Bozeman, Montana — 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.

"TOUGH SHEEP was all the buzz at our 2025 convention," said Keith Balfourd, WSF's Director of Marketing and Communications. "There would be a lot of disappointed mountain athletes if we didn’t bring it back for 2026. We also learned a lot after our first go round, so we’ve added some new twists we think our Mountain Toughers will appreciate.” 

MTNTOUGH is the industry leader in fitness, nutritional, and mental toughness programs for mountain athletes. The Sheep Show® is the premier mountain game hunting and conservation expo. The grand prize for participants who complete the TOUGH SHEEP course is a drawing for a Dall’s sheep hunt in Alaska. New for 2026 is the addition of a pro-competition workout.

TOUGH SHEEP will be a multistage workout that mixes cardio and strength training. It will be held on Friday morning, January 23rd, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, home of the Foundation's 49th annual Sheep Show® convention and expo.

"MTNTOUGH is committed to making this event a success and is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Wild Sheep Foundation," explained Weston Paul, MTNTOUGH’s Director of Business Development. "We are confident that the TOUGH SHEEP Workout will be a memorable and impactful event that will benefit wild sheep conservation for years to come."

TOUGH SHEEP is limited to 510 participants running in 30-person waves. Participants can register online for a $150 entry fee. The strictly judged and timed pro-competition workout will be held on Saturday morning, January 24th, with a $100 registration fee. Top pro male and female athletes will receive $2,500 cash or $3,000 in Sheep Show Exhibit Hall Floor Credits. Proceeds from the registration fee will help the Wild Sheep Foundation and its conservation purpose, “To Put and Keep More Wild Sheep on the Mountain®. Last year’s event raised $50,000 for wild sheep conservation efforts.

Paul added, "The workout is designed to simulate the challenges and mental toughness required for a sheep hunt. Participants will face a rigorous workout that mirrors the rugged terrain and physical demands of a sheep hunt. The emphasis will be on completing the workout rather than competition, highlighting the perseverance and determination needed to succeed in both the workout and pursuing a wild sheep ram."

Click here to learn about TOUGH SHEEP and register for the event.
 

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), based in Bozeman, Mont., was founded in 1977 by sportsmen and other wild sheep conservationists. WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, having raised and expended more than $145 million, positively impacting these species through population and habitat enhancements, research and education, and conservation advocacy programs in North America, Europe, and Asia "To Put and Keep Wild Sheep On the Mountain”. In North America, these and other efforts have increased bighorn sheep populations from historic lows in the 1950s-60s of 25,000 to more than 85,000 today. WSF has a membership of more than 11,000 worldwide. 

Tags: Dall's Sheep, Sheep Show, Press Release