Hi everyone, and welcome to this weeks episode of the Full Curl Podcast, with your host, Rachel Ahtila

Joining me this week is British Columbia’s very own Chris Barker. He’s a man that wears many hats, and works alongside some leading conservation groups. Through tradeshows, and the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia conventions, four years ago I landed a position as a Director for that very same society, and began working with Chris and the rest of the directors.

As I got to know Chris, I was intrigued to know that he is a native Britain, who immigrated to the heart of British Columbia as a teen, settling in Prince George with his family. Though he notably hadn’t hunted much until his 20th Birthday, he grew up around fishing and outdoor recreation which later turned into a year round pastime.  

Now, decades later, a devote bow hunter, and passionate conservationist- Chris can add volunteering as a board member on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Victoria B.C.), fifteen years in service to the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, and honored role of director for the Wild Sheep Foundation (Bozeman, MT). Join Chris and I as we chat about his journey as a hunter with his lifelong hunting buddies, and what it was like to venture to the pristine northern country in pursuit of his first Stone’s Sheep. Hear how being apart of the conservation solution has lead to involvement in some of the most promising movements in conservation to date, and the initiatives that groups are working on right now to help ensure a better tomorrow for hunting, and our conservation efforts. Here about where you can get involved with your local chapters, up coming events, and volunteer opportunities.

Whether you are on the fence about joining a conservation hunting group, or already a member of a few others, I highly encourage you to check out today’s podcast. Listen in on his recounts of becoming a lifelong sheep hunter, and why conservation means so much to Chris and the organizations he aligns with.

Contact Information for getting in touch with: Chris Barker

 Special Reference to the organisations that we mention in this podcast. 

BC Wildlife Federation

Guide Outfitters of British Columbia

Wildlife Stewardship Council

Tahltan Guide Outfitters Association

Wild Sheep Foundation

Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia 

SHOW NOTES:

3:55 Interview starts. LEH Blues, who is Chris Barker.

6:30 The love affair of the adventure, life long hunting partners, and first sheep hunts, and some hard lessons learned.

10:42 Transitioning from a rifle hunter to a bow hunter, honing skills, picking the right hunting partners with patience

13:10 Conservational minded decisions; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, Wild Sheep Foundation.

15:50 Elk Populations across Canada, and hope for the future of potentially have the RMEF come back to Canada.

17:50 Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia successes. Okanagan Mountain Park, sheep in trailers, barges, wildlife transplants and the Mission Winery.

20:15 Forest creep, prescribed burns, and historical range management.

26:24 Thinhorn Summit, Discussion on Dall Sheep vs. Stone’s, and the new questions that coming up.  

32:05 Disease in wildlife herds, separation projects, and pathogens that are carried by domestic sheep and goats.

48:15 International opportunities to get involved as a volunteer, becoming a member.

52:34 The Jurassic Classic, Sturgeon Fishing trip fundraiser for the upcoming sheep projects in the South Okanagan.

55:00 Interview Ends