Rancher: Being forced off private grazing land by wolves is wrong

[bearpaw]

Rancher: Being forced off private grazing land by wolves is wrong

If we allow people to be forced off the land, our economy and our communities will suffer greatly. We are asking our Stevens County Commissioners Steve Parker, Don Dashiell and Wes McCart, our Sheriff Kendle Allen, our County Prosecutor Tim Rasmussen and our legislators Joel Kretz, Shelly Short and Brian Dansel to recognize that the time for words is over, the time for action is now.

read more: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2014/sep/02/rancher-being-forced-private-grazing-land-wolves-wrong/

[AspenBud]

The whole problem can be summed up in these two quotes...

From the rancher...

"In addition to being part of the WAG group, I am also one of a group of producers who have asked WDFW for wolf collar data so we can manage our herds. In our case we received no response and other producers were asked to sign a contract with certain non-lethal management rules first as some kind of test on whether they deserved the information or not. Being denied this basic tool directly caused the wolf conflict situation our ranch experienced, as we were unaware that we were moving our band of sheep near a wolf den site. Had we had access to the information, we would have made alternate grazing plans."

From CNW...

"He doesn't mention that, as I understand it, before this field season he turned down offers of cooperative agreements and substantial resources (including a rider, collars, etc.) from WSU and also DFW. Nor does he mention that during the two or so weeks in which the pack was developing a refined taste for his mutton, Dashiel and his presumably experienced “herder” thought they were experiencing cougar issues.

But what bothers me most is that he describes this as “a crisis that is becoming all too common in Eastern Washington.” Really? This and the Wedge Pack (2 years ago) make for two such crises, both with stubborn ranchers who resisted the resources to update their methods and prevent the situation. In the nine project seasons that Conservation Northwest has been involved in with more collaborative ranchers since 2012, our total number of depredations is ZERO."


Can anyone confirm that claim in bold?

Regardless, if the state wants to be serious about avoiding conflicts they have an obligation to release any and all data about where wolves may be a problem for livestock producers. Getting the collar data should not have been an issue. Conversely if the rancher is turning down help that makes him look like he's stubborn and not interested in working with the state on the problem or to avoid it.

There is no middle ground where both sides meet.

[idahohuntr]

It seems misleading to me to suggest this rancher was "forced" off his grazing lease.  It implies the state came in and rounded up his sheep and hauled them somewhere.  A more accurate title would be "Wolves force rancher to flee" or "Rancher Decides to Move Flock"...as the rancher, and only the rancher, decided to move his sheep voluntarily...and he has that right.  He could have left them right where they were if he (and the landowner) desired.  Wolves are a natural part of the landscape now.  Its going to make livestock production more difficult...but killing wolves is politically unpopular in this state...times have changed and the sooner folks realize this I think the more successful they will be.  Is it true he refused resources to help reduce conflict with wolves?  I think the article said something like collars/range riders etc. were offered but denied?  No idea whether it would have helped, but it certainly couldn't have hurt and it would eliminate the argument from the pro-wolf crowd that he refused non-lethal help.

[bobcat]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

[Stein]

I get that people like wolves in the wild.  I also get that people are making a living raising animals.  If a wolf attacks me, I can shoot it in self defense.  The same should simply be true for your other property on private land- esa listed animal or not.  Graze on public land - take your chances with cougar, wolf, bear, etc.

[wolfbait]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

Spoken like a true pro-wolfer Are you finally coming out of the closet Bobcat, no more fooling around on both sides of the fence?

[bobcat]

I'm not "pro-wolf." I just don't agree with my tax dollars being used to help support private businesses.

[idahohuntr]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

I find the hypocrisy a little funny...sad actually.  A lot of ranchers I know support very limited government, reduced taxes, etc.  Until of course a wolf eats into their profits...then its all the governments fault and taxpayers need to pay for helicopters, gunners, high tech gps collars, dozens of support staff etc. 

[bearpaw]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

Spoken like a true pro-wolfer Are you finally coming out of the closet Bobcat, no more fooling around on both sides of the fence?

We will see how Bobcat's comments change when wolves invade his hunting areas and impact him or his neighbors. It's pretty easy to make those comments when it involves people you don't know and happens with wolves on the other side of the state.

