation Society in expanding capacity, and why building a strong national voice for hunting and conservation is more important than ever. You’ll hear updates on cornerstone initiatives like the Fraser River Test-and-Remove program, ongoing habitat restoration for Stone’s sheep...

In this special episode of Talk Is Sheep, we sit down with Frances Golata Nicolson—daughter of famed Stone sheep outfitter Frank Golata—for a rare, first-hand look at a life that can’t be replicated today. Born in Dawson Creek in 1938, Frances shares vivid stories of growing up on a remote quarter section in a log home with no running water, where winter meant melting snow for laundry, food came from the land, and the rhythm of the year revolved around horses, hard work, and the mountains.

Frances walks us through her father’s early jo...

This episode of Talk is Sheep features Kyle Stelter in conversation with Nolan Osborne and Tanner Dannish—two familiar names in B.C.’s sheep hunting and conservation community. The trio recaps a standout guiding season, the grind behind “work hard, play hard,” and what it takes to stay sharp when the mountains don’t give you a break.

They also share the story behind Frontiersman Textiles, a new venture focused on building high-quality, Canadian-made gear for serious time in wild country. The conversation wraps around the Ram Awards—an initiative created to celebrate exceptional rams, recogn...

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, host Kyle Stelter sits down with Justin Kallusky for an honest, vulnerable conversation about men’s mental health, the pressures men face, and the healing power of time spent in wild places.

Kyle and Justin unpack the cultural expectations around “being a man,” the stigma that keeps so many guys silent, and why asking for help is actually one of the bravest things you can do. Justin shares his own mental health journey, how the outdoors became a lifeline, and how conservation and community have given him renewed purpos...

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle sits down with wildlife scientist Dr. Clayton Lamb to dig into the state of bighorn sheep and wildlife conservation in British Columbia’s Kootenays. From rugged winter ranges to busy valley-bottom highways, Clayton walks us through the complex landscape these sheep are trying to survive in.

We explore how decades of fire exclusion have choked out historic sheep range, and why thinning and slashing are often just the first step toward meaningful habitat restoration. Clayton breaks down how invasive plants, changing forests, and industrial footprints all intersect wi...

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most recognizable new faces in BC’s mountain hunting community — Tysen Bjorn, owner of Custom Pack Rigging, sheep hunter, devoted dad, and a guy who doesn’t do anything halfway.

Tysen shares the unlikely, honest, and downright gritty story of how he went from a Lower Mainland kid with no horses in his life… to a full-blown horseback mountain hunter with a 15-horse string and ownership of one of the most iconic pack gear companies in Western Canada.

We walk through his earl...

In this episode, Kyle connects with Dallas Safari Club Executive Director, Russell Stacy and Brian Fienhold, Director of Development. from the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) to discuss the organization's mission, global impact, and the importance of conservation and education in the hunting community. They explore the role of volunteers, the success of the DSC convention, and the recent Summer Gala, which saw record attendance and fundraising. The conversation highlights the evolution of DSC as a leader in conservation advocacy and the exciting future events and opportunities for involvement in the organization.

Presented by: @sitkagear

In this inspiring episode of Talk Is Sheep, we welcome Keia Holm to discuss the importance of empowering young women in the conservation space. Keia shares her insights on leadership, courage, and redefining what it means to be involved in conservation. We also discuss her journey to hunting and how she grew up in a family that was not supportive of hunting.

Keia highlights how women are shaping the future of conservation and why their voices are vital to the movement. She reminds us that conservation extends far beyond hunting—it’s about support, commitment, and...

In this episode of Talk Is Sheep, host Kyle Stelter welcomes Justin Spring, Executive Director of Pope and Young, for a deep dive into one of North America’s most respected bowhunting organizations.

Justin shares how Pope and Young is championing ethical bowhunting, wildlife conservation, and hunter advocacy in today’s rapidly changing landscape. From preserving the legacy of fair chase to expanding their conservation footprint, Justin outlines how the organization is blending tradition with modern relevance to engage a new generation of hunters.

Kyle and Justin also discuss the organization’s reco...

In this episode of Talk Is Sheep, hosts Kyle Stelter and Greg Rensmaag, President of the Wild Sheep Society of BC, for an engaging update on everything happening within the Society. The two discuss major upcoming events including the Salute to Conservation & Mountain Hunting Expo and the Northern Fundraiser in Dawson Creek, while also highlighting membership promotions, current conservation projects, and what’s on the horizon for wild sheep recovery in British Columbia.

Greg and Kyle dive into how WSSBC’s members, partners, and supporters are driving tangible conservation results on the ground — from habitat restor...

We sit down with the leadership team behind the newly launched Canadian Wildlife Conservation Partners (CWCP) for an in-depth conversation on Talk is Sheep.

Fresh off their September debut, we welcome CWCP Chair Chris Everett, Vice-Chair Brian McRae, and founding partner representatives Doug Chiasson and Kyle Stelter (host) to unpack the vision behind this new national collaborative.

The group shares the why, the how, and what Canadians can expect from the CWCP as it gains momentum. With fourteen partner and affiliate organizations already on board—representing nearly 200,000 members—the CWCP is off...