Field Notes from the Deschutes: A Day with California Bighorn Sheep

February 12, 2025

TRCP’s Oregon and Nevada field representatives volunteered at a recent California bighorn relocation operation

A train of headlights and dusty-red taillights cut the pre-dawn dark as they rolled north from Maupin and downstream along the Deschutes River Access road. Our convoy, comprised of state-badged vehicles from both Oregon and Nevada and private rigs, rumbled to a halt at the Beavertail access site and quickly set about deploying various trailers, tables, and tools. Tangible excitement was suspended in the cold morning air, surrounded by the focused silence of folks preparing to work. Within moments, the crew had transformed the graveled boat ramp into a field veterinary station that rivaled any backwoods veterinary clinic. No sooner had the sun begun to crest the canyon wall when the helicopter’s blades split the calm to briefly touch down.

The reason for the early rendezvous was to capture and relocate California bighorn sheep from Oregon to Nevada. I, along with my TRCP colleague, Nevada field representative, Carl Erquiaga, joined the Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited volunteers to assist biologists and wildlife managers from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

*“… a daisy chain of blindfolded ewes descended from the sky…”*

In the Lower Deschutes, some 900 California bighorns call the canyon home—a remarkable conservation success story, embodying resilience and the power of collaborative wildlife management. Once widespread across the state, bighorn sheep populations were driven to near extinction in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to habitat loss, overhunting, and diseases introduced by domestic sheep. By the early 1900s, bighorn sheep had vanished entirely from Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada. In the 1950s, efforts to reintroduce the species began, with state agencies and partners working tirelessly to restore these iconic animals to their native range. Transplants from neighboring states and Canada re-established herds, and through ongoing management, Oregon’s bighorn numbers are now strong enough to pay it forward.

Numerous sporting organizations whose missions revolve around bighorn sheep have risen to the challenge across the western United States and Canada to help bolster wild sheep conservation. National organizations like the Wild Sheep Foundation and many state-based groups like the Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited hold fundraising events every year and contribute millions of dollars to wildlife agencies which have expanded their bighorn efforts. Many of these groups also provide much-needed volunteer labor for projects such as sheep relocations. In many cases those dollars and volunteer hours can be matched with federal funding through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937. Without these groups, projects like this would be nearly impossible to carry out.

TRCP Nevada field representative, Carl Erquiaga, takes a break between batches of sheep.

The helicopter roared up the canyon while the crew scanned rimrock bands for the unmistakable white rumps of bighorns. When groups were spotted, the pilots charged the sheep over steep terrain and the obvious pop from the net gun signaled a success. Not long thereafter, a daisy chain of blindfolded ewes descended from the sky where they were met with stretchers and gloved hands.

Whispers replaced conversation as each ewe was carefully carried to the processing area where they were handled reverently and deliberately. Vitals were recorded. Weight, temperature, and other measurements of body and reproductive condition were jotted in field notes. Blood and fecal samples were collected for analysis. Each sheep was fitted with a GPS collar and given a mild sedative to keep them calm in the trailer, as well as select vitamins and minerals to fortify them on their journey. Don Whitaker, ODFW’s chief ungulate biologist, moved through the scene with the quiet confidence of a man who’d spent decades working with wild animals and understood the dedication required to conserve them. Watching him work was like seeing a musician with their instrument, his passion and skill apparent with every gesture.

A young California bighorn ram lands softly on the stretcher to be prepared for relocation.

By noon, twenty sheep had been processed and loaded into trailers bound for Nevada’s Calico Mountains. This herd would bolster a struggling population in the high desert north of the Black Rock. Relocation is no easy task. It requires coordination, funding, and a level of commitment that transcends state lines and agency borders. This event is also a testament to the principles enshrined in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. This system, which ensures wildlife is managed in the public trust with sound science, also includes the belief that access to nature should be available to all.

Biologists from NVDW take the vitals of a California bighorn ewe.

