Talk Is Sheep

Hana Erikson and Rebecca Peters sit down with Jann Demaske, Secretary of the Wild Sheep Foundation and Chair of the 1 Campfire program.Jann shares her story of how she found her way into conservation and hunting, how she met her husband, and how they introduced their daughters to hunting at a young age. She is humble, deeply respected, and someone who truly leads through service. For over a decade, Jann has poured her time and heart into volunteering with the Wild Sheep Foundation. Her passion for conservation, mentorship, and community is inspiring. We talk about why mentorship matters for both women and men in the conservation and hunting space, what keeps her coming back and the lifelong friendships built through this work. Jann reminds us to think about the next generation, how we protect wildlife, preserve hunting heritage, and continue raising critical funds for wild sheep so they are here for generations to come.You don’t want to miss this conversation. Listen Now! Presented by: @sitkagearSupported 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 longtime conservationist and Wild Sheep mainstay Don Stevenson. From growing up hunting in Alberta to becoming a dedicated supporter in the wild sheep world, Don shares the moments that shaped his conservation ethic—and why giving back isn’t optional if we want wildlife to thrive.The conversation weaves through Don’s 27+ years in conservation and the unexpected path that turned Don’s passion for knife making into a fundraising engine for mountain wildlife. Along the way, Kyle and Don dig into modern wildlife-management challenges, the need for stronger collaboration across organizations, and why outdoor education belongs in the classroom if we want the next generation to care.This episode of Talk is Sheep is brought to you by Penticton Honda.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported 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 Kyle Kamp (Mountain Tough) to talk about the often-missed edge in mountain hunting: nutrition that’s consistent, flexible, and hunt-proof.Kyle breaks down why macronutrients matter, how to build a plan that actually fits real life, and why autonomy and flexibility are critical for long-term success—especially when training for the mountains. He also shares his personal weight-loss journey that launched his career in nutrition, and offers practical, field-ready strategies for maintaining energy on long days, staying fueled during multi-day hunts, and using supplements the right way (as support—not a substitute).If you want to show up stronger, recover faster, and keep your engine running when it counts, this one’s for you.Key takeawaysConsistency beats perfection—every time.Flexibility and autonomy make nutrition sustainable.Macronutrients directly impact performance and recovery.Planning your hunt nutrition is essential for success.Supplements can help, but fundamentals come first.Community support accelerates progress and accountability.Presented by: @sitkagear Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @wild_tv @schnee_hunt @precision.optics @gunwerks

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 In this episode, we cover: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 Supporter credits (Talk is Sheep)Presented by: @sitkagearSupported 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

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: @sitkagearSupported 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 nothingThe therapeutic and grounding nature of working with animalsHow Custom Pack Rigging came into his hands — and what he’s building for the futureThe importance of preserving old-school horsemanship and mountain hunting traditionsBringing youth and women into the pack-horse worldCommunity, mentorship, and the responsibility every sheep hunter carriesThe upcoming Horse Packing Competition at the Northern Fundraiser — and why you should throw your name in the ringThis 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.Presented by: @sitkagearSupported by:@yeti@zeisshunting@frontiersmengear@onxhunt@stoneglacier@wild_tv@schnee_hunt@precision.optics@gunwerks