County Commissioners had a public meeting and have issued statements telling the county residents we have Constitutional Rights to protect ourselves and our property against wolves. Something about there will be no prosecutions in this county for protecting yourself or your property if you shoot a wolf(s). It was on the front page of our local newspaper, I can't find it online so I can't provide an exact quote.

People in this county are ready to boot WDFW out of the county and take control of wildlife management.

[bearpaw]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

I find the hypocrisy a little funny...sad actually.  A lot of ranchers I know support very limited government, reduced taxes, etc.  Until of course a wolf eats into their profits...then its all the governments fault and taxpayers need to pay for helicopters, gunners, high tech gps collars, dozens of support staff etc.

Some of you need to review the original NRM wolf plan and the state wolf plan. Agencies and wolf groups promised compensation for losses as part of the deal to bring wolves into the states. 

[AspenBud]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

I find the hypocrisy a little funny...sad actually.  A lot of ranchers I know support very limited government, reduced taxes, etc.  Until of course a wolf eats into their profits...then its all the governments fault and taxpayers need to pay for helicopters, gunners, high tech gps collars, dozens of support staff etc.

Some of you need to review the original NRM wolf plan and the state wolf plan. Agencies and wolf groups promised compensation for losses as part of the deal to bring wolves into the states. 

Truth.

[bearpaw]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

I find the hypocrisy a little funny...sad actually.  A lot of ranchers I know support very limited government, reduced taxes, etc.  Until of course a wolf eats into their profits...then its all the governments fault and taxpayers need to pay for helicopters, gunners, high tech gps collars, dozens of support staff etc.

The hypocrisy is that most of us who have to live with wolves didn't want wolves, they were forced onto us by people living in urban areas with promises and some hunters actually buy into the wolf lies. Think legislator living on San Jaun Islands!

I have seen Bobcat's comments about wolves on the westside, unless I misunderstood his comments, he seems to support wolves as long as they are in Eastern Washington, that seems like hypocrisy!

[AspenBud]

To me it's getting old hearing all the whining from the ranchers, blaming the state when their animals are eaten by wolves. You just can't hold the state responsible for something wild animals do. Wolves have to eat, they're going to eat whatever's available, and in this case it was sheep. Get used to it, it's now just a part of doing business and being a rancher. Be glad you had nearly 100 years without wolves. But now they're back, you want to be a rancher, deal with it and don't expect the state to take care of all your problems.

Spoken like a true pro-wolfer Are you finally coming out of the closet Bobcat, no more fooling around on both sides of the fence?

We will see how Bobcat's comments change when wolves invade his hunting areas and impact him or his neighbors. It's pretty easy to make those comments when it involves people you don't know and happens with wolves on the other side of the state.

County Commissioners had a public meeting and have issued statements telling the county residents we have Constitutional Rights to protect ourselves and our property against wolves. Something about there will be no prosecutions in this county for protecting yourself or your property if you shoot a wolf(s). It was on the front page of our local newspaper, I can't find it online so I can't provide an exact quote.

People in this county are ready to boot WDFW out of the county and take control of wildlife management.

Honestly, if hunting permit prices keep climbing it won't matter much. A friend of mine bought a permit to hunt the St. Helens tree farm a week before the bow opener and he said that out of 15,000 available permits only 1700 had been sold. Hunting in western Washington is already under serious assault and to be frank, I'm not sure if wolves will make much difference in what's already a bad situation. People are leaving the tradition as access is taken away or becomes too expensive to get. Once people stop hunting they stop caring about what happens with regards to predators and prey and it becomes a "WDFW problem."

[bobcat]

Then let the wolf loving groups pay for the compensation. The state can't afford it. How many years do ranchers expect to be compensated? Is this supposed to go on forever? How is it sustainable? It's not like the wolves are ever going to stop killing domestic animals.

[AspenBud]

Then let the wolf loving groups pay for the compensation. The state can't afford it. How many years do ranchers expect to be compensated? Is this supposed to go on forever? How is it sustainable? It's not like the wolves are ever going to stop killing domestic animals.

 

Particularly once they get delisted by the state.