CODY— The public is invited to a free community event focused on the conservation and management of local bighorn sheep herds. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Draper Museum of Natural History and the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation are co-hosting “Managing for Resilience: Bighorn Sheep Film and Forum” on April 23 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody.

This special event offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at wildlife management through film screening and face-to-face discussion with experts. The evening aims to foster a dialogue about how management tools, including hunting and targeted ewe harvest, are vital for keeping bighorn sheep populations healthy and resilient against disease.

The evening features:

• Welcome reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and more.
• A screening of the new short film, “Carrying Capacity: The Hunt for Resilience,” which explores the challenges and management of the Ferris-Seminoe and Jackson bighorn sheep herds.
• A presentation by local Wildlife Biologist Sam Stephens on the status of the Devils Canyon Bighorn Sheep Herd titled, “What goes up: the challenge of exceeding carrying capacity in an isolated and re-introduced Wyoming bighorn sheep herd.”
• Panel discussion and Q&A with local biologists, wildlife disease specialists, a bighorn sheep hunter and a representative from the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation.

“Our goal is to have a conversation with the community on how these herds are managed,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Biologist Tony Mong. “We hope people will come to enjoy the film screening and stay for the discussions with biologists and other experts afterward. It’s a great opportunity to stay connected to the iconic wildlife we all care about.” 

Whether you're a long-time hunter or simply care about Wyoming’s wildlife, this is an excellent opportunity to learn more and be part of the conversation.

This event is made possible through the generous contributions of the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, the Wyoming Outdoorsmen, the WYldlife Fund and the Draper Museum of Natural History.