On this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana Erikson is again joined by guest co-host Jann Demaske, Chair of 1Campfire, for a powerful conversation with Amy Schaffer of Branded Rock Canyon.

Amy brings a remarkable story to the podcast: Olympic rower, wildlife professional, videographer, hunter, guide, and General Manager of Branded Rock Canyon in western Colorado. From the mountains of British Columbia to the wild places of Alaska, Africa, Asia, and beyond, Amy has lived a life shaped by grit, adventure, wildlife, and a deep connection to hunting culture.

The conversation begins with Branded Rock Canyon and its mission to prepare hunters for the moment that matters most in the field. From there, Hana, Jann, and Amy dive into mountain hunting, women in the hunting space, wild meat, conservation funding, predator management, firearms rights, and the urgent need for hunters to speak up, stand together, and defend our shared hunting heritage.

This is a wide-ranging, honest, and inspiring conversation about grit, wild places, conservation, and the responsibility we all share to protect the future of hunting.

Presented by: @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

n this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle Stelter welcomes back Kyle Kamp for the second installment in our quarterly mountain nutrition series as we move closer to sheep season.

With the dust of New Year’s resolutions behind us and mountain hunts quickly approaching, Kyle Kamp breaks down how hunters should adjust nutrition as training volume increases. From adding calories without overdoing it, to understanding carbohydrates, protein, hydration, electrolytes, and weight loss, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone preparing for a demanding backcountry hunt.

The conversation also dives into the mental and physical side of mountain readiness, including Kyle Kamp’s annual “Death Hike” with the EXO Mountain Gear crew, the value of building confidence through hard efforts, and why training is not about perfection — it is about becoming more prepared than you were before.

Kyle Kamp explains how to fuel long training sessions, avoid under-eating, manage hydration in hot weather, recognize whether you are a salty sweater, and plan calories for different hunt intensities. Whether you are heading into sheep country, preparing for a mountain hunt, or simply trying to get stronger and leaner for fall, this episode offers timely guidance as the season draws near.

Kyle Kamp’s annual Death Hike preparation

How nutrition should change as training increases

Why carbs matter for mountain performance

Protein needs during hard training

Common mistakes with weight loss before a hunt

How to avoid overtraining

When and how to taper before sheep season

Hydration strategies for long days in the mountains

Electrolytes, salty sweaters, and product selection

How to plan calories for backpack hunts

Fueling for low, moderate, and difficult hunt days

Why consistency matters more than perfection

Presented by: @sitkagear

This episode is sponsored by our conservation partner: @yeti

Supported by:

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

In this episode of Talk is Sheep, Hana Erikson takes over the mic from Branded Rock Canyon in DeBeque, Colorado, during the Wild Sheep Foundation Chapters and Affiliates Summit. Joined by Jann Demaske, Megan Costanza, Hadli Sorenson, and Dr. Helen Schwantje, this conversation celebrates the women helping shape the future of wild sheep conservation.

From banquet halls and boardrooms to field projects, youth education, wildlife health, backcountry experiences, and chapter leadership, this episode highlights the many ways women are driving conservation forward. The group shares laughs, personal stories, career reflections, and honest perspectives on hunting, non-hunting conservation roles, mentorship, and the importance of welcoming more people into the wild sheep family.

The conversation also touches on Women Shaping Conservation, Elevate, One Campfire, chapter and affiliate collaboration, and the need to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. It is heartfelt, funny, unfiltered, and a strong reminder that there is a place for everyone in conservation.

In this episode, we cover:

• A live conversation from Branded Rock Canyon in DeBeque, Colorado
• The Wild Sheep Foundation Chapters and Affiliates Summit
• The role of women in wild sheep conservation
• How non-hunters, hunters, biologists, event leaders, volunteers, and advocates all contribute to conservation
• Hadley Sorensen’s leadership with Utah Wild Sheep
• Dr. Helen Schwantje’s remarkable career in wildlife health and wild sheep work
• The growth of Women Shaping Conservation and the Elevate backcountry event
• One Campfire and the importance of reaching the non-hunting public
• Why mentorship, youth education, and succession matter
• The strength of the wild sheep “family” across chapters and affiliates
• A call to action for more women and new voices to get involved

Whether you hunt, fish, hike, volunteer, fundraise, study wildlife, organize events, or simply care about wild places, there is a place for you in conservation. This episode is your invitation to get involved, ask questions, show up, and help keep wild sheep on the mountain.

Talk is Sheep is presented by @sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks