In this episode of Less Than One Kicked Out Stories, we sit down with Alberta sheep hunter Kyle Short of Spruce Grove to explore the journey, challenges, and mindset behind pursuing wild sheep.

Kyle grew up in a hunting family, surrounded by stories of the outdoors and influenced by his father’s passion for hunting. Although he was introduced to the experience at a young age, it wasn’t until later that hunting became his own passion. He shares memories from his early days in the field, including a memorable elk camp at 21 that taught him an important lesson: success isn’t always measured by what you bring home.

From there, Kyle’s passion evolved into sheep hunting—drawn to Alberta’s rugged mountains and the opportunity to pursue sheep with an over-the-counter tag. What began with excitement and enthusiasm quickly became a humbling education. Kyle and his friends entered the sheep mountains eager to learn, only to discover just how difficult success could be. It took Kyle 13 years of learning, adapting, failing, and returning before he finally achieved the success he had worked so hard for.

Along the way, Kyle discovered that the toughest part of sheep hunting isn’t always the physical challenge. The long days, steep terrain, weather, and miles are demanding, but the mental battle can be even greater. He opens up about managing expectations, dealing with disappointment, staying motivated through years of unsuccessful hunts, and learning to appreciate the experience rather than becoming consumed by the outcome.

Kyle also takes a look at how Alberta’s sheep-hunting landscape has changed. Advances in technology, gear, and access to information have made sheep hunting more approachable for newcomers, while simultaneously increasing competition and changing the way hunters prepare and pursue animals on public land.

Ultimately, Kyle’s story is about much more than harvesting a sheep. It’s about perseverance, friendship, failure, personal growth, and the stories created along the way.

Join us for a conversation about what it really takes to become a sheep hunter—and why sometimes the hunts that don’t end with a trophy are the ones that teach us the most.

Click here to learn more about the Wild Sheep Foundation's <1 Club.

Tags: Bighorn Sheep, Kicked Out <1 Club, Hunting