Bozeman, Montana. Jan 6, 2020. The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) today acknowledged a generous grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund that will be directed to three specific projects and one youth program including:

• Installation of a new guzzler (water development) to benefit desert bighorn sheep and other desert-dwelling wildlife

• Refurbishment of two existing water developments in southeast Arizona, also benefiting desert bighorns, mule deer, quail, javelina and numerous other species

• Stone’s sheep health surveillance study in northern British Columbia

Funds will also be used to advance the Foundation’s Shooting, Hunting and Ethics Education Program (S.H.E.E.P.) designed to excite and inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts across the country.

“These are critical projects, and these are critical funds to make them a reality,” said Kevin Hurley, Vice President of Conservation & Operations and Grant-In-Aid Coordinator for the Wild Sheep Foundation. “We thank the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund and their customers for this generous support.”

“We are proud to support the Wild Sheep Foundation’s commitment to keeping all wild sheep populations healthy and strong,” said Bob Ziehmer, Bass Pro Shops Sr. Director of Conservation. “WSF’s on-the-ground habitat projects and dedicated research efforts continue to take wild sheep management to new heights and are critical to creating the next generation of citizen conservationists.”

Guided by the visionary leadership of Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris, the Outdoor Fund empowers Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s 200 million annual customers to support conservation efforts by rounding up their purchases. Rallying passionate customers alongside dedicated team members, industry partners and leading conservation organizations like the Wild Sheep Foundation, Bass Pro is creating North America’s largest conservation movement to collectively shape the future of the outdoors and all who love it for generations to come.

Hurley said, “The best part is every customer that “rounded-up” their purchases can take pride in the fact that their contributions are making a difference in shaping the future of wild sheep conservation. This is a great example of how the conservation economy works.”

About Wild Sheep Foundation

With its world headquarters in Bozeman, Mont., the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) was founded in 1977 by wild sheep conservationists and enthusiasts. WSF’s Mission is to “Enhance wild sheep populations, promote scientific wildlife management, and educate the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting while promoting the interests of the hunter.” With a membership of more than 8,000 worldwide and a Chapter and Affiliate network in North America, Europe, and Central Asia, WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, other mountain wildlife, and their habitats. Since its inception, WSF has raised and expended more than $1300 million on wild sheep habitat and population enhancements, education, and conservation advocacy programs in North America, Europe and Asia under its Purpose to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep On the Mountain”®. These and other efforts have resulted in a three-fold increase in bighorn sheep populations in North America from their historic 1950-60s lows of 25,000 to more than 85,000 today. WSF, its Chapters, Affiliates and agency partners are also working together to ensure thinhorn sheep thrive in their northern mountain realms for generations to enjoy. www.wildsheepfoundation.org.

Media Contacts: Keith R. Balfourd 406-404-8750 keith@wildsheepfoundation.org