Talk Is Sheep

Steve and Kyle welcome Tammy Leonard, the spouse of missing hunter Tom Leonard and Joey Prevost from Terrace Search and Rescue to the show. 16 years ago, in 2005, Tom Leonard failed to return home from a solo sheep hunt in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park. An initial 4 day search was conducted but was not successful and was called off due to bad weather.The following year in 2006 family members, friends and complete strangers (first responders, guide outfitters, conservation officers) conducted a week long search for Tom unfortunately, nothing was found.Not giving up in 2007 and again in 2008 family members went to Spatsizi and searched specific areas of the park which again failed to produce any answers.In 2013 a hunter discovered a camp that met the description of Tom's tent however the hunter did not connect this camp to being Tom's until 2019 when he saw Tom' story on social media. RCMP were contacted about this camp unfortunately, due to being late in the season they had to wait until the following year to investigate.In 2020 the RCMP was not able to conduct the search due to the road being washed out to the trail head as well as due to COVID the helicopter was unavailable.In 2021 the RCMP had asked BC Parks to investigate this camp however due to staffing shortage they were not able to go. Terrace Search and Rescue championed the effort. Joey Prevost from Terrace SAR talks us through the search in 2021 and what they discovered.This is a heart wrenching story that will leave you in tears.To support the search for Tom Leonard visit: www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Search-Rescue-end-16-year-search-for-Tom

We welcome British Columbia's new Provincial Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Caeley Thacker to the show. Dr. Thacker is no stranger to the wild sheep community having been involved in numerous projects on the landscape. She has worked closely with Grace Enns on the Cassiar Region Stone's Sheep Health and Habitat Study and gives us an update on year three of that project.We talk to Caeley about her fondness for wildlife medicine and how she got involved with it. She talks about the current state of wildlife health in British Columbia and shares some personal stories of her journey to where she is today. This visit with Caeley is fun and energetic and if you are interested in BC's wildlife health this one is worth a listen.

*****Explicit Language – Not Suitable for Children*****Anybody who’s picked up the phone in the last couple of years to call the WSSBC number has talked to this episodes guest, Sabrina Larsen. Sabrina was until recently, the Executive Assistant of the WSSBC. We chat a bit about the behind the scenes daily life of the WSSBC, her how and why she became involved, her incredible stone sheep, and a special appearance or two by her son!

Connection. Memories. Camaraderie. What is a campfire to you? An interesting twist with this episode, as Steve goes from co-host to guest. 1Campfire is a campaign created by the Wild Sheep Society to bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters. Steve is the Social Media Manager for 1Campfire- joined alongside with Jonathan Proctor, chair of 1Campfire. This discussion talks about the origins of 1Campfire, the how and why it was formed, and why it is critically important to show common bonds across the landscape.

Steve and Kyle have a sobering discussion with Kevin Hurley Vice-President of Conservation & Operations, Wild Sheep Foundation and Chris Barker - Projects Chair for WSSBC . The topic of M. Ovi on the landscape is one that hits home for sheep nuts, especially those that are affected by the epidemic ravaging sheep herds. We discuss the discovery of M.Ovi, how it affects wild and domestic sheep, the ability to test, and the outcome if we do not take action soon.

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, connection, and momentum for the mission.They also break down the WSSBC Sheep Week promotion and how attendees can enter to win a $250 Sitka Gear gift certificate from our official sponsor SITKA Gear.Listen in for: Sheep Week energy, Sheep Show stories, conservation community, and how to get in on the Sitka giveaway.Supporter CreditsPresented by: @sitkagearSupported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 using supplements the right way (as support—not a substitute).If you want to show up stronger, recover faster, and keep your engine running when it counts, this one’s for you.Key takeawaysConsistency beats perfection—every time.Flexibility and autonomy make nutrition sustainable.Macronutrients directly impact performance and recovery.Planning your hunt nutrition is essential for success.Supplements can help, but fundamentals come first.Community support accelerates progress and accountability.Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 Jesse instinctively braces him upright as his right side goes dead weight, buying precious time until help arrives. From ICU, to stroke ward, to rehab, Thomas describes a 55-day hospital stay and a mindset that refuses to quit—then the next battle: his stroke was triggered by a failing aortic valve, leading to open-heart surgery on November 25.And then comes the turning point: getting back on a horse—using a step ladder to mount—discovering the horse is literally helping him “feel” what his body can’t yet feel on his right side, and accelerating his recovery.This episode is equal parts heavy, hilarious, and inspiring—proof that the mountains don’t just test you… they can also help heal you.In this episodeA stroke survivor’s minute-by-minute account of fighting to get help, and the dog that wouldn’t let him go downThe medical “why”: heart murmur history, calcium to the brain, and the emergency chain that saved his life55 days in hospital and the stubborn, daily push to stand, walk, and speak againOpen-heart surgery and the long road back—then returning to hunting, horses, and the wildBack in the bush: a fly-in moose hunt redemption arc… and a grizzly at 19 yards Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 generated an estimated $300,000 for conservation in BC. We also preview the Big Boar 2026 plan and what’s coming next.Episode Sponsor: Precision Optics In this episode, we cover:How Don’s “perfect mountain rifle” obsession started—and why it never really ends The legacy of Dave Marsh and the story behind the BiG BoaR name The real-world conservation impact of consistent community giving A look ahead at the Big Boar 2026 rifles and what makes them special Supporter credits (Talk is Sheep)Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by:@yeti@zeisshunting@frontiersmengear@onxhunt@stoneglacier@wild_tv@schnee_hunt@precision.optics@gunwerks

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, and active wildlife health work—including psoroptes treatment trials—plus the challenges of fire management and long-term landscape stewardship.The episode also highlights how this work gets done: members, volunteers, and community, from fundraising events and membership promotions to celebrating our people through the RAM Awards and bringing the next generation in. If you care about wild sheep and wild places, this one’s a grounded look at what it takes—and what’s coming next.Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 journey—an immigrant’s son who couldn’t be kept indoors, who ran away at 19, worked wherever he could, and ultimately found his way north into the Peace. From trapping and homesteading to packing on major northern expeditions, Frank’s life was defined by grit, skill, and an uncompromising standard in the bush. We hear what it took to run two month-long hunting seasons, how trips were organized and supplied, and why Frank’s meticulous preparation (down to checking every fencepost) became legendary.The conversation also opens a window into Frank Golata the artist and writer—his realistic paintings, his unpublished stories and diaries, and the behind-the-scenes details that shaped his reputation alongside names like Jack O’Connor and iconic northern hunts. Above all, Frances reflects on her father’s principles: respect for wildlife, a caretaker mindset, strict camp rules, and a conservation ethic rooted in lived experience. We also touch on the incredible history behind a Stone sheep ram mount Frances donated—now restored—so it can continue supporting wild sheep conservation for the next generation.Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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, recognize the people who quietly make conservation happen, and strengthen the community that supports wild sheep in British Columbia.Entrees are still open until January 31 for a ram harvested during the 2025 season. Be sure to visit: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/ramawardsTo sign up for the evening itself visit: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/salute2conservationPresented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 purpose.Together, they explore how wild places, wildlife, and genuine community can support emotional well-being—and why talking openly about mental health could be one of the most important conservation tools we have.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by:@yeti@zeisshunting@frontiersmengear@onxhunt@stoneglacier@wild_tv@schnee_hunt@precision.optics@gunwerks

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 with predation, highway mortality, and the broader push for human–wildlife coexistence.Clayton also highlights the critical role of collaborative projects with First Nations, local organizations, and community volunteers. From on-the-ground habitat work to long-term monitoring, he explains how tracking sheep numbers, movement, and survival helps measure what’s working—and what isn’t—as the region adapts its conservation strategies.Despite the pressures, there’s cautious optimism. The Kootenay bighorn sheep population has been relatively stable, but its future depends on smart management decisions—from LEH policy debates to maintaining migration corridors and keeping sheep off the windshield and on the mountain. If you care about biodiversity, wild sheep, and what real-world conservation looks like in 2025 and beyond, this conversation with Dr. Lamb is a must-listen.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 early years chasing alpine mule deer, his first transformative trip up the Cassiar, and the life-changing events of 2020 — a season that brought him his first ram and a head-on collision on the drive home that made him rethink everything. The result? A “now or never” moment that launched him into horses, mountain hunting, and ultimately the reins of Custom Pack Rigging.Tysen talks candidly about the steep learning curve, the suffering, the magic, and the raw honesty of building yourself from the ground up in the horse world. From raising unstarted yearlings, to mentoring from old cowboy hands, to taking his young son Jeremy along for the ride, this is a conversation about legacy — both personal and generational.We dive deep into:The pull toward horses and why it’s all or nothingThe therapeutic and grounding nature of working with animalsHow Custom Pack Rigging came into his hands — and what he’s building for the futureThe importance of preserving old-school horsemanship and mountain hunting traditionsBringing youth and women into the pack-horse worldCommunity, mentorship, and the responsibility every sheep hunter carriesThe upcoming Horse Packing Competition at the Northern Fundraiser — and why you should throw your name in the ringThis episode is a mix of humour, humility, real talk, hard-won lessons, and a whole lot of passion for the lifestyle that defines the wild sheep community.If you’re a backpack hunter curious about horses, a young person dreaming of the mountains, or someone who appreciates the “legacy” of our hunting culture — this conversation will hit home.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by:@yeti@zeisshunting@frontiersmengear@onxhunt@stoneglacier@wild_tv@schnee_hunt@precision.optics@gunwerks

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: @sitkagearSupported by:@yeti@zeisshunting@frontiersmengear@onxhunt@stoneglacier@wild_tv@schnee_hunt@precision.optics@gunwerks

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 creating sustainable practices that safeguard our natural world. She also talks passionately about how she is inspiring and raising her family in the hunting lifestyle.She dives into her 2025 Stone's Sheep hunt in Northern BC that she shared with her husband. Keia highlights the highs and lows of the trip and how she over came the challenges BC's nature through at her.This episode is a call to action for young women to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths, and see themselves as the next generation of conservation leaders.Check out Women Shaping Conservation at www.wildsheepsociety.com/women-shaping-conservationPresented by: @sitkagearSupported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 records program, youth initiatives, and the growing importance of collaboration across conservation partners — ensuring that the values of bowhunting remain strong for generations to come.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 restoration and herd recovery to awareness and engagement. Whether you’re a long-time member or just discovering the wild sheep community, this episode offers valuable insight into the people and passion behind the movement.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by:@yeti@zeisshunting@frontiersmengear@onxhunt@stoneglacier@wild_tv@schnee_hunt@precision.optics@gunwerksListen now and stay connected to wild sheep conservation in BC!#TalkIsSheepPodcast #WildSheepBC #WSSBC #Conservation #MountainHunting #SheepHunting #Fundraiser #SaluteToConservation #WildSheepFoundation #Gunwerks #PrecisionOptics #StoneGlacier #OnXHunt #FrontiersmenGear #SchneeHunt #ZeissHunting #WildTV #YETI #SitkaGear

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 to a powerful start.Formed by the Canadian Fur Institute, Delta Waterfowl, SCI Canada, and the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, the founding partners discuss the challenges they see ahead, the need for a unified conservation voice, and the structure and pillars guiding the organization. They also explore how the CWCP plans to operate, advocate, and make an impact moving forward.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks