Sheep Fever Podcast

Three hunts. Twenty-nine days in the Yukon backcountry. Nearly 200 miles on foot. After coming up empty on Dall sheep and a first Stone sheep hunt, Jesse gets one final opportunity—and discovers just how quickly the lowest moment in sheep hunting can become the highest.

A foot of fresh snow, a steep climb, and a ram called Thumper. Scott Ellis had one gear left—four low—and it was enough to get him kicked out.

In Part II of Sheep Fever’s conversation with Matt Besko, the discussion turns to hunting culture around the world and what sets North America apart. From European traditions to modern technology’s influence, they explore whether hunting’s cultural roots are fading—and why that matters.

Keith Hart shares how a Wyoming elk hunt sparked a passion for sheep hunting, leading to a life-changing Dall’s sheep hunt in Alaska through WSF's Less Than One Club. He reflects on perseverance, conservation, and the community that continues to shape his hunting journey.

J. Alain Smith joins Sheep Fever to reflect on a lifetime of hunting, adventure, and conservation. From his early days in the Pacific Northwest to sheep hunts around the world, he shares his passion for mountain hunting, the future of hunting, and the values that have shaped his remarkable career.

Firefighter Josh Martin shares the story of his first Dall sheep, from two years of preparation to a day-one stalk in the Yukon. After passing younger rams, he and his guides close to 127 yards before taking an old ram, followed by a week spent soaking in camp life and the experience.

Shane Mahoney joins us for a timely discussion on the future of hunting and its role in conservation. Exploring shifting public attitudes, wildlife management challenges, and the importance of hunter engagement, he examines what it will take to ensure hunting remains a valued part of conservation for generations to come.

Brett Wiedmann and Kevin Hurley discuss the restoration of North Dakota bighorn sheep, tracing the effort from early translocation failures to the successful introduction of Missouri River Breaks sheep from Montana, and the lasting impact on bighorn conservation and hunting opportunities in the state.

Maddie Richards talks with Montana hunter Tristan Richter about landing an international sheep hunt through the <1 Club program. They cover the hunt itself, the people he met along the way, and how getting involved in the wild sheep community led to an experience he never expected.

Bozeman, Montana. September 3, 2025. The Wild Sheep Foundation has again partnered with Montana-based MTNTOUGH for another TOUGH SHEEP workout for the upcoming 2026 Sheep Show® in Reno. TOUGH SHEEP is a physical workout event for anyone looking to test their conditioning or add to their fitness routine that best simulates the rigors of a sheep hunt.

Dan Gates with Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management is on the frontlines of a ballot box biology battle in Colorado and the hits just keep on coming. Now it’s a push to restructure how wildlife is managed “or not” by establishing a new replacement to Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

WSF was a proud supporter of the Boone and Crockett Club’s previous Big Game Awards and is pleased to be back sponsoring this latest celebration of big game hunting and conservation. The Club’s records program is a living reminder of what excellence in nature looks like when aided by conservation-minded sportsmen. These fine specimens, and the Fair Chase hunters who were fortunate enough to have taken them, should be celebrated.