The Wild Sheep Society of BC will be hosting our annual convention March 19-21, 2010 at the Kamloops Towne Lodge (250 Rogers Way, phone 250-828-6660)

MARCO POLO!!! DARE TO LIVE THE DREAM!!
Check out our first ever Marco Polo sheep hunt being auctioned off at the 2010 Convention in Kamloops BC!!

WE WANT TO SEE SOME GREAT SHEEP MOUNTS!!
Yes, we are looking for head mounts for display again this year, 24 hour security is supplied, contact Alex Bursac 250-554-8724 or Bill Pifer 250-542-7798 if you are willing to add to annual display of Wild Sheep!!

ATV RAFFLE
The Wild Sheep Society will be raffling off a Polaris 500 ATV for the upcoming 2010 Convention. Tickets are $20.00 each or 3 for $50.00, and the draw will take place at the convention on March 20, 2009. Contact any WSS director or call our office for tickets!!

Kamloops Towne Lodge

Due to the overwhelming support of our members, our WSS Convention has expanded to a 3-day event this year. Our Convention will now feature a PUBLIC TALK talk on Thursday afternoon, and an ARCHERY SHOOT on Sunday morning (see details in agenda below), sponsored by the Wild Sheep Society. Our draft agenda is as follows:

THURSDAY MARCH 18:

Noon - 3:00pm - Wild/Domestic Sheep Interaction meeting (Closed session)

FRIDAY MARCH 19:

Morning Workshops:
08:30 - 10:00 - Workshop 1 - Packing Light for Sheep Hunting (Bryan Martin)
10:30 - 12:00 - Workshop 2 - Trophy Scoring (Bob Petrie, Brian Churchill)
08:30 - 12:00 - Workshop 3 - Tour of Kamloops Indian Band (KIB) sheep habitat (Contact Mari Wood at mari.wood@gov.bc.ca to sign up the KIB tour as space is limited.)

Afternoon Guest Speakers:
1:00 - 1:30 - Irene Teske, MoE, Region 4 Sheep Update
1:30 - 2:00 - Doug Jury, MoE, Region 5 Sheep Update
2:00 - 2:45 - Dr. Peter Stockdale, History of Wild Sheep
2:45 - 3:15 - Chris Addison, MoE Victoria, BC's LEH System
3:15 - 3:45 - Helen Schwantje, WAWFA, Wild Sheep Working Group Update
3:45 - 4:15 - Conrad Thiessen, MoE, Region 7B Sheep Update

Evening Events:
5:00 - 6:30 - GEAR SWAP - The 1st annual gear swap is shaping up nicely. Signs will be posted at the Convention Friday evening. There will be tables available to display your gear. Persons wishing to bring firearms will need a valid firearms license and all firearms will require trigger locks. There will be 24 hour security on site but you will be responsible for your items. Admission will be included with your Convention package or by purchasing tickets for the Friday March 19 evening only. If you would like further information call Kevin at 604-463-7224

7:00 - Midnight - Fun Night (wildlife identification contest, sheep horn curl aging contest, raffles, wine/cheese)

SATURDAY MARCH 20:

Guest Speakers and Annual General Meeting:
08:30 - 09:30 - Bryan Martin, Canadian Mountain Oufitters - "Asian Sheep Hunting"
09:30 - 10:00 - Annual General Meeting of WSSBC
10:00 - 11:15 - Election of Officers
11:15 - 12:00 - Neil Thagard, Wild Sheep Foundation

12:00pm - 1:00pm - Lunch

1:00pm - 2:00pm - Dennis Campbell, Grand Slam Ovis - "Super 30"
2:00pm - 3:15pm - Dr. Marco Festa-Bianchet, University of Sherbrooke - "Selective Effects of Trophy Hunting". Dr. Festa-Bianchet is Professor of Ecology at the Universite de Sherbrooke in Quebec. Before moving to Sherbrooke in 1990, he was a NATO Postdoctoral Fellow at the Large Animal Research Group in Cambridge, UK. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Calgary in 1987. Marco's research program on the ecology, behavior and conservation of mountain ungulates is based on long-term monitoring of marked individuals. His studies of bighorn sheep and mountain goats in Alberta have led to numerous publications in international ecological journals, contributed to wildlife management policies and provided training for about twenty graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Graduate students from his research group are studying bighorn sheep in BC, Alpine ibex in Italy, and Punjab urial in Pakistan. Marco chairs the IUCN Caprinae Specialist Group and co-chairs the COSEWIC Terrestrial Mammals Specialist Group.

5:00pm - Midnight - WSS Banquet and Auction Fundraiser - Keynote speakers Neil Thagard (Wild Sheep Foundation) and Dennis Campbell (Grand Slam Ovis).

