Talk Is Sheep

Kyle Stelter and Greg Rensmaag
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  • Wilderness
  • Every two weeks

Welcome to Talk is Sheep — the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia. Join host Kyle Stelter and the Directors of WSSBC as they sit down with passionate guests from the mountain hunting and conservation community. From unforgettable backcountry adventures to in-depth conversations about wild sheep and the future of habitat conservation, this is where storytelling meets stewardship. Contact: kstelter@wildsheepsociety.com The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Listener discretion is advised.

  1. 6 days ago

    Saving Okanagan Bighorns with Mackenzie Clarke: The Fight Against Psoroptic Mange

    California bighorn sheep in British Columbia’s Okanagan are facing a serious and unfamiliar threat. Psoroptic mange is a highly contagious disease caused by mites that attack the skin, producing severe itching, crusting, hair loss, poor body condition and, in the worst cases, death. In this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter is joined by Mackenzie Clarke of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Wild Sheep Society of BC Vice President Peter Gutche for an in-depth look at the groundbreaking Okanagan Bighorn Psoroptes Treatment Trial. Mackenzie explains how 28 bighorn sheep were captured and moved into four five-acre research enclosures on Penticton Indian Band land. The team is testing three treatment approaches—moxidectin, fluralaner and a combination of both—to determine which treatment is most effective and how long it can protect sheep from reinfestation. The preliminary results are encouraging. Sheep treated with fluralaner or the combination treatment remained free of mange for at least 86 days at the time of the webinar, while moxidectin used alone did not provide the same results. Animals that entered the trial in extremely poor condition have regained body mass, grown back hair and shown remarkable improvements in their overall health. The conversation also explores the broader challenges facing Okanagan bighorns, including Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, bluetongue virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, habitat fragmentation and poor lamb recruitment. Mackenzie and Peter discuss what it could take to move treatment from the research pens onto the landscape and ultimately treat entire wild herds. This project represents conservation at its best: Indigenous leadership, scientific research, community participation, volunteer commitment and collaboration between the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Penticton Indian Band, Wild Sheep Society of BC, Wild Sheep Foundation, Washington Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation, government, researchers and conservation partners from across North America. It is an inspiring story about people coming together to confront a devastating wildlife disease—and to give Okanagan bighorn sheep a healthier future. Talk Is Sheep is the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Presented by @sitkagear. Supported by @yeti, @zeisshunting, @frontiersmengear, @onxhunt, @stoneglacier, @wild_tv, @schnee_hunt, @precision.optics and @gunwerks.

    Saving Okanagan Bighorns with Mackenzie Clarke: The Fight Against Psoroptic Mange

  2. 15 Jul

    Refuse to Be Denied: Sheep Hunting with Adam Foss

    On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter sits down with renowned bowhunter, photographer, filmmaker and conservation advocate Adam Foss for a wide-ranging conversation about what it truly takes to become a successful sheep hunter. Recorded as part of the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s Summer Webinar Series, this episode is an open and honest question-and-answer session covering sheep hunting, physical preparation, mental resilience, optics, glassing strategies, gear selection and backcountry decision-making. Adam explains why bowhunting sheep requires complete commitment, why boots and backpacks can make or break a mountain hunt, and why hunters should spend more time behind their optics instead of continually searching for the next valley. He also shares practical advice on digiscoping, selecting binoculars and spotting scopes, preparing with a hunting partner and using digital mapping without becoming overly committed to a plan. The conversation goes far beyond equipment. Adam discusses embracing discomfort, completing difficult tasks when motivation is low and developing the mentality to keep hunting when the weather turns, the food runs low and the comforts of home begin calling. He also reflects on how becoming a father has changed his approach to risk, time in the mountains and balancing a deep love of sheep hunting with his responsibilities at home. At the heart of the episode is a powerful reminder: successful sheep hunters refuse to be denied. They remain positive, adapt when plans fall apart and understand that some of the greatest opportunities arrive during the final days of a hunt. Whether you are preparing for your first sheep hunt or have spent decades in the mountains, this conversation will leave you informed, motivated and grateful for the extraordinary privilege of pursuing wild sheep. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: Supported by YETI, ZEISS Hunting, Frontiersmen Gear, onX Hunt, Stone Glacier, Wild TV, Schnee’s, Precision Optics, and Gunwerks. Talk Is Sheep is the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia.