As the last trailer pulled away and the canyon settled back into its winter stillness, I was struck by what I had witnessed. The relocation done here was indeed wildlife management, but also a declaration of work beyond the status quo. This work is the legacy of conservation in North America: a system where hunters and anglers fund and passionately work for the future of species like the California bighorn.

Photo credit: Tristan Henry

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by: Dan Morgan

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

January 23, 2025

In The Arena: Eeland Stribling

TRCP’s “In the Arena” series highlights the individual voices of hunters and anglers who, as Theodore Roosevelt so famously said, strive valiantly in the worthy cause of conservation.

Eeland Stribling

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Occupation: Environmental educator, stand-up comedian, fly fishing guide
Conservation Credentials: Environmental educator, fly fishing guide, wildlife biologist and conservation advocate.

Eeland Stribling is more than a well-known stand-up comic (recently highlighted on Roots of Comedy on PBS) – he is an environmental educator, wildlife biologist, and fly-fishing fanatic (occasionally dubbed the “Black Steve Irwin”) who loves teaching folks about the natural world and helping to create connections that last a lifetime and beyond. Conservation is the backbone of everything he does.

Here is his story.

Nature and the outdoors have been in my life since before I could even tie my own shoes. One of my grandfathers, Gramps, was a wildlife biologist and the other one, Papa, was a nature lover from Mississippi. My Papa would wake me up at an ungodly hour— like 3 or 4 a.m. — and we’d head out to the water. We would sit on the shore for hours, barely speaking, just watching the world wake up around us as we waited for the fish to bite. It was simple and, yes, sometimes boring, but it taught me patience and presence as I learned to see the world through his eyes. My Gramps, a wildlife biologist, showed me the magic of the outdoors through a scientist’s lens. He had a way of making even the smallest insect feel like the most important discovery in the world and it showed me how to ask questions about everything—why do birds sing in the morning? Why do fish jump? Those lessons shaped how I see the world today — full of wonder, curiosity, and respect.

Those early trips were about more than just catching fish – although I still remember pulling in sunfish and bass and feeling like I had just won the lottery. They were about connection —to my family, to nature, and eventually, to myself.

“Conservation is the backbone of everything I do.”

Now, when I guide and teach, I teach a holistic view, where everything is connected – from the weather to the plants to the wildlife, to the slope of the river and everything in between. Catch-and-release practices, respecting wildlife, and leaving no trace all instill a sense of responsibility. It’s hard to spend time in nature and not want to protect it.

I teach everyone how to fly fish — kids in foster care, adults new to fly fishing, and even comedians through [my series] Comedians on the Fly. One moment that stands out was when a foster kid, after catching his first fish, then turned around and taught another kid how to cast. Watching him share what he’d learned was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. It was the first time I’d seen the results of many hours of work in action. I was shocked and it made it so worthwhile to be in that moment.

For me, introducing someone to fly fishing is the easiest way to nurture a budding conservationist. Whether it’s a kid catching their first trout, a comedian cracking jokes while learning to cast, or a weekend warrior finding peace on the water, it’s always special. The act of fishing is incredible, but people also get lost in the birds and trees and peacefulness of nature. Fly fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to connect with nature, with others, and with yourself.

One of my most memorable outdoor adventures was to New Zealand, it was a dream come to life. I spent two weeks hiking and fishing for wild brown trout in landscapes so beautiful they didn’t feel real. The rivers were impossibly clear, the birds sounded like an orchestra, and every step felt like walking through a painting. It was a place where the line between the natural world and the spiritual world blurred. What I brought home from New Zealand wasn’t just memories of giant trout or indescribable views—it was a deeper appreciation for the power of untouched nature and the communities that cherish it.

“I brought home a renewed sense of purpose—to not only enjoy these places but to fight for their survival so others can experience that same awe.”

Another place is Belize/Xcalack, Mexico. I have fully fallen in love with salt flats and permit, bonefish and tarpon – with tarpon being at the top of that list, followed by permit and bonefish. I was born and raised in the mountains, but I feel the closest to God when the sun rises on the beach, and I see nervous waters and tails on a calm salt flat. Part of my love and admiration stems from the lack of knowledge and the quick growth of new skills!