SUNDAY MARCH 21:

10:00 - ARCHERY SHOOT competition,3D Archery Shoot
Location: KTSA Range (Kamloops Target Sports Association)
$20 entry fee or part of the Weekend Banquet Package
20-25 Targets
Contact Alex Bursac 250-554-8724 to register for this first time shoot!

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AUCTION ITEMS!!

MARCO POLO!!! DARE TO LIVE THE DREAM!!

Asian Mountain Outfitters

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Asian Mountain Outfitters has partnered with the Wild Sheep of BC in offering a true chance of a lifetime hunt. This opportunity taking place in Kyrgyzstan is offered in either late Fall (Sep/Oct/Nov) 2010 or Winter (Jan or Feb) 2011. Asian Mountain Outfitters provides a number of services to help you in this truly once in a lifetime hunt,assisting you in booking the hunt, travel arrangements, permits, etc. and the added option of an American or Canadian, English speaking guide. They work directly with the local outfitters and you will also have a local guide and assistant with you. Most of the hunts are conducted with Jeeps and horses. They will assist hunters in all Permit and Visa applications, trave arrangement and equipment planning. If you have ever dreamed of one day participating in an awe inspiring adventure, make sure and be at the 2010 Wild Sheep Society’s Convention in Kamloops BC.

Silver Sage Outfitters

For the first time the Wild Sheep Society in partnership with Billy Franklin will be offering an Antelope RAFFLE for non residents of Alberta. Silver Sage outfitters is well known for its high quality antelope, if you are looking for the chance to participate in a first class antelope hunt, look no further than the 2010 Wild Sheep Society Convention.

Make sure you are at our 2010 convention in order to have your chance at this exciting RAFFLE item! Thanks again to Billy and his crew for their ongoing support.

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ARCHERY HUNTERS!!

Billy and his crew at Silver Sage have continued their tradition of supporting the Wild Sheep Society of BC with their annual donation of an Archery Mule deer hunt for a non resident of Alberta. If you have not seen the high quality of deer that Billy and his crew take, check out his website via the link above, For those dreaming about taking a huge mule deer with a bow, your opportunity to purchase this hunt is at the 2010 Wild Sheep Society Convention.

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The Wild Sheep Society in conjunction with NORTH PACIFIC SEAPLANES

North Pacific Seaplanes

( and Tatogga Lake Resort)

Tatogga

is offering up, at the live auction a fly in fishing trip from Tatogga Lake to a world class fishing lake where five pound rainbow are the norm and up to 30 pound rainbows have been landed!! This exciting opportunity includes two nights accommodation and two meals, compliments of Tattogga Lake Resort, flight to and from the "mystery lake", donated by North Pacific Seaplanes and accomodations and meals at the lake supplied by the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Don't miss this chance for a once in a lifetime fishing experience. Thanks to North Pacific Seaplanes and Tattoga Lake Resort for continuing to support Wild Sheep Everywhere!

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Riverjet Adventures

Continuing a long standing tradition of Riverjet Adventures supporting the Wild Sheep of BC, Kevin Willis has once again fully donated a jet boat trip for one on the muskwa or tuchodi rivers. For those interested in seeing one of the most remote, wildlife filled areas left in North America, don't miss this chance to bid on Riverjet Adventures "trip of a lifetime"

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TIME TO REPLACE THOSE WINDOWS??

Mike Southin and Patrick Ganske of CLEARCHOICE WINDOWS have donated a window package for the Wild Sheeps' 2010 convention. Mike and Patrick will refit your house with new vinyl double glazed low-e ,argon filled windows. The package includes up to 14 windows and one patio door. Package will be installed anywhere in the province!!! Additional windows will be available at cost. Thanks to CLEARCHOICE WINDOWS for supporting Wild Sheep in BC!!

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GOABC

As part of a long standing tradition the GOABC has once again donated a registration package for two persons to the 2011 GOABC convention. For those wishing to attend a first class event make sure and get your bids in or this exciting package. Thanks again to the GOABC for continuing to help put Wild Sheep on the mountains.

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Westcoast Fish

Matt Olsen of WestCoast Fish, based out of Uculet BC continues to ensure that Wild Sheep remain everywhere, once again donating a two day fishing trip for four people. For a first class fishing opportunity make sure and be at the Wild Sheep Society Convention in March. Thanks again to Matt and his crew for their continued support.

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Linda Madden from Clinton BC (lmadden@telus.net or 250 459 7713), continues her support for the Wild Sheep of BC by offering up for auction a carving done in a bighorn sheep horn, proceeds from this once in a lifetime work of art will go directly to the Glen Kuenzel memorial fund. Thanks again to Linda for her support of the Wild Sheep Society of BC.

