Episode Details

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