And now, if I could fish anywhere, it would be for tarpon. These fish are the ultimate challenge—massive, powerful, and as unpredictable as they are beautiful. Whether it’s West Africa, Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico, or the Florida Keys, tarpon fishing is like chasing silver ghosts. They demand respect and skill, and every encounter feels like a battle you’ll never forget. There’s just something magical about them that keeps me coming back. I love fish that eat other fish!

At home in Colorado, the Front Range is changing fast. Population growth is eating up wildlife habitat, and the pressure on our natural resources is immense. But what worries me most is “ballot box biology” — where decisions about wildlife management are made by public vote instead of science. It’s a system that can lead to emotional, uninformed choices that hurt the very ecosystems we’re trying to protect.

“We need decisions guided by evidence and science, not just good intentions.”

Steve Irwin said it best: “Humans want to save what they love.” My job is to help people fall in love with the natural world. Whether it’s a kid identifying their first animal track or a client catching their first trout, those moments create connections that last a lifetime. If I can inspire someone to care, I know they’ll fight to protect what they love, too. The future depends on it. Without conservation, the rivers will dry up, the forests will go silent, and the next generation won’t know what they’ve lost until it’s too late.

Conservation is how we honor the past and ensure the future. It’s what keeps the thrill of casting a line, the joy of tracking wildlife, and the magic of the outdoors alive for everyone who comes after us. Without it, the magic of the outdoors would fade.

by: Carlina Croston

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

November 15, 2024

Hands-On Event Exposes Students to Outdoor Recreation, Conservation Career Paths

MOA Fest, offered at locations around the country by TRCP partner Minority Outdoor Alliance, teaches hunting, fishing, and conservation skills and ideals

Earlier this month I was able to join one of our partner organizations, Minority Outdoor Alliance, for their annual MOA Fest. This festival has been held in various states throughout the country, including Texas, Alabama, and earlier this month, Pennsylvania.

The event is designed to allow college students who have had limited or no exposure to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation the opportunity to explore activities and careers in the outdoor and conservation space. Students are given the freedom to try new activities such as mountain biking, clay shooting, and rappelling. This year I watched as students from Temple University and Bucks County Community College kayaked, drew compound bows, and cast fly rods for the first time. Students were also able to participate in a community service project – planting and caging native trees in a local park. The setting was ideal to talk about conservation issues in Pennsylvania, where TRCP unifies the voices of hunters, anglers, and conservationists around key initiatives and works to ensure clean water, enhanced fisheries, and better public access and opportunities.

A student at MOA Fest 2024 learns how to shoot a compound bow. Credit: Carlina Croston

Husband and wife team and co-founders, Durrell and Ashley Smith, started the Minority Outdoor Alliance in the summer of 2020, and soon after offered the first MOA Fest.

“We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated sponsors and partners for making MOA Fest a reality each year,” said MOA President Durrell Smith. “The goals of the festival are unity and expanding the capacity of the host agency by serving as a bridge to connect younger and broader audiences with recreation opportunities and career opportunities in the outdoors.”

Durrell and Ashley Smith started the Minority Outdoor Alliance in summer 2020. Credit: MOA

“Watching students ask questions about how their current educational paths could intersect with the conservation industry was exciting to see.”

While it is always thrilling for students to watch a bird dog demonstration or to learn to cook wild game, MOA also expands participants’ ideas about what it takes to work in conservation and the outdoors. Many of the students who attend MOA Fest each year are from urban areas where spending time in the outdoors may not have been a focal point of their childhoods. When asked what types of careers they think are available, many are surprised to hear that they do not have to be park rangers or biologists to succeed.

