Hello Friends,
Summer in Montana has a way of arriving all at once. Calendars fill quickly, days stretch long, and time outside seems both endless and never quite enough. For many of us in the sheep community, this season also carries a familiar mix of anticipation, excitement, and, for some, disappointment as draw results come in.
First, to those of you who drew a tag this year—congratulations. There’s nothing quite like the opportunity to pursue bighorn sheep in wild country, and we’re excited for you and the season ahead. For those who weren’t as lucky this time around, know that you’re not alone. The reality of limited tags means most of us spend more seasons dreaming than hunting—but that shared pursuit, and the work behind it, is what binds this community together.
While hunting opportunities are a cornerstone of our passion, the work we do as an organization extends far beyond any single season or permit. Summer brings a number of opportunities to get involved—on the ground and behind the scenes. From habitat projects and volunteer days to supporting and engaging with our agency partners, there are meaningful ways for everyone to contribute. Whether you have time to lend a hand, resources to share, or simply a willingness to stay engaged and spread the word, every bit of involvement moves the mission forward.
As I reflect on the energy of this time of year, I’m reminded that what makes this organization special isn’t just the work—it’s the people. It’s the combination of passion, perseverance, and a deep respect for Montana’s wild places and wildlife that continues to drive us forward.
Looking ahead, our Board of Directors will be gathering soon for our annual in-person strategic meeting. This is a time we value deeply—a chance to step back, align on priorities, and dive headlong into the work that supports our mission and long-term vision. These sessions shape the direction of our efforts and ensure that we remain focused, effective, and ready to meet both the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Thank you for being part of this community and for all you do to support Montana’s bighorn sheep.
Take care and enjoy the summer,
Highlights from this Issue
Ten Things to Consider—When Investing in Firearm Training for Women, Men and Every Ethical Hunter
Story by: Erika Putnam, Secretary MTWSF
A friend, who was moving, asked me to stop by so he could give me something before he left town. I agreed to the nice gesture thinking maybe it would be a bottle of bourbon or a keepsake of some kind. Instead, I had quite the surprise. Standing in the kitchen, he handed me a brand new 9 mm with the same casual attitude as if he were giving me a rib steak and a couple of potatoes. “Here ya go, you’re a hunter, you know what to do with these,” he said. I smiled, held it up, looked down the sights, “Mmm… nice.” I accepted as politely as I could and handed it back to him. I was extremely grateful but thought, “Dang it, I really do need to take a handgun class.”
Read the whole article in our Wild Sheep Newsletter, Summer 2026.
Wild Horse Island Update
Story by: Bennie Rossetto, Reg 1 CC Member
In April, Franz Inglefinger, Region One biologist for the Flathead area and Wild Horse Island, asked me to join him and a biologist crew, combing Wild Horse Island, counting bighorn sheep, assessing habitat, and winter mortality. Bighorns were reportedly brought to the island from British Columbia by CSKT tribal members in the early 1900's, but the first to establish themselves were a ram and ewe from the Missions in 1939. Six bighorns from the Sun River herd were relocated there in 1947, and two from Ural/Tweed in 1987. There have been ups and downs (winter kills, lightning strikes, mountain lions), but from 1955 to 2021, the island has been the source of over 500 bighorns translocated to other parts of Montana and the West.
