Hello Friends, as I sit down to write you this message the chill in the air and the colors outside my window remind me that fall is in full swing. I’m sure many of you are as excited about this as I am. This message, my first, provides me with an opportunity to introduce myself to those of you I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet. I’m honored to have been elected to serve as your president for this upcoming year. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the foundation and legacy of this fantastic organization.

Huge thanks to those of you who participated in our recent Board of Director elections. I’m thrilled to introduce our two newest board directors, Bennie Rossetto and Frans Andersson. You can learn more about both of our new directors in this newsletter. I’m also excited to welcome back Erika Putnam for her second term. I’m excited to have these engaged and enthusiastic individuals on our team. I also want to extend a sincere and deep appreciation to our two departing board members DJ Berg, our past president, and Grant Winn, both of whom served three full terms as directors. Their contributions, commitment, and devotion to this organization cannot be overstated and they will be missed. Luckily for us, I’m sure we’ll continue to see both contributing to the success of our organization.

As DJ mentioned in his farewell address, we continue to build on our positive momentum. The exciting announcement of Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission’s approval of the Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement forever protects 1,080 acres of critical bighorn sheep habitat and grants public access for hunting and recreation. An incredible win for Montana’s wild sheep! We continue to seek out opportunities to put our resources to work to support our mission and vision.

I’m excited to announce that we have a new opportunity for membership support. In this newsletter you’ll find a QR code that allows you to establish a reoccurring donation to support Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, or even make a one-time donation. Our success as an organization is built off the generosity and support of our members. You all make the difference for Montana’s wild sheep.

We are starting to shift our focus to planning our 34th annual banquet and fundraiser, which will once again be in Bozeman, MT on March 6th and 7th, 2026. Last year’s event was a smashing success, and I know this year will be even better. We are always in need of volunteers and donors to help with planning and execution for the event. If you can help or contribute, please reach out to myself or Ty Stubblefield. I’m excited to see old friends and make new ones at this year’s event.

In closing I want to thank each and every one of you for your contributions to the success of this organization. I appreciate the trust you have bestowed upon us to lead and guide the organization. I know we will move the needle for Montana’s wild sheep. I wish you all a safe and happy fall.
Montana Wild Sheep Foundation President