Safeguarding Bighorns – A Health Initiative in the Kootenays

New Episode: Safeguarding Bighorns – A Health Initiative in the Kootenays

In this episode, we’re joined by the Provincial Wildlife Veterinarian Caeley Thacker and WSSBC representative, Josh Hamilton to discuss an exciting new initiative aimed at protecting one of British Columbia’s most iconic species — the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

We’re proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive wild sheep health project in the Kootenay region. This collaborative effort will focus on gathering critical data on disease presence, environmental contaminants, and overall herd health. The information collected will play a key role in identifying emerging threats and informing habitat restoration and conservation strategies across the region.

A call to action is going out to Region 4 guide outfitters and Limited Entry Hunt (LEH) permit holders: you can make a significant impact by collecting biological samples from any bighorn sheep you harvest this year. Sampling kits and detailed instructions will be available throughout the summer.

Order your free sampling kit here: https://forms.gle/bTWBqCuKee23Depd7

This project is a collaboration between the BC Wildlife Health Program, the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, and Wildkin Veterinary Services. Your support and participation are vital in our shared mission to protect wild sheep for generations to come.

Tune in now to learn how hunters, outfitters, and conservationists are working together to ensure a healthy future for BC’s bighorns.

Proudly presented by SITKA Gear.

Supported by our Conservation Partners:

Frontiersmen Gear, Gunwerks, OnX Maps, Precision Optics, Schnee's, Stone Glacier, Wild TV, YETI, and Zeiss