This one of a kind Alaskan Dall Sheep bronze was commissioned by the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation (AK WSF) for use as the Charles A. Sheldon Award for Lifetime Achievement in Wild Sheep Conservation in Alaska. Charles A. Sheldon was a self-made businessman, philanthropist, and hunter-conservationist famous for his explorations in the northwest wilderness. He was a member of the Boone and Crockett Club with many influential friends in Washington DC. He was able to move a bill through congress to create Denali National Park, largely focused on the conservation of Dall sheep. He personally delivered that bill to President Woodrow Wilson on February 16, 1917.
This bronze was modeled after a record book muzzle loader ram taken by the late Bob Hodson. Under agreement with AK WSF, Frank was authorized to sell additional pieces with different horns, as to keep this commemorative piece a one of a kind. This bronze is housed at the Alaska Chapter of Wild Sheep, and will have the name of each recipient on the wood base.
Urban Rahoi, with his Dall Sheep bust, when he was 100 years old.
Bronze bust of the Dall Sheep for AK WSF recipients
Kevin Dana of Barney’s Sports Chalet accepting the award from Kevin Kehoe, AK WSF president for Bob Hodson.
The first 2 recipients since its inception in 2018 were Bob Hodson and Urban Rahoi who each received a bronze ram bust sculpted by Frank. Bob Hodson was unable to attend the award presentation due to health complications, but was quick to invite Frank & Sue to his home to express how much the award meant to him. This was the last time Frank & Sue saw Bob, as his bad heart took his life under a year later. We thank God he was able to enjoy the award before leaving us.
