It’s show season! I’m on my way to Reno for the Sheep Show right now and looking at the calendar we have many events focused on Bighorn Sheep. The first event on the calendar is Domestic & Wild Sheep Management and Disease Symposium to be held at the Radisson Colonial Hotel in Helena, Montana on the afternoon of February 9th and the morning of February 10th, 2017. The intent is to bring the two constituent groups (domestic sheep producers and wild sheep interests) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks together to develop an understanding of what each of the interests are facing. Our ultimate goal is to establish a wild/domestic sheep working group that will strive for both collaboration and support for finding solutions that can be implemented on the ground. Not necessarily a group that draws more lines on a map, or develops a new plan, but rather one that focuses on continuing problem solving. That has to start by addressing the Human to Human conflict, which is the aim of this conference. We are attempting to end the polarization, i.e. change the course of the discussion away from win/loose to one of collaboration in science and practice. Currently there are experts in Montana that are reluctant to enter into the issue due to these historic “whose science or opinion is better” discussion. The sessions will not provide an opportunity for debate, but rather a description of what each presenter knows in their area of expertise/experience. For more information and details, please email me at: bsolan.bs@gmail.com

Then the real work begins in preparation for our 25th Annual Fundraiser March 3-4, 2017 in Bozeman, MT at the Best Western Plus GranTree Inn. It is the spot to be and there will be some new and exciting raffles and drawings focused on our new and life membership, as well as our taxidermy display. It is sure to be a great event and make sure you get your tickets early for the banquet, as we have sold out early the last two years and had to turn people away because of space limitations. A registration form is included here as well as more information on our Life Member Raffle (an Alaskan Dall Sheep Hunt!!).

Brian Solan,
Montana WSF President

One Last Piece

Story by Kirk Russell

Eight years ago, while filling out permit applications, I discovered that Montana offers an over-the-counter Bighorn Sheep hunting opportunity. I have been a resident of the state all of my life and this was the first I had heard of the “Unlimited” sheep districts. Hunting sheep in my home state had always been a dream, but it’s a fact that many hunters grow old applying for the lottery tags.

Read the whole article in our January 2017 Newsletter.

My Half Slam

Story by Skip Halmes

We were in immediate conflict. I’m confident that my wife, and current hunting partner, keeps a prayerful line of communication open to the Almighty. But I also knew that she wanted to treat this hunt like a expedited military snatch and grab operation. She is a registered nurse and has treated several bear attack victims from this area over the years. We were in prime grizzly country. Meditative was not her present demeanor. It was more what I would describe as “high alert.”

Read the whole article in our January 2017 Newsletter.