This week on Talk is Sheep, we sit down with longtime Wild Sheep Society of BC supporter and Lex Ross Award recipient Don Lynum.

Don’s love for precision shooting and custom rifles is only matched by his passion for wild sheep conservation. We unpack the origin story behind the BiG BoaR rifle series—created in memory of Don’s friend Dave Marsh (aka “BiG BoaR”), and built into one of the most meaningful fundraising traditions in our community.

Over the last decade, Don has donated 20 rifles in 10 years, a program that has generated an estimated $300,000 for conservation in BC. We also preview the Big Boar 2026 plan and what’s coming next.

Episode Sponsor: Precision Optics

• How Don’s “perfect mountain rifle” obsession started—and why it never really ends
• The legacy of Dave Marsh and the story behind the BiG BoaR name
• The real-world conservation impact of consistent community giving
• A look ahead at the Big Boar 2026 rifles and what makes them special
• 
  

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

What matters most in conservation—perfect opinions, or real effort? In this year-in-review conversation, Kyle Stelter and Greg look back on the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s biggest wins, hard lessons, and the reality of doing conservation work in real time.

They dig into major investments on the ground, the role of the Mountain Wildlife Conservation Society in expanding capacity, and why building a strong national voice for hunting and conservation is more important than ever. You’ll hear updates on cornerstone initiatives like the Fraser River Test-and-Remove program, ongoing habitat restoration for Stone’s sheep, and active wildlife health work—including psoroptes treatment trials—plus the challenges of fire management and long-term landscape stewardship.

The episode also highlights how this work gets done: members, volunteers, and community, from fundraising events and membership promotions to celebrating our people through the RAM Awards and bringing the next generation in. If you care about wild sheep and wild places, this one’s a grounded look at what it takes—and what’s coming next.

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

In this special episode of Talk Is Sheep, we sit down with Frances Golata Nicolson—daughter of famed Stone sheep outfitter Frank Golata—for a rare, first-hand look at a life that can’t be replicated today. Born in Dawson Creek in 1938, Frances shares vivid stories of growing up on a remote quarter section in a log home with no running water, where winter meant melting snow for laundry, food came from the land, and the rhythm of the year revolved around horses, hard work, and the mountains.

Frances walks us through her father’s early journey—an immigrant’s son who couldn’t be kept indoors, who ran away at 19, worked wherever he could, and ultimately found his way north into the Peace. From trapping and homesteading to packing on major northern expeditions, Frank’s life was defined by grit, skill, and an uncompromising standard in the bush. We hear what it took to run two month-long hunting seasons, how trips were organized and supplied, and why Frank’s meticulous preparation (down to checking every fencepost) became legendary.

The conversation also opens a window into Frank Golata the artist and writer—his realistic paintings, his unpublished stories and diaries, and the behind-the-scenes details that shaped his reputation alongside names like Jack O’Connor and iconic northern hunts. Above all, Frances reflects on her father’s principles: respect for wildlife, a caretaker mindset, strict camp rules, and a conservation ethic rooted in lived experience. We also touch on the incredible history behind a Stone sheep ram mount Frances donated—now restored—so it can continue supporting wild sheep conservation for the next generation.

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

This episode of Talk is Sheep features Kyle Stelter in conversation with Nolan Osborne and Tanner Dannish—two familiar names in B.C.’s sheep hunting and conservation community. The trio recaps a standout guiding season, the grind behind “work hard, play hard,” and what it takes to stay sharp when the mountains don’t give you a break.

They also share the story behind Frontiersman Textiles, a new venture focused on building high-quality, Canadian-made gear for serious time in wild country. The conversation wraps around the Ram Awards—an initiative created to celebrate exceptional rams, recognize the people who quietly make conservation happen, and strengthen the community that supports wild sheep in British Columbia.

Entrees are still open until January 31 for a ram harvested during the 2025 season. Be sure to visit: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/ramawards

To sign up for the evening itself visit: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/salute2conservation

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, host Kyle Stelter sits down with Justin Kallusky for an honest, vulnerable conversation about men’s mental health, the pressures men face, and the healing power of time spent in wild places.

Kyle and Justin unpack the cultural expectations around “being a man,” the stigma that keeps so many guys silent, and why asking for help is actually one of the bravest things you can do. Justin shares his own mental health journey, how the outdoors became a lifeline, and how conservation and community have given him renewed purpose.

Together, they explore how wild places, wildlife, and genuine community can support emotional well-being—and why talking openly about mental health could be one of the most important conservation tools we have.

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, Kyle sits down with wildlife scientist Dr. Clayton Lamb to dig into the state of bighorn sheep and wildlife conservation in British Columbia’s Kootenays. From rugged winter ranges to busy valley-bottom highways, Clayton walks us through the complex landscape these sheep are trying to survive in.

