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The Latest

The Latest in News, Podcasts, and More!

This collection of articles and podcasts showcases the Impact of our Grant-In-Aid funding, current news releases, hunting content, as well as our three podcasts — Sheep Fever, Kicked Out, and Ignite.

Gray Thornton - Hunting & Hospitality

Ignite - Episode 7

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Wild Sheep Foundation President and CEO Gray ThorntonIn this episode of the Ignite podcast, host Dana Dykema sits down with Gray Thornton, President and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. They discuss the aftermath of the Sheep Show and the exciting plans for the foundation's 50th anniversary. Gray shares insights into the adrenaline-fueled experience of organizing such a large event and the meticulous planning that goes into ensuring its success. The conversation delves into the history of the Wild Sheep Foundation, highlighting its evolution from the Foundation of North American Wild Sheep to its current form, and the significant milestones it has achieved over the years.

Gray reflects on his 36-year career in the hunting and conservation industry, sharing personal anecdotes about his journey from a Xerox sales representative to a leading figure in wildlife conservation. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community in the hunting world, recounting how a chance encounter with a banker led him to his first hunting experience and eventually to his role at the Wild Sheep Foundation.

The episode also explores the challenges and triumphs of the foundation, including overcoming legal battles and focusing on conservation efforts. Gray discusses the foundation's commitment to inclusivity and the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all members and guests. He highlights the foundation's impressive fundraising achievements, with 11,000 members raising over $11 million for conservation programs.

Listeners are treated to a vivid recounting of one of Gray's most memorable hunts in Montana, showcasing the physical and emotional challenges of hunting in the wild. The episode concludes with a look at the future of the Wild Sheep Foundation and the exciting plans for the upcoming 50th anniversary Sheep Show.
This episode works because it combines personal storytelling with professional insights, creating an engaging narrative that highlights the passion and dedication behind wildlife conservation.
 

Tags: Women Hunt, Sheep Show

Kicked Out with Becky Carlon

Maddie talks with Becky Carlon about her path into hunting and the emotions behind her recent sheep hunt. They discuss conservation, community, and navigating a male-dominated space, while Becky reflects on memorable moments and shares what’s next in her hunting journey.

Kicked Out with Danny Sanders

Danny Sanders joins Maddie Richards on Kicked Out to share how winning a Sheep Show® hunt led to a demanding British Columbia sheep adventure. He reflects on preparation, rugged terrain, harvesting a legal ram, and the lasting respect for wild places earned along the way.

Kicked Out with Scott Ellis

In this Kicked Out episode, Maddie interviews Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC) CEO Scott Ellis on growing up in the outdoors, advocating for sustainable hunting, GOABC’s role in wildlife management, and the challenge of bighorn sheep hunting—culminating in the moment he's kicked from the Less Than One Club.

Kicked Out with Kyle Gemas

Maddie Richards interviews hunter Kyle Gemas, who shares his path from sports and fishing to sheep hunting. He discusses preparing for and completing a challenging Alaska sheep hunt, the friendships and rewards found in the mountains, and his excitement for upcoming hunts in British Columbia and Kyrgyzstan.

Kicked Out with Ryan McHugh

Ryan McHugh didn’t stumble into sheep hunting—it was the result of years of planning, discipline, and a deep-rooted hunting background shaped by family tradition. In this episode, Ryan walks through the long road that led him north to Canada’s remote sheep country, from physical conditioning and dialing in gear to mentally preparing for the realities of mountain hunting.

Kicked Out with Tony Dubas

Tony shares how a lifetime of hunting led him to a demanding sheep hunt years in the making. He dives into the preparation, physical and mental challenges, the moment he took his ram, and how the experience deepened his commitment to wild sheep conservation.

Kicked Out with Chelsea Lloyd

Chelsea shares the story of her first Alaska sheep hunt—from drawing a rare tag, to intense preparation, to pushing through emotional highs and lows on the mountain. Hunting alongside another woman, she discovers grit, camaraderie, and the joy of achieving a lifelong dream in the wild backcountry.


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