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Sikanni River Outfitters

Mike and Dixie Hammett have been long time supporters of the Wild Sheep Society of BC. Continuing that tradition they have donated a five day Bison Hunt for one person. The hunt takes place in Northern BC and offers one of the finest places in North America for interested parties to participate in a world class Bison Hunt. Thanks again to SIKANNI RIVER OUTFITTERS for their continued support of Wild Sheep Everywhere!

As has been their tradition for a number of years Mike and Dixie from Sikanni River Outfitters have also donated a six day GOAT hunt. The hunt, takes place in the northern wilds of British Columbia, if you have the desire to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth while pursuing mountain goats, make sure and be at the 2010 convention for your chance at this auction item.

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Willow Brook farms continues to support the Wild Sheep of BC with the donation of this large Buffalo skull. Beatifully painted this work of art offers the finishing touches to your western type decor. See you at the 2010 Wild Sheep Society Convention for your chance to bid on this one of a kind work of art!
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Stone Mountain Safaris

Leif Olsen from Stone Mountain Safaris have continued their long standing support for Wild Sheep, with a donation of a 14 Day Stone Sheep Hunt for a BC resident only for the 2010 season. World class Stone Sheep rams frequently come from Leif's area, if you are looking for an opportunity to participate in a first class Stone Sheep hunt, look no further than our 2010 Wild Sheep Convention. ( flight costs to camp and gratuities not included) Thanks again to Leif for his ongoing support!!

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HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO LAND A FISH AS BIG AS YOU???

If so, you will have the opportunity to bid on an exciting day on the world famous Fraser River, Mike from Mike's Fishing Adventures has agreed to donate a fully guided day of Sturgeon Fishing on the Fraser River in Mission. The full day trip for up to four people is planned for peak season. Thanks again to Mike for offering this exciting adventure and supporting Wild Sheep.

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Grand Slam Ovis

Grand Slam Ovis continues it's long standing partnership with the Wild Sheep Society of BC with a donation of a 2011 Registration Package for 2 persons to the Grand Slam Club Ovis Convention. Be at the Saturday nigh Banquet to hear one of our Key Note speakers, Dennis Campbell, Executive Director of Grand Slam Ovis. Thanks again to one of our long time partners, Grand Slam Ovis.

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WONDERED WHERE THE MONEY GOES!!
The Wild Sheep Society is proud to offer three chances to it's members to participate in sheep counts. Money raised from previous conventions has allowed us to play a role in funding three separate sheep counts in the upcoming months. The flights will range north and south of Cache Creek with the third flight concentrating in the Kamloops Lake area. If you are looking for the chance to continue to support Wild Sheep be at the 2010 Wild Sheep Convention for your chance at bidding on a seat on one of these three flights!

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All Sport Trailers

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Allsport Aluminum continues its support of Wild Sheep in BC with a donation of a 5 x 10 aluminum utility trailer. This quality built trailer will be at the 2010 convention for the lucky bidder to use to transport the rest of the goods purchased at the 2010 convention!! Thanks goes to Dave and Angela Trytko of Allsport Aluminum for their support of the Wild Sheep Society of BC.
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Wild Sheep Foundation

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WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION. continues their long standing working relationship with the Wild Sheep Society of BC by donating TWO registration packages for two people to the Wild Sheep Convention,February 10-12, 2011 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Silver Legacy Resort in Reno Nevada. For those wishing to attend a first class show, don't miss this chance at one of the two registration packages. Thanks to the Wild Sheep Foundation for their continued support of Wild Sheep everywhere!

Marty Loring of Majestic Taxidermy in Prince George BC has once again partnered with the Wild Sheep Society in providing auction items for those that enjoy the outdoors. Marty has donated a wolverine,lynx,black fox as well as an antique duck decoy. Majestic Taxidermy has also fully donated a shoulder mount sheep mount. Make sure and call Marty at Majestic Taxidermy (250-963-1344)for all your taxidermy needs. Thanks again to Marty for his ongoing support of Wild Sheep Everywhere.
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Mabelingwane Hunting Safaris

Mabelingwane
- The mountain with the spots of a small leopard -
Set in the unspoilt heart
of South African bushveld...
animals roam free in their natural habitat

It is with Pleasure that we once again have the privilege of donating the following hunt to the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia.

The packaged hunt would include the following.

• 7 Day’s accommodation for 1x Hunter.

• Services of a Licensed Professional Hunter;
• Hunting vehicle and support team; tracker and skinner;
• Transfers by road between Johannesburg and camp;
• Accommodation, meals and soft drinks; local beer and wine;
• Daily laundry service;
• Field preparation of trophies; and delivery to taxidermist or shipper;
• Value added tax on daily rates.