The career fair portion of MOA Fest is an opportunity for the local state agencies and partner organizations to let students know about the various professional options available to them. Watching students ask questions about how their current educational paths could intersect with the conservation industry was exciting to see. Law majors discovered there is plenty of work to do in policy at all levels of government and communications majors heard about the teams at various agencies that are dedicated to sharing information across every platform. Facilitating conversations about their ability to protect our environment in diverse ways, early on in these students’ degree paths, may lead some to careers in the outdoors that they may never have considered if not exposed to an event like MOA Fest.

“The unity and diversity we witness at MOA Fest are reminders that the outdoors is a place for all to cherish.”
Durrell Smith, MOA president

What truly makes MOA Fest unique is the focus on underrepresented communities in the outdoor space. Students who have spent their lives in urban areas, with no regular exposure to all the great outdoors have to offer, are often shocked at the number of careers that are available. Being able to actively and effectively interact with this community of students is an asset to the outdoor and conservation space. Their unique perspectives and experiences will do nothing but enhance our collective ability to think nimbly and critically about issues central to our mission as we move into the future of conservation.

Students had the opportunity to experience kayaking at MOA Fest 2024. Credit: Carlina Croston

MOA has created a space where students are free to ask questions, try new things, and network with industry professionals across the conservation and outdoor industry. Their dedication to making the outdoors accessible to everyone and their goal of “Uniting Communities for Joy and Conservation” is truly embodied in this important event.

“MOA believes in the unity of humanity and in fostering authentic connections through shared experiences in the natural world,” Durrell shared with me. “The joy of seeing individuals connect with dogs, sporting traditions, and conservation leadership reaffirms our mission and fills us with pride. The unity and diversity we witness at MOA Fest are reminders that the outdoors is a place for all to cherish and a place for collective care and stewardship.”

For more information about MOA and events it offers, click here.

Banner image of Durrell Smith with bird dog credit MOA.

by: Michael O'Casey

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

November 7, 2024

Fish Camp

A place where fish are caught, stories get bigger, and camaraderie runs deep

There’s no place I’d rather be during the month of September than in my home state of Oregon. For all 30 days, one can travel across the diverse geography, from the salty coast to the deep canyons of the Snake River, taking full advantage of the long, lingering summer light while attempting to fill the freezer in the company of good people with a bow or rod in hand. That’s why when I received an invitation to attend a salmon fishing event hosted by Work Sharp called ‘Fish Camp’ along the mighty Columbia River, I eagerly accepted.

Growing up outside of Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia, learning to fish for salmon was a rite of passage for any fledging angler. My dad was a local pastor, and since we didn’t have our own boat, I would beg him to use his large network of church members to get us on as many vessels as we could during the famed Bouy 10 fall chinook season.

The author’s father, Terry, shows a fresh salmon to a toddler Michael O’Casey and sister Liz.

Although I now live in central Oregon, I still try to salmon fish on the Columbia at least once a year. This year’s invite by Work Sharp to fish the river outside of The Dalles, Oregon, was going to be my only opportunity to bring home some bright orange salmon fillets, and as I drove across the Columbia plateau north from Madras, I was excited to get on the water.

We woke early the first morning and drove from The Dalles to just below Bonneville Dam where the winds were expected to be calmer to meet our guides for the day. Our guide, Dave Eng has been fishing these waters for over 45 years, and his easy-going confidence navigating the predawn light to where the fish had been biting gave us all upbeat spirits. Satisfied with the look of the water, Dave idled down and told us to toss out our flashers, weights, and Super Baits as we kicked into trolling mode. Minutes later, Kyle with Work Sharp hooked a fish. We netted the 15-pound hen and brought her into the boat, silvery sides reflecting various hues of grey in the overcast sunrise.

The wide currents of the Columbia River were navigated confidently by Dave Eng.

The morning passed easily. We were all engaged in conversations that were frequently interrupted by bent rods and the tell-tale nibble of upriver bright Chinooks. These fish travel hundreds of miles upstream through the now dam-regulated current of one of the largest and most productive salmon rivers in the world.

