Talk Is Sheep

Kyle Stelter and Greg Rensmaag

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. Women Shaping Conservation: Stories from the Wild Sheep Family

    1 DAY AGO

    Women Shaping Conservation: Stories from the Wild Sheep Family

    In this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana Erikson takes over the mic from Branded Rock Canyon in DeBeque, Colorado, during the Wild Sheep Foundation Chapters and Affiliates Summit. Joined by Jann Demaske, Megan Costanza, Hadli Sorenson, and Dr. Helen Schwantje, this conversation celebrates the women helping shape the future of wild sheep conservation. From banquet halls and boardrooms to field projects, youth education, wildlife health, backcountry experiences, and chapter leadership, this episode highlights the many ways women are driving conservation forward. The group shares laughs, personal stories, career reflections, and honest perspectives on hunting, non-hunting conservation roles, mentorship, and the importance of welcoming more people into the wild sheep family. The conversation also touches on Women Shaping Conservation, Elevate, One Campfire, chapter and affiliate collaboration, and the need to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. It is heartfelt, funny, unfiltered, and a strong reminder that there is a place for everyone in conservation. In this episode, we cover: A live conversation from Branded Rock Canyon in DeBeque, ColoradoThe Wild Sheep Foundation Chapters and Affiliates SummitThe role of women in wild sheep conservationHow non-hunters, hunters, biologists, event leaders, volunteers, and advocates all contribute to conservationHadley Sorensen’s leadership with Utah Wild SheepDr. Helen Schwantje’s remarkable career in wildlife health and wild sheep workThe growth of Women Shaping Conservation and the Elevate backcountry eventOne Campfire and the importance of reaching the non-hunting publicWhy mentorship, youth education, and succession matterThe strength of the wild sheep “family” across chapters and affiliatesA call to action for more women and new voices to get involved Whether you hunt, fish, hike, volunteer, fundraise, study wildlife, organize events, or simply care about wild places, there is a place for you in conservation. This episode is your invitation to get involved, ask questions, show up, and help keep wild sheep on the mountain. Talk is Sheep is presented by @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

    1hr 5min
  2. Black Death in Limpopo with Chris Barker

    6 MAY

    Black Death in Limpopo with Chris Barker

    In this episode, Kyle Stelter and Chris Barker continue their South African adventure from the Limpopo province with a story that neither of them saw coming. What began as a plains game safari quickly turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hunt Cape buffalo — one of Africa’s legendary Big Five. Chris shares the full story of how the hunt unfolded: the unexpected phone call, the pressure surrounding an escaped buffalo bull, the patience required to stalk through swirling winds and wary cows, and the incredible professionalism of their PH, Jacques. From the tension of the final approach to the emotion of walking up on an old buffalo bull, this conversation captures the weight, respect, and responsibility that comes with hunting dangerous game. Kyle and Chris also reflect on the deeper lessons from South Africa’s wildlife management model, the role of private land stewardship, the value of wildlife, and the abundance of game on the landscape. While very different from the North American model, their experience sparks an honest discussion about conservation, investment, habitat, science-based management, and what hunters back home might learn from other systems around the world. This episode is about much more than pulling the trigger. It is about opportunity, trust, reverence for wildlife, hunting culture, friendship, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks Episode Sponsor: Stone Glacier

    1hr 9min
  3. Built for the Mountain: Mike Drury on Alpine Rifle Craft, Legacy, and the Future of Canadian-Made Rifles

    29 APR

    Built for the Mountain: Mike Drury on Alpine Rifle Craft, Legacy, and the Future of Canadian-Made Rifles

    On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle welcomes back Mike Drury, founder of Alpine Riflecraft, for a wide-ranging conversation on rifles, business, family, and legacy in the mountain hunting community. Mike shares how Alpine Riflecraft has evolved since its early days, from launching its first lightweight mountain rifles to expanding chambering options, barrel contours, and future product offerings. The discussion dives into the realities of building a premium Canadian-made rifle company, navigating market demand, staying true to a clear brand identity, and creating rifles designed first and foremost for hunters. Kyle and Mike also talk about the growing interest in Canadian-made products, the challenges and opportunities of serving both Canadian and U.S. markets, and why word of mouth, trust, and community remain such powerful drivers in the hunting world. Mike breaks down some of Alpine Riflecraft’s newest developments, including the Ridgeline barrel contour, growing demand for 7mm offerings, interest in left-handed actions, switch-barrel options, and the company’s plans to offer actions for custom builders. Beyond the rifles, this episode is also about legacy. Mike reflects on leaving a comfortable engineering career to pursue Alpine Riflecraft full-time, involving his children in the business, and building something that may one day become generational. Kyle and Mike also discuss the importance of getting kids outdoors, exposing them to conservation culture, and ensuring the next generation understands the “why” behind hunting, conservation, and community. This is a great conversation for anyone interested in mountain rifles, Canadian manufacturing, entrepreneurship, family, and the future of hunting culture. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

    1hr 13min
  4. Raw Africa: Hunting the Limpopo with Chris Barker

    15 APR

    Raw Africa: Hunting the Limpopo with Chris Barker

    Fresh from the field in South Africa, Kyle Stelter and Chris Barker sit down on day three of their safari to recap the first leg of an unforgettable hunt in the Limpopo region. Recorded live on location, this episode captures the raw sounds and energy of Africa—from swirling winds and distant wildlife to honest reflections after long days in the bush. The two discuss the journey to camp, first impressions of Bosveld Jacobs, and the incredible abundance of wildlife they’ve already encountered, including giraffe, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, sable, kudu, and more. They also break down the challenges of bowhunting and spot-and-stalk hunting in Africa, where swirling winds, thick cover, and countless watchful eyes make every approach a true test. Kyle and Chris share the excitement of early success on zebra and blue wildebeest, the emotional highs and lows that come with hunting, and the deep respect they’ve gained for the trackers, professional hunters, and landowners who make this experience possible. The conversation also dives into wildlife management in South Africa, touching on habitat work, predator management, disease prevention, and the private-land conservation model that has created an astonishing richness of game on the landscape. This is a candid, boots-on-the-ground episode about hunting, conservation, camp life, and seeing Africa for the first time through the eyes of mountain hunters from British Columbia. Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks This episode is also sponsored by WSSBC Conservation Partner, @gunwerks.

    42 min

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.

You Might Also Like