Talk Is Sheep

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 nothing* The therapeutic and grounding nature of working with animals* How Custom Pack Rigging came into his hands — and what he’s building for the future* The importance of preserving old-school horsemanship and mountain hunting traditions* Bringing youth and women into the pack-horse world* Community, mentorship, and the responsibility every sheep hunter carries* The upcoming Horse Packing Competition at the Northern Fundraiser — and why you should throw your name in the ring* This 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@[email protected]@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@[email protected]@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-conservation (https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/women-shaping-conservation)Presented 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