Historically, between 10-16 million salmon returned annually to the vast Columbia River System and its tributaries. Today, the returns rarely exceed 2 million, and we were lucky on this trip that the Chinook return in the fall of 2024 was a strong one. These fish are resilient, and billions of dollars have been spent in recent years restoring habitat within the basin to revive this abundant food source and economic engine that’s a key element of the Tribes and people who live in the Pacific Northwest. Conversations are still bustling in the halls of Congress and the many towns that rely on salmon in the PNW about how best to manage them into the future to ensure their abundance.

Work Sharp expertly cleaned the salmon for guests to take home and share.

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is engaged in many public land planning processes that directly impact the salmon of the Columbia River System: whether that be through engaging in national forest management planning efforts to support updates to the Northwest Forest Plan or through engagement in national legislation on forest health to expand tools to help combat the effects of over a century of fire exclusion. According to a recent USFS threats analysis, the forests in the Pacific Northwest are rapidly changing due to warmer and drier weather and face high risks such as wildfire, insects, and disease. This past summer proved to be one of the largest wildfire seasons ever in Oregon, with more than 1,900 fires burning over 1.9 million acres in the state. The scale of these uncharacteristic wildfires aren’t good for salmon as they can result in warmer water temperatures and increased stream sediment in the headwaters where salmon spawn. The TRCP and our partners strive to champion policies that make habitat a priority on our public lands and waters, and just like the salmon, the work to conserve them is far ranging.

Back on the water, thanks to our guide Dave’s knowledge, we each had our one chinook on board and on ice before lunch and were back on the dock in time for an afternoon spent in conversation. The dialogue spanned topics from what type of scent to put on a lure, the angle a fillet knife needs to be in order to achieve maximum sharpness, and how to best barbecue a backstrap. I knew I was in good company.

With the hectic pace our world brings to modern life, I was thankful to have been invited to spend a few days on the water where I used my phone for photos rather than emails and spent time laughing and swapping stories with people who are all in one way or another employed and inspired by the great outdoors and abundant natural resources, like the salmon we trolled for on the river.

Thanks to Work Sharp and the many brands for hosting this event and to the many guides and journalists who made time to attend. We all had the opportunity to put good gear to the test and remember why we are in this industry, whether as a guide, a journalist, a conservationist, or a brand marketing director. The comradery, the stories, and the fish caught all have me excited to return for Fish Camp in 2025.

Learn more about TRCP’s work in the Pacific Northwest HERE.

Fish Camp was attended by representatives of Work Sharp, Columbia PFG, Smith, CRKT, Whiteduck, Camp Chef, KLYMIT, Sea to Summit, and The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Photos courtesy of Work Sharp.

by: Christian Fauser

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

October 17, 2024

Come for the Squirrel, Stay for the Pigeon

TRCP’s western water policy associate reflects on a recent event and how hunting and camaraderie reaffirmed his passion to conserve Arizona’s public lands and waters

As I approach my fifth year as a resident of Arizona, I have been spending time reflecting on two influences that drive my passion for Arizona’s public lands and waters, and the plethora of hunting and angling opportunities they offer nearly year-round. After attending the 8^th Annual Family Squirrel Camp, hosted by the Arizona Wildlife Federation and the Arizona Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, my belief in the power of mentorship and tenacious commitment were further entrenched.

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to spend three days in Northern Arizona’s Coconino National Forest with my friend Jack Kelly-Willis, where we attended the 8th Annual Family Squirrel Camp. This annual event centers on offering a comfortable, approachable setting for introducing new hunters to the sport, introducing the unique small game hunting opportunities Arizona affords, and fostering a sense of public land stewardship and conservation ethos in all who attend and participate. 

The 8th Annual Family Squirrel Camp took place over three days in Northern Arizona’s Coconino National Forest.

For three straight days, one would be hard pressed to find a dull moment at Squirrel Camp. First, it was immediately apparent to everyone involved that population numbers for Abert’s squirrel in Arizona were high, with many of us bagging our limit of five squirrels within the first few hours of the day. Additionally, the event coincided with band-tail pigeon season, North America’s only native pigeon species, and with many folks also hitting their daily limit of two pigeons, the phrase, “Come for the squirrel, stay for the pigeon,” was coined and repeated frequently throughout the event (by me). 

The event strongly reaffirmed how important my friend Jack was in introducing me to hunting in a way that equipped me with the skills and knowledge to grow as a hunter independently. He took me on my first squirrel hunt and traded an otherwise successful quail season for one watching coveys fly far away as I fumbled with the safety on my shotgun, and he embodied saint-like compassion and patience as he helped me untangle countless nymph rigs that he helped me set up only minutes before. In that vein, it was incredibly heartening to watch experienced hunters mentor children and less experienced adults as they pursued squirrels across our tiny patch of the Coconino National Forest. Hands down, the most fulfilling and exciting experience I had during Squirrel Camp was helping a new squirrel hunter spot, tree, and shoot her first squirrel. It was a helpful reminder that I have a duty to pass along the lessons Jack imparted to me. 

Experienced hunters mentored children and less experienced adults during their three days together.

The education and mentoring went far beyond harvesting squirrels. There were demonstrations on how to properly process squirrels and pigeons. For those interested in saving their squirrel hides, Jack demonstrated how to properly flesh out, dry, and store squirrel hides.

Nathan Fyffe, Statewide Small Game Biologist for Arizona Game and Fish Department, gave a talk to the camp on the countless hunting opportunities that exist across the state. Arizona is home to two species of jack rabbit, one species of cottontail, five species of squirrel, three species of quail, more than twenty species of duck, three species of dove, chukar, sand-hill crane, javelina, mule and white-tail deer, elk, turkey, bear, cougar, and others that I am sure I am missing. You could say that Arizona is almost like a Western state, in terms of its hunting opportunities. But I’d say it’s even better – it’s a Southwestern state. 

The event also showcased the contagious commitment and tenacious dedication to Arizona public lands and waters conservation and passion for hunting and fishing exemplified by Michael Cravens. Michael is the AWF’s Advocacy and Conservation Director and the Vice Chair of AZ BHA. While you might think hunting and fishing for every species Arizona has to offer while raising two kids and a juvenile hawk would leave little time for advocacy, you’d be sorely mistaken. In the past year, I have had the privilege of watching Michael defend public lands at the state capitol, serve game to state politicians in order to highlight the subsistence benefits of hunting in Arizona, and spend a whole day driving 30+ individuals around Northern Arizona to educate them on wildlife corridors, habitat connectivity, and forest management. His commitment and dedication are inspiring.

Michael Cravens proudly displaying his harvest.

Nights were spent sharing conversations with new and old friends, eating meals consisting of locally harvested game, and listening to fireside speeches from Michael and other AWF and AZ BHA representatives. While giving a speech around a fire immediately enhances credibility in and of itself, these individuals spoke with the passion and vigor of Teddy Roosevelt himself when holding forth on the indescribable value of Arizona’s public lands and waters. They reminded all 40+ attendees of their responsibility to protect, conserve, and enjoy what belongs to them. These folks went a step further in taking the time to educate camp participants on how to proactively engage with the state legislature to advocate for Arizona’s public lands, fish, wildlife, and our sporting traditions.  

I’d be hard pressed to believe a single individual walked away from this event without fully understanding that none of the joy they experienced over our three days together would be possible without our nation’s publicly accessible wild spaces. Even more, I have a feeling that participants left knowledgeable of how to make their voices heard and support efforts to safeguard our country’s public lands legacy.

Campsite camaraderie at the 8th Annual Family Squirrel Camp.

As a representative of TRCP, I am proud that we are an active state partner with AWF and AZ BHA. I am proud that I get to play a role in conserving Arizona’s wild spaces, and I am grateful for the endless opportunities to hunt and fish in this state. 

This event brought home the power of mentorship and tenacious commitment for me and further inspired my work to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. As hunters, anglers, and conservationists, let’s keep reaching out, mentoring, and inspiring our kids, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and the greater community just as Jack and Michael did for me. 