We explore how decades of fire exclusion have choked out historic sheep range, and why thinning and slashing are often just the first step toward meaningful habitat restoration. Clayton breaks down how invasive plants, changing forests, and industrial footprints all intersect with predation, highway mortality, and the broader push for human–wildlife coexistence.

Clayton also highlights the critical role of collaborative projects with First Nations, local organizations, and community volunteers. From on-the-ground habitat work to long-term monitoring, he explains how tracking sheep numbers, movement, and survival helps measure what’s working—and what isn’t—as the region adapts its conservation strategies.

Despite the pressures, there’s cautious optimism. The Kootenay bighorn sheep population has been relatively stable, but its future depends on smart management decisions—from LEH policy debates to maintaining migration corridors and keeping sheep off the windshield and on the mountain. If you care about biodiversity, wild sheep, and what real-world conservation looks like in 2025 and beyond, this conversation with Dr. Lamb is a must-listen.

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most recognizable new faces in BC’s mountain hunting community — Tysen Bjorn, owner of Custom Pack Rigging, sheep hunter, devoted dad, and a guy who doesn’t do anything halfway.

Tysen shares the unlikely, honest, and downright gritty story of how he went from a Lower Mainland kid with no horses in his life… to a full-blown horseback mountain hunter with a 15-horse string and ownership of one of the most iconic pack gear companies in Western Canada.

We walk through his early years chasing alpine mule deer, his first transformative trip up the Cassiar, and the life-changing events of 2020 — a season that brought him his first ram and a head-on collision on the drive home that made him rethink everything. The result? A “now or never” moment that launched him into horses, mountain hunting, and ultimately the reins of Custom Pack Rigging.

Tysen talks candidly about the steep learning curve, the suffering, the magic, and the raw honesty of building yourself from the ground up in the horse world. From raising unstarted yearlings, to mentoring from old cowboy hands, to taking his young son Jeremy along for the ride, this is a conversation about legacy — both personal and generational.

We dive deep into:

• The pull toward horses and why it’s all or nothing
• The therapeutic and grounding nature of working with animals
• How Custom Pack Rigging came into his hands — and what he’s building for the future
• The importance of preserving old-school horsemanship and mountain hunting traditions
• Bringing youth and women into the pack-horse world
• Community, mentorship, and the responsibility every sheep hunter carries
• The upcoming Horse Packing Competition at the Northern Fundraiser — and why you should throw your name in the ring
• 
  

This episode is a mix of humour, humility, real talk, hard-won lessons, and a whole lot of passion for the lifestyle that defines the wild sheep community.

If you’re a backpack hunter curious about horses, a young person dreaming of the mountains, or someone who appreciates the “legacy” of our hunting culture — this conversation will hit home.

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

In this episode, Kyle connects with Dallas Safari Club Executive Director, Russell Stacy and Brian Fienhold, Director of Development. from the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) to discuss the organization's mission, global impact, and the importance of conservation and education in the hunting community. They explore the role of volunteers, the success of the DSC convention, and the recent Summer Gala, which saw record attendance and fundraising. The conversation highlights the evolution of DSC as a leader in conservation advocacy and the exciting future events and opportunities for involvement in the organization.

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

In this inspiring episode of Talk Is Sheep, we welcome Keia Holm to discuss the importance of empowering young women in the conservation space. Keia shares her insights on leadership, courage, and redefining what it means to be involved in conservation. We also discuss her journey to hunting and how she grew up in a family that was not supportive of hunting.

Keia highlights how women are shaping the future of conservation and why their voices are vital to the movement. She reminds us that conservation extends far beyond hunting—it’s about support, commitment, and creating sustainable practices that safeguard our natural world. She also talks passionately about how she is inspiring and raising her family in the hunting lifestyle.

She dives into her 2025 Stone's Sheep hunt in Northern BC that she shared with her husband. Keia highlights the highs and lows of the trip and how she over came the challenges BC's nature through at her.

This episode is a call to action for young women to step outside their comfort zones, discover their strengths, and see themselves as the next generation of conservation leaders.

Check out Women Shaping Conservation at www.wildsheepsociety.com/women-shaping-conservation

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

In this episode of Talk Is Sheep, host Kyle Stelter welcomes Justin Spring, Executive Director of Pope and Young, for a deep dive into one of North America’s most respected bowhunting organizations.

Justin shares how Pope and Young is championing ethical bowhunting, wildlife conservation, and hunter advocacy in today’s rapidly changing landscape. From preserving the legacy of fair chase to expanding their conservation footprint, Justin outlines how the organization is blending tradition with modern relevance to engage a new generation of hunters.

Kyle and Justin also discuss the organization’s records program, youth initiatives, and the growing importance of collaboration across conservation partners — ensuring that the values of bowhunting remain strong for generations to come.

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks