Matt Besko—Executive Director of the Hunting and Fishing Branch with Alberta Forestry and Parks—joins Sheep Fever co-host Gray Thornton for a conversation on modern wildlife management. Besko oversees hunting and fishing regulations, allocation, trapping, carnivore management, and human-wildlife coexistence across Alberta.

With more than 30 years working as a wildlife, fisheries, and habitat biologist, he brings a practical perspective on balancing opportunity with long-term conservation. The discussion covers Alberta's management approach, bighorn sheep stewardship, and the realities of managing wildlife across a range of landscapes and competing interests.

They also get into hunting traditions in North America and Europe, and why those roots still matter. It's an honest conversation about the challenges, the tradeoffs, and why this work continues to matter.

In this episode of Sheep Fever, Gray Thornton sits down with Ricardo Olivieri of Beretta to explore what it means to represent a brand with over 500 years of history. Olivieri shares insight into Beretta's enduring philosophy, from its deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship to the generational knowledge passed down through its workforce. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how a firearm moves from concept to completion, highlighting the precision, artistry, and innovation that define the brand.

The episode also touches on Beretta's role in conservation, including a standout moment from the 2026 Sheep Show where a one-of-a-kind SO6 EELL Sparviere Marco Polo shotgun raised more than $500,000. Those funds are now supporting wild sheep conservation efforts through the ION Partnership across Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada—putting a 500-year legacy to work on the ground for wild sheep.

Bighorns in Nebraska? When one thinks of bighorns, you'd likely get a pass if you do not first point to green and yellow fields of corn as far as the eye can see. But there are mountains and excellent bighorn sheep habitat in the cornhusker state. In fact, before their extirpation in the early 1990s, about 1,000 bighorns and particular Audubon bighorns thrived in the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills regions of the Nebraska Panhandle. Over harvest by unregulated hunting, habitat loss, and disease were the primary factors of their disappearance. But due to the conservation efforts of Nebraska Game & Parks, and years of funding by partners such as the Wild Sheep Foundation, Iowa FNAWS, Nebraska Big Game Society, Midwest WSF, and others, bighorns have made a comeback. Translocated in multiple actions, from Montana and Alberta bighorn sheep are back and Nebraska Bighorn Program Lead Todd Nordeen and his exceptional team at Nebraska Game & Parks work tirelessly to keep them there.

Sheep Fever co-host Gray Thornton sits down with Todd to discuss the history of bighorns in the state, their comeback, the set-backs that continue, as well as the path forward to return the their high of 1,000. The two go beyond Nebraska as well, diving into building source stock, the success of captive breeding at a facility in the historic Ft. Robinson State Park, future work at a new disease clearing facility, and the prospects of growing bighorns and thinhorn sheep throughout their range.

Todd is a best in class wild sheep champion, humble, and effective. We're fortunate to call him one of ours in the WSF family.

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.