Whether on a multi-day campaign or day hike hunt, if we're not fueling the machine properly, are we still hunting at a high level, or just out on the mountain, or worse?

A fascinating discussion with Kyle Kamp and Valley to Peak Nutrition and Julie Tripp, WSF's Director of Awards & Publications, on the realities and nuances of how nutrition and hydration play key roles in an often overlooked or misunderstood part of a hunting and fitness lifestyle, which is applicable every day.

Learn more at v2pnutrition.com

More maulings, deaths, and livestock losses. More lawsuits, political posturing, and ballot initiatives. More misinformation and fundraising over what should be a conservation story, turned into a tragedy. Are we asking the US Fish & Wildlife Service to make decisions based on science or values?

We visit with WSF's Legislative Affairs expert and consultant, Greg Schildwachter, who has had these issues and the Endangered Species Act in his portfolio for the past 25 years, to find out how we got here, what's really happening behind the provocative headlines, and if there is a common-sense way forward that will work for people and

When Chelsea drew a coveted Alaska sheep tag, she knew it would require everything—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode, she walks listeners through the full journey: months of preparation, the doubt and determination that shaped her mindset, and the pivotal moments on the mountain that tested her limits. Hunting alongside another woman added a unique layer of support and camaraderie, reminding her that shared grit can carry you further than sheer strength.

Chelsea about the highs and lows of the hunt, from chasing rams across steep country to the quiet moments of reflection when no one else was around. Her story reveals the dedication behind a dream hunt and the sense of fulfillment that comes from earning every step. This isn't just a hunt—it's a testament to what happens when passion, preparation, and opportunity collide.

Whether you're a seasoned mountain hunter or simply someone who loves stories of perseverance, this episode will leave you inspired to chase your own "once-in-a-lifetime" goals.

In this episode of Sheep Fever, we sit down with Gunwerks founder Aaron Davidson—an innovator and engineer who's helped redefine precision shooting and modern rifle systems. Davidson shares the philosophy behind Gunwerks' "Unrivaled Shooting Experience," a concept built around integrating advanced technology, smart design, and real-world performance to create better shooters and more ethical hunters.

But this conversation goes deeper than gear. Davidson challenges us to think about the experience of shooting—the connection between preparation, confidence, and respect for the game we pursue. Whether you're a long-range enthusiast or simply want to make your first shot count when it matters most, you'll take something valuable from this discussion.

Tune in to Sheep Fever as we explore how precision, purpose, and innovation intersect in the field with Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks.

In this special episode of Sheep Fever, we sit down with the candidates for the 2026 Wild Sheep Foundation Board of Directors—four passionate individuals with deep roots in conservation and a shared commitment to wild sheep and the hunting heritage that sustains them.

At 02:49, Jann Demaske shares how her connection to wild sheep has shaped her life and leadership. She focused on the importance of strong advocacy, community involvement, and protecting both the animals and the traditions that make conservation possible.

At 17:27, Charlie Kelly reflects on his long history with WSF and the conservation world. With years of experience leading collaborative projects, he talks about the power of partnerships, the challenges wild sheep still face, and how strategic fundraising keeps critical work moving forward.

At 35:20, Ken Locke brings a hands-on perspective, emphasizing his desire to be a working board member who helps create real, measurable change. He speaks about making sheep hunting and conservation accessible to more people and keeping the focus on results that matter for wildlife.

Finally, at 48:54, Logan Young shares his excitement for what's ahead—discussing youth engagement, long-term planning, and ways to build on WSF's momentum to strengthen future conservation efforts.

Together, these conversations capture the dedication, experience, and heart behind each candidate—and the shared goal that unites them all: to put and keep wild sheep on the mountain for generations to come.

In this Sheep Fever – Kicked Out episode, host Maddie Richards catches up with John Hubbard to hear the story of his recent sheep hunt in the Yukon. For John, the trip represented more than just a hunt—it was the culmination of years of dreaming, planning, and preparing for one of the toughest adventures in North America.

He walks listeners through the entire journey, from gearing up and training to the demanding days in steep, unforgiving terrain. John talks about the grind of the mountains, the emotional ups and downs, and the moments of awe that remind hunters why they chase wild sheep in the first place. From the early morning glassing sessions to the final approach on his ram, every step tested his determination and deepened his appreciation for the experience.

Along the way, Maddie and John reflect on how the pursuit of a sheep isn't just about the harvest—it's about the personal growth, the connection to wild places, and the respect for the animals that call them home.

Whether you've hunted sheep yourself or dream of making that journey someday, John's story captures the essence of what it means to be part of the mountain hunting tradition.

In this episode of Kicked Out stories, Maddie Richards sits down with Mike Aiazzi to talk about his journey to drawing a coveted sheep tag in Nevada. Together, they explore the emotional weight of the hunt, the preparation it required, and the meaningful role of family and memories in the experience.