    Refuse to Be Denied: Sheep Hunting with Adam Foss

  3. 8 Jul

    Leading the Charge for Wild Sheep: Greg Rensmaag on Legacy, Leadership & Conservation

    On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle sits down with Greg Rensmaag, President of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, for a candid conversation about leadership, conservation, wild sheep, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding one of the most iconic wildlife resources in North America. Greg has been at the helm of WSSBC through a period of significant growth and impact. Under his leadership, the Society continues to deliver meaningful work for wild sheep across British Columbia, supported by a dedicated board, staff, volunteers, members, partners, and conservation-minded supporters from across the province and beyond. In this conversation, Greg reflects on what makes the Wild Sheep Society of BC so effective: a strong volunteer board, a committed staff team, and a community that consistently shows up when wild sheep need it most. He speaks to the importance of healthy organizational leadership, noting that strong boards and aligned teams are critical to keeping conservation work moving forward. Kyle and Greg also dig into the major issues facing wild sheep in British Columbia today, including disease, habitat loss, predation, and the ongoing need for education. Greg shares his perspective on the threats posed by respiratory disease such as Movi, the importance of landscape-level habitat work like prescribed burns and brushing, and the role predators can play in fragile sheep populations. The conversation highlights several major WSSBC priorities, including the Fraser River Test and Remove project, the Okanagan Psoroptes Treatment Trial, northern prescribed burns for Stone’s sheep habitat, horn-aging education, and the continued push to grow awareness around wild sheep conservation. Greg also reflects on British Columbia’s unique responsibility. BC is home to all four North American wild sheep subspecies: Dall’s, Stone’s, Rocky Mountain bighorn, and California bighorn sheep. That privilege comes with a tremendous obligation to ensure these animals and their habitats are conserved for future generations. Listeners will also hear Greg’s personal story: growing up in a hunting family, learning from his father and grandfather, and now passing that heritage on to his own children. His reflections on legacy, youth, and conservation remind us that the future of wildlife depends on the people we inspire today. The episode closes with a call to action for WSSBC members and supporters. Whether it is volunteering at an event, joining a sheep count, helping with projects, becoming a member, or simply sharing the message, every contribution matters. This is a heartfelt, honest, and important conversation with one of the key leaders behind the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Presented by SITKA Gear. Supported by YETI, ZEISS Hunting, Frontiersmen Gear, onX Hunt, Stone Glacier, Wild TV, Schnee’s, Precision Optics, and Gunwerks.

    Leading the Charge for Wild Sheep: Greg Rensmaag on Legacy, Leadership & Conservation

  4. 1 Jul

    Fraser River Test and Remove: Recovering Bighorns with Chris Procter

    On this episode of Talk is Sheep, we bring listeners inside a special WSSBC summer webinar featuring Chris Procter, Provincial Wild Sheep and Mountain Goat Specialist, for an in-depth update on the Fraser River Test and Remove project. Chris walks through the history, science, and results of this major wild sheep recovery effort, including the impacts of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae — MOVI — on Fraser River bighorn sheep, the role of female carriers in lamb mortality, and how targeted test and remove work is helping improve lamb survival across treated bands. The conversation also features WSSBC Vice President and Project Chair Chris Barker, who shares how this project grew from a simple conversation into a multi-million-dollar conservation effort, and Hana Erikson, who highlights the importance of volunteer sheep counts, lamb monitoring, and community involvement on the Fraser. This webinar-style episode is a powerful look at science-based wildlife management, collaboration, policy challenges, and the on-the-ground conservation work required to recover and protect wild sheep in British Columbia. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

    Fraser River Test and Remove: Recovering Bighorns with Chris Procter

  5. 24 Jun

    Building the Next Generation with Joe Eppele

    On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle and Hana sit down with Joe Eppele, WSSBC Director, Chair of the Youth Committee, host of The Edge on Wild TV, former professional football player, and passionate advocate for hunting, conservation, and the next generation. Joe shares his story of growing up in Squamish, BC, where hunting, fishing, mushroom picking, family, hard work, and time outdoors shaped the foundation of his life. From there, the conversation follows Joe through college football at Washington State, a professional football career, an MBA, and eventually a path back home to British Columbia and into the outdoor industry. At the heart of this episode is youth, family, and the future of hunting. Joe talks about why introducing kids to the outdoors matters, how WSSBC’s youth initiatives and Half Curl Membership are helping build the next generation of conservationists, and why hunters need to be thoughtful, articulate, and intentional when communicating our values to the broader public. This is an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about family, stewardship, communication, sacrifice, opportunity, and the responsibility we all share to keep wild sheep on the mountain for generations to come. Presented by: @sitkagear Sponsored by: @wild_tv Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @gunwerks @schnee_hunt @precision.optics

