New Sitka Film, “Tendoys”
The Eradication of a Bighorn Herd for the Survival of the Species
Bozeman, MT - Sitka Gear, the industry leader in performance hunting gear and bar-setting cinematography, is proud to announce its partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Wild Sheep Foundation to present the short film, Tendoys, which can be viewed August 1 at sitkagear.com. Word traveled quickly when Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced an unprecedented unlimited number of bighorn sheep tags for Montana’s Tendoy Mountains. The new Sitka Film follows Afghanistan veteran and Montana native Tony Larsen into the Tendoys, resulting in an exciting archery stalk.
But there is a bigger narrative here. Tony’s hunt is one small part of a carefully planned conservation solution, which itself could have reverberations for wild sheep across North America. Tendoys tells that story.
By 1940, bighorn sheep were considered extinct in the Tendoys. In 1985, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks reintroduced 39 wild bighorn sheep, along with another 14 in 1986. By 1993, the herd was up to more than 150 animals. But that same winter, an all-age pneumonia die off reduced the herd to 28 animals, with no lambs surviving. The pneumonia was likely contracted through contact with domestic sheep.
Hunting was suspended in 1994, and for the next 20 years, the cycle of reintroducing sheep followed by massive die-offs ensued. In 2012, 49 bighorns were added to the Tendoys. By early 2015, only 19 could be found. The pneumonia-induced die-offs could not be overcome.
The solution, which Tony’s hunt is a part of, is to eradicate the current herd, create a buffer between wild and domestic sheep in the region, and restore the Tendoys with a clean, healthy herd.
There is still much work to be done, but with conservation groups such as the Wild Sheep Foundation and brands such as Sitka Gear raising funding and awareness, the future looks favorable for bighorns.
For more information or interviews with those involved in the Tendoys film, please contact Glenn Walker at [email protected].
About Sitka Gear Sitka Gear, based in Bozeman, Montana, created and leads the technical hunting apparel category. The company is recognized for its commitment to continually improving the hunting experience and supporting wildlife conservation. Sitka Gear products work together in systems, and each piece is designed and tested by the company’s core hunters, athletes, and ambassadors. Sitka Gear is owned by W. L. Gore & Associates, an advanced materials company well known for GORE-TEX® fabrics and many other industry-leading innovations that provide durable comfort and protection to outdoor enthusiasts. Go to sitkagear.com to learn more about how Sitka Gear helps the driven focus on their pursuits.