Mike shares insights on the challenges he faced in the field, the beauty of Nevada's landscapes, and how this hunt has shaped his work with the Wild Sheep Foundation. This episode highlights the deeper connections hunting can foster and underscores the vital importance of conservation.

Celebrating its 80th year of manufacturing some of the finest, fastest, accurate, hardest-hitting, and most innovative firearms and rifle cartridges in the industry, Weatherby, Inc. is not letting the recent downturn in the firearms and ammunition community slow them down. The post-pandemic surge in sales of both firearms and ammunition, as well as recent tariffs and the uncertainty they have spawned, has caused a short-term malaise in firearms and ammunition purchases. But rather than pause, the Skunkworks in Weatherby's Sheridan, Wyoming-based factory and HQ, is in hyperdrive. Mindful of 80 glorious years, retro clothing, ammunition packaging, and new rifles and shotgun offerings are keeping Weatherby in the game…and at its top.

Sheep Fever co-host Gray N. Thornton is joined by Weatherby CEO Adam Weatherby and COO Luke Thorkildsen for a deep dive into the industry, it's future, and why this fine brand keeps designing, producing, and offering rifles that epitomize Roy's mantra from decades before – Tomorrow's Rifles Today. From the bold, yet universal 307 platform, fine yet affordable shotguns, to the just-launched 80th Anniversary Mark V, masterfully combining yesterday's classic design with today's materials and innovation, to top secret hints of what's to come, this episode it spot-on for the Weatherby enthusiast, collector, mountain hunter, wing shooter, and firearms aficionado.

Celebrating its 80th year of manufacturing some of the finest, fastest, accurate, hardest-hitting, and most innovative firearms and rifle cartridges in the industry, Weatherby, Inc. is not letting the recent downturn in the firearms and ammunition community slow them down. The post-pandemic surge in sales of both firearms and ammunition, as well as recent tariffs and the uncertainty they have spawned, has caused a short-term malaise in firearms and ammunition purchases. But rather than pause, the Skunkworks in Weatherby’s Sheridan, Wyoming-based factory and HQ, is in hyperdrive. Mindful of 80 glorious years, retro clothing, ammunition packaging, and new rifles and shotgun offerings are keeping Weatherby in the game…and at its top. 

Sheep Fever co-host Gray N. Thornton is joined by Weatherby CEO Adam Weatherby and COO Luke Thorkildsen for a deep dive into the industry, it’s future, and why this fine brand keeps designing, producing, and offering rifles that epitomize Roy’s mantra from decades before – Tomorrow’s Rifles Today. From the bold, yet universal 307 platform, fine yet affordable shotguns, to the just-launched 80th Anniversary Mark V, masterfully combining yesterday’s classic design with today’s materials and innovation, to top secret hints of what’s to come, this episode it spot-on for the Weatherby enthusiast, collector, mountain hunter, wing shooter, and firearms aficionado.

Recent data from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) estimates that there are ~100,000 free-roaming aoudad west of the Pecos River. To put that in perspective, that is more than the entire bighorn (Rocky Mountain, California, & desert) population in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Texas was home to more than 1,800 desert bighorn sheep just a decade ago – a historical high and a success story population re-established through efforts by TPWD, WSF Affiliate Texas Bighorn Society (TBS), the Wild Sheep Foundation, and other Texas-based hunter/conservationist organizations. Today, that number has dwindled to about 400. Desert bighorns in Texas are in jeopardy of being extirpated for a second time. The cause? Competition for forage and water, and disease from the invasive aoudad, first introduced as a hunting species by TPWD in 1957 in Palo Duro Canyon.

To some, aoudad are a trophy species and an alternative to high-cost indigenous wild sheep hunts. But at what cost? Are we willing to lose native desert bighorns in Texas and replace them with a non-native invasive goat-like alternative? This is what is at stake.

Aoudad females can breed twice a year and usually give birth to twins. Compared to the desert bighorn ewe's once-a-year and normal single lamb, desert bighorns are at the wrong end of the reproductive dynamic. And, like feral hogs, aoudad outcompete native bighorns, mule deer, and even domestic stock in the arid and fragile habitat they inhabit. As some Texas biologists have stated, "aoudad can eat rocks and thrive on them."

So, what can be done? WSF recently adopted a policy to prohibit the promotion of (exotic) aoudad hunting in our Award programs, publications, messaging, raffles, and conventions. Is this enough?

In this episode, Sheep Fever co-host and WSF President & CEO Gray N. Thornton discusses this issue and WSF's new policy with Texans WSF Director, and TBS immediate past president Sam Cunningham, TBS president and former WSF staffer Clay Brewer, and COO and EVP of Conservation Corey Mason.