On The Landscape: Saving Bighorn Sheep in the East Kootenays

In this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle sits down with Brian Gustafson, Executive Director of the Golden District Rod & Gun Club, and filmmaker Jesse Bone of Filter Studios to talk about the powerful new conservation film, On The Landscape: Bighorn Sheep of the East Kootenays.

The film tells the story of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep living alongside highways, railways, communities and an increasingly changing landscape in British Columbia’s East Kootenays. It also tells the story of the people working to make a difference—scientists, First Nations guardians, wildlife managers, filmmakers and grassroots conservationists coming together to find solutions.

Brian shares the remarkable story of the Golden bighorn herd, which at one point had fallen to just 11 animals, and the work that has helped the herd begin to recover. The conversation explores highway mortality, wildlife fencing and crossings, habitat enhancement, prescribed fire, collaboration with government, and the importance of persistent grassroots conservation.

Jesse takes us behind the camera and explains how the film evolved from what began as a call to action into something much bigger—a celebration of communities across the East Kootenays working together for wildlife. He also shares some incredible stories from filming bighorn sheep along the Trans-Canada Highway and what it was like capturing the very challenges the film was created to highlight.

Now the film is hitting the road.

ON THE LANDSCAPE FILM TOUR

October 20 — Castlegar, Selkirk College

October 21 — Cranbrook, Cranbrook Public Library

October 22 — Fernie, Vogue Theatre

October 23 — Radium Hot Springs, Bighorn Meadows Resort

October 24 — Golden, Kicking Horse Movies

Each screening includes the film, a Q&A with the filmmakers and conservation partners, and draw prizes throughout the evening. Seating is limited at several locations, so we encourage you to register early.