I recently returned from the 2023 Sheep Show in Reno, Nevada. One word…spectacular! Another word…conservation! It’s been a while since WTA TAGS has exhibited, but I’m certain we will continue to attend. The convention center was packed with booths. But even better, the aisles were filled with show attendees excited to apply for awesome tags and book amazing adventures.
The best part of the week was watching our clients receive their awards. I cheered as WTA TAGS clients Frank Crooker and 13-year-old Gavin Sawicki received plaques.
Frank Crooker received his award for successfully completing his quest to harvest all four North American wild sheep (Dall, Stone, Desert, Rocky). Frank booked each adventure through WTA, and we are certainly proud and honored by his trust in our company. Frank was successful on all legs of his pursuit, on the first go for each species, never having to repeat a hunt. I attribute this to three factors: 1) an ideal sheep client who can hike, shoot, and stay mentally strong when the going gets tough, 2) great outfitters, and 3) a bit of good fortune.
Young Gavin Sawicki received two awards, including the Youth Award for his New Mexico Rocky Mountain Bighorn scoring just over 183″. Gavin’s amazing ram also took Honorable Mention in the bighorn category. Gavin’s father, Mike, who had the foresight to take advantage of the WTA TAGS Kids Free Program, also understood the significance of Gavin’s accomplishment and made the award a family affair. He flew his lovely wife and daughter as well as Gavin’s uncle and grandfather in to support Gavin. What an awesome family. And Gavin is a great young man and up-and-coming sportsman. He’s what it’s all about. He would make any parent proud, and he definitely made WTA TAGS proud. Way to represent, Gavin!
Another exhilarating feature of this show is, of course, the live auctions that follow the wonderful dinner each night. The permits being offered and the money being raised for the conservation of wild sheep always spins my head around. Bids of $200,000–$300,000 were flying all around the room, all for the opportunity to hunt wild sheep in the very best game management units in the West. Of course, all proceeds go to the conservation of this magnificent animal. It’s a beautiful thing. FNAWS has done an excellent job of keeping sheep on the mountain.
Now, imagine drawing one of these coveted sheep tags! You don’t need to be a gazillionaire to hunt sheep, but you do need to apply. If drawn, you too can hunt this incredible dweller of the high alpine. WTA TAGS can help you get started in the world of sheep hunting. Give us a call and we can construct a portfolio to fit your objective. Yes, sheep tags are difficult to draw, but not impossible. Every year WTA TAGS puts smiles on clients’ faces when we inform them that they just drew the tag of a lifetime. Will our next call be to you? Not if you don’t apply. You’ve gotta be in it to win it. Give us a call today at 800-755-8247, and let’s talk sheep hunting.