    Building the Next Generation with Joe Eppele

  6. 17 Jun

    Colorado, Rewilding, and the Future of Hunting with Dan Gates

    On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter is joined by guest co-host Jann Demaske, Chair of 1Campfire, for a powerful and timely conversation with Dan Gates, Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management. Colorado has become one of the front lines in the fight over hunting, wildlife management, ballot-box biology, predator management, and the future of science-based conservation. Dan has been at the centre of that fight, helping lead the successful opposition to Proposition 127 while continuing to advocate for hunting, fishing, trapping, agriculture, and responsible wildlife management. Kyle, Jann, and Dan dive into the rise of anti-hunting ballot initiatives, the dangers of rewilding and preservationist ideology, the lessons learned from wolf reintroduction, the importance of defending all legal methods of take, and why hunters, anglers, trappers, ranchers, conservation organizations, and non-hunting allies must stand together. The conversation also explores Colorado’s Initiative 302, the effort to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish, and what hunters across North America can learn from Colorado’s fight. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who cares about hunting heritage, wildlife conservation, science-based management, and the future of our outdoor traditions. For more information and to support visit: www.savethehuntcolorado.com and www.savecoheritage.org Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

    Colorado, Rewilding, and the Future of Hunting with Dan Gates

  7. 10 Jun

    Predators, Hounds, and a Life on the Track with Dan Lay

    On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana sits down in 150 Mile House, British Columbia, with legendary predator control specialist, houndsman, trapper, and wildlife management professional Dan Lay. Dan brings a remarkable and hard-earned story to the podcast. Raised in a predator control family, he grew up around hounds, traplines, cougar complaints, livestock conflicts, and the realities of human-wildlife interaction in British Columbia. Over the course of his career, Dan has worked on grizzly, wolf, and cougar studies, responded to some of the most serious predator conflict files in the province, and built a line of working hounds known for their grit, intelligence, and ability to perform when the pressure is at its highest. This first episode begins with Dan’s early life, his struggles in school, his introduction to hounds, and the path that led him into government predator control work at a young age. From there, Hana and Dan dive into early cougar complaints on Vancouver Island, the politics of predator management, the pressure of responding to livestock and human safety concerns, and the deep trust required between a houndsman and his dogs. Dan also shares powerful stories from the field, including the role his dogs played in serious cougar conflict situations, the importance of genetics and instinct in working hounds, and the story of his first dog, Mike, and his first cougar hunt as a teenager. This is the first episode in what will become a multi-part series with Dan Lay. Future conversations will explore hound lineage, cougar behaviour, wolf trapping, grizzly work, predator-prey relationships, conservation, and the lessons learned from a lifetime spent working in wild places. This is a raw, honest, and deeply educational conversation about predators, working dogs, wildlife conflict, and the responsibility that comes with managing animals at the intersection of conservation, public safety, and rural life. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

    Predators, Hounds, and a Life on the Track with Dan Lay

  8. 3 Jun

    Trailblazers, Campfires, and the Fight for Hunting Heritage with Amy Shaffer

    On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana Erikson is again joined by guest co-host Jann Demaske, Chair of 1Campfire, for a powerful conversation with Amy Schaffer of Branded Rock Canyon. Amy brings a remarkable story to the podcast: Olympic rower, wildlife professional, videographer, hunter, guide, and General Manager of Branded Rock Canyon in western Colorado. From the mountains of British Columbia to the wild places of Alaska, Africa, Asia, and beyond, Amy has lived a life shaped by grit, adventure, wildlife, and a deep connection to hunting culture. The conversation begins with Branded Rock Canyon and its mission to prepare hunters for the moment that matters most in the field. From there, Hana, Jann, and Amy dive into mountain hunting, women in the hunting space, wild meat, conservation funding, predator management, firearms rights, and the urgent need for hunters to speak up, stand together, and defend our shared hunting heritage. This is a wide-ranging, honest, and inspiring conversation about grit, wild places, conservation, and the responsibility we all share to protect the future of hunting. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

    Trailblazers, Campfires, and the Fight for Hunting Heritage with Amy Shaffer
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About

Welcome to Talk is Sheep — the official podcast of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia. Join host Kyle Stelter and the Directors of WSSBC as they sit down with passionate guests from the mountain hunting and conservation community. From unforgettable backcountry adventures to in-depth conversations about wild sheep and the future of habitat conservation, this is where storytelling meets stewardship. Contact: kstelter@wildsheepsociety.com The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Listener discretion is advised.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Stelter and Greg Rensmaag
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    298
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Talk Is Sheep
  • Show Website
    Talk Is Sheep

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