• 1 x Blue Wildebeest
• 1 x Impala
• 1 x Warthog

The donated package hunt can be upgradeable to what ever the client additional want and needs would be. We would prefer if the hunt could be taken in the 2010 hunting season (April – September), but 2011 booking will be honoured.

Available dates need to be confirmed with me via e-mail or telephone call. A Safari contract / agreement will need to be signed by the successful bidder of the package.

The donation package hunt would not include any of the following.
• Any air travels, domestic or international.
• Pre- and post-safari accommodation and meals.
• Air charters.
• Hire of rifles and ammunition, if required.
• Gratuities of Professional Hunter and staff.
• The dipping, packing, documentation and export of trophies from South Africa.
• Video team and equipment
• All other items of a personal nature.

If there are any questions regarding the donation, I invite you to brows my web site on www.mabelingwane.com. Please feel free, and we encourage you, to contact any of the references that are found on the web site. For additional references or further information, do not hesitate to contact myself direct on (519 855 9681) in Ontario, corrie@dasafaris.com or Pieter Diedericks (Owner) +27 14 736-4437 Pieter@dasafaris.com

Best Regards
Corrie Venter

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A.J.Brooks

Once again AJ Brooks has supplied Wild Sheep Society members an opportunity to win one pair of Makalu hiking boots. For the serious hunter, looking for footwear that will get you to the top of the mountain and back, look no further than AJ Brooks, supporters of the Wild Sheep Society of BC!
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Gana River Outfitters Ltd.

Harold Grinde of Gana River Outfitters has continued his long standing support of Wild Sheep Everywhere. This year Gana River Outfitters has donated a CARIBOU BACKPACK HUNT for TWO Hunters, this two on one backpack caribou hunts require travelling light in the mountains. These hunts require a reasonable measure of fitness, however it is an amazing way to experience true wilderness. The Mackenzie Mountains is one of the last undeveloped wilderness areas in North America. Game populations are strong due to the modest harvest regime, with 380 B&C bull caribou being the norm! The exclusive area is 6000 square miles of pristine Canadian wild country. Browse the photos in Gana River Outfitters website and you will see why Gana River's reputation for quality hunts is known wherever the talk turns to mountain hunting in the north. (A moose can be added to this opportunity for a harvest fee)

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Brooke Whitelaw has donated a handcrafted birdhouse. For those who enjoy watching natures wonders up close and personal, make sure and be at the Wild Sheep Convention for your chance at this amazing piece of work. Thanks to Brooke Whitelaw for support the Wild Sheep of BC.
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Tony Judd and the MOE continue their support of Wild Sheep In British Columbia with a donation of a Red tail hawk. Tony's work is well known where ever conservationists gather. Thanks again to Tony and the MOE for supporting Wild Sheep Everywhere.

Asian Mountain Outfitters

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Bryan Martin of Asian Mountain Outfitters has partnered with the Wild Sheep Society of BC to provide this exciting opportunity at a world class Ibex. Located at the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is picturesque , with snow-capped mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, rushing streams, highland pastures and meadows, unique flora and fauna this truly is a trip that many dream about and few complete. Thanks again to Asian Mountain Outfitters for supporting the Wild Sheep of BC
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British Columbia Wildlife Federation

The BCWF has been a long time supporter of the Wild Sheep of BC. This year is no exception. For those who love to have wildlife art in their homes, look for the two Limited Edition prints the BCWF has donated for this years convention. Thanks again goes to the BCWF for its ongoing support for Wild Sheep!
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Canadian Magnetic Imaging (CMI)has fully donated an MRI to the Wild Sheep Society of BC.

Canadian Magnetic Imaging (CMI) is a private MRI facility in Vancouver, BC. The scan that they are donating is a routine MRI, which would include any extremity scan such as a knee, wrist or ankle, or a routine body scan which would include one area of the neck or spine, shoulder, pelvis, etc.

CMI utilizes a leading edge, high-field, wide-bore, open design MRI scanner that combines advanced imaging with maximum patient comfort. This particular machine is much roomier than traditional MRI systems, allowing patients with back pain to bend their knees during the exam and the head out-feet first design allows patients to feel in control which is extremely important for those not keen on closed spaces.

The scan will be interpretted by teaching hospital based Radiologists who specialize in the area being imaged, which is critical for the utmost in diagnostic confidence.

For all of us older sheep hunters who require some "help" to get up the mountains, don't miss this chance at extending your "life in the field" . Thanks to CMI for supporting the Wild Sheep of BC!
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Rick Taylor is donating a handcraftred bronzes for this years WSS live auction. The moose sculpture is part of his desktop series and stands 8 inches tall with a walnut base. Thanks to Rick for his ongoing support of the Wild Sheep of BC.