From Sturgeon to Bighorns: The Impact of the Jurassic Classic

2025 Wild Sheep Jurassic Classic August 22–25, 2025

Chilliwack, British Columbia

Wild Sheep Jurassic Classic participants, guides and volunteers The 9th Annual Wild Sheep Jurassic Classic once again brought conservationists, anglers, and supporters together for a weekend of fishing, friendship, and fundraising on the Fraser River. This unique event pairs the pursuit of an iconic fish—the white sturgeon—with support for an equally iconic mountain species: the wild sheep of British Columbia.

This year’s event welcomed 56 participants from across Canada and the United States, all gathering in the spirit of camaraderie, conservation, and connection. Thanks to the world-class outfitting service of Great River Fishing Adventures, anglers landed more than 160 sturgeon throughout the weekend. Competition

Highlights

• Biggest Sturgeon • A 9-foot-2-inch giant earned Team Wild Sheep Foundation of Alaska (Molly McCarthy-Cunfer, Scott Cunfer, Frank & Nancy McCarthy) top honors. An incredible five fish measured over nine feet.

Prize sponsors: YETI & Stone Glacier (YETI gear + Stone Glacier Terminus 8700 packs).

• Most Overall Length • Team Guide Outfitters Association of BC (Kevin Church, Roger Gysel, Tyler Camille, James Lulua Jr.) tallied an impressive 89 feet, 11 inches of sturgeon.

Prize sponsor: SITKA Gear (full SITKA Dewpoint rain systems).

• Smallest Sturgeon • A tie between Liberty Buus (SCI Manitoba Chapter) and Dan Agte, each landing a feisty 1-foot-7-inch sturgeon

• Mystery Length • Team Canadian Wildlife Capture (Ben Berukoff, Jordan Smaldon, Chris Procter, Brad Siemens) won the Mystery Length prize. Prize sponsor: Schnee (Granite 200g boots).

Sponsors & Support This year’s Signature Sponsor was YETI, joined by major partners SITKA Gear, Stone Glacier, Sako Rifles, and Steiner Scopes. Their generosity helped deliver a $15,000 prize package and a memorable experience for all participants.

A special highlight was Sako Canada’s donation of a Sako 90 Adventurer in 6.5 Creedmoor topped with a Steiner scope to support the Fraser River Test and Remove Legacy Project.

As always, our volunteers were the backbone of the event, ensuring seamless organization and hosting the legendary Fraser River barbeque—complete with smoked sturgeon, sockeye salmon, and even sturgeon ceviche.

Looking Ahead The 2026 Jurassic Classic (August 21–23) is already sold out to the public. The only way to attend is by purchasing team entries through wild sheep chapters, affiliates, and conservation partners who auction off spots to raise funds for their own initiatives.

With its perfect mix of fishing, fundraising, and community, the Jurassic Classic continues to live up to its title: “BC’s Full Curl Fishing Experience.”