The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 658: Are Governor's Tags Un-American: REDUX
Feb 3, 2025
Gray Thornton, a prominent member of the Wild Sheep Foundation, joins for a lively discussion on the complex world of governor's tags and their role in wildlife conservation. The conversation dives into the challenges of funding for bighorn sheep conservation compared to more populous species, while touching on social and economic implications. They humorously dissect the ethical debates around high-stakes auction tags, spotlighting the impact of wealth on hunting experiences and the importance of transparency in conservation funding.
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Origin of Governor's Tags
- The first governor's tag was given to the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep in 1980 by Wyoming Governor Ed Herschler.
- This tag was intended to raise funds dedicated to wild sheep conservation in Wyoming.
Sheep Funding Challenges
- Wild sheep populations are too small to generate sufficient revenue from regular tag sales to fund their own conservation.
- Unlike deer, elk, or turkeys, wild sheep don't "pay their way."
Limited Revenue from Tags
- Montana's bighorn sheep tags generate limited revenue for conservation, totaling $198,000 from 656 tags in 2023.
- This amount is insufficient to fund substantial conservation efforts, highlighting the need for additional funding sources.