Diamond M Ranch said open cow rate has risen since wolf migration…

[wolfbait]

Diamond M Ranch said open cow rate has risen since wolf migration…

http://chewelahindependent.com/cattle-producer-says-wolves-cause-breeding-problems/

[4fletch]

TERRIBLE.  Government  is not our friend what a shame

[bornhunter]

Wonder if the Diamond M allows volunteers to help protect their stock? Would be a fun way to soend some time in the high country.

[BNAElkhntr]

Wonder if the Diamond M allows volunteers to help protect their stock? Would be a fun way to soend some time in the high country.

[nwwanderer]

Good idea, but how would you do that with this states rules?   Lots of paid range riders out, just a money pit.  All of the losses continue.  Show me a return on investment, more than happy to be wrong.

[bornhunter]

I know nothing about range riders. Didnt know if they were paid or volunteers or . I know I am going to move to the NE part of the state soon and once there I would really enjoy helping my neighbors out. I think it would be a hoot chasing wolves off. Been around livestock since I was a kid but never in an environment having to deal with large predators. Sounds exciting.

[Gringo31]

This whole situation breaks my heart. 

Folks cheering as a livelihood is circling the drain.  Nothing to do with science but politics.

[bornhunter]

I hope I didnt cause that response. I truly would like to help the ranchers keep their livehod and lifestyle. I think it is terrible what is happening to those generations of families. We all have to pull together and stop the insanity coming from the Pugef Sound/Olympia region. Liberty State is the answer!

[bearpaw]

I don't remember for sure who pays what percentage, I'm pretty sure WDFW pays a percentage for rangeriders. The sad thing is that money is just wasted money that could be put to use benefiting wildlife if we didn't have so many wolves and no way to control numbers. 

[Gringo31]

My comments were not directed towards you bornhunter.   

[bornhunter]

Oh good. Thanks.

[KFhunter]

I know nothing about range riders. Didnt know if they were paid or volunteers or . I know I am going to move to the NE part of the state soon and once there I would really enjoy helping my neighbors out. I think it would be a hoot chasing wolves off. Been around livestock since I was a kid but never in an environment having to deal with large predators. Sounds exciting.

I talked to a Diamond M co owner and other ranchers also having wolves killing their cