Key Conservation Investments
The Southeastern Chapter has supported conservation efforts as Platinum Sponsors of the 2025 and 2026 Sheep Shows. Additional conservation initiatives and investments include the Southeast WSF Conservation Corp Grant for the Idaho Capture & Release Program in 2026 to engage the next generation of conservationists. We also look forward to the Relocation of California Bighorns from Oregon to British Columbia will not only boost herd diversity but also lay the groundwork for a healthier future for wild sheep populations.
2025 Winner of the Conservation Corp Grant
Christin Mikeal
Auburn Alabama University
“As someone who is passionate about conservation, as I’m sure all of your applicants are, I am also deeply passionate about wildlife veterinary medicine, and this experience will undoubtedly support the beginning of the career I’ve pursued since I was a child.”
Program Details
- This year’s fall and winter 2025-2026 project is a Trap & Test of Bighorn sheep conducted by the Idaho Fish & Game in cooperation with the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation
- A lucky student will be selected by the committee from applications to receive a grant for travel, field transportation, and lodging to participate as an assistant for a single term of 4-6 days with biologists
- At completion of this short-term project students can apply this experience to their respective university for consideration of experiential learning credit
The Program is Sponsored in Whole or Part by the:
Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation
Wild Sheep Foundation
Wild Sheep Foundation SouthEastern Chapter
Academic & Professional Endorsements:
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
North Carolina State University
Auburn University
University of Georgia
Conservation Corp Subject Matter Experts & Student Selection Committee
North Carolina State University
Christopher Moorman, PhD
Professor and NCSU Faculty Scholar
Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor
Associate Head, Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Resources
Christopher “Chris” Moorman is a Professor, Faculty Scholar, and Associate Head of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University. Chris teaches courses related to wildlife habitat management and his research program is focused on understanding wildlife habitat relationships, especially as they relate to human-induced landscape change.
His research is applied and is focused on developing practical solutions for integrating wildlife conservation into working landscapes. He has studied a wide range of wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, coyote, songbirds, mice, salamanders, and lizards. Chris has co-authored 175 peer-reviewed journal articles, co-edited 2 books, and co-presented more than 800 research and outreach talks. He is a Fellow of The Wildlife Society.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Asst. Chief Christopher Kreh
Assistant Chief – Game & Furbearer Program
Certified Wildlife Biologist
I have worked in a variety of positions for the NCWRC since 2002. Currently, I lead the Game & Furbearer Program whose 13 biologists work toward the Program’s mission of 1) Ensuring the long-term viability and sustained harvest of game & furbearer populations, and 2) Participating in planning and coordination of management directives based on sound science.
Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
Dr. Aniruddha Belsare
Assistant Professor of Disease Ecology
Dr. Ani is a disease ecologist with a background in veterinary medicine, pathogen modeling, and conservation research. He obtained his veterinary degree from the Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai, India, and his PhD from the University of Missouri.
University of Georgia
Dr. Mark Ruder
Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study
Department of Population Health SCWDS Director
College of Veterinary Medicine Professor in Wildlife Health
Researcher in epidemiology, and pathobiology of diseases in free-ranging wildlife and aims to understand potential impacts on populations. Emphasis is placed on those pathogens/toxicants of significance to wildlife populations.
Wildlife Disease Association
Dr. Peregrine Wolff
Executive Manager
Dr. Peregrine (Peri) Wolff is a wildlife veterinarian. She received her veterinary degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
During her 13 years as a veterinarian for the Oregon and Nevada fish and wildlife agencies, she was actively involved with bighorn sheep, including disease surveillance, trap and transplant, and test and remove efforts.
She has served on the board of the Wild Sheep Foundation for eight years and as the board chair for two. She remains active as co-chair of the Conservation Committee and Disease Lead for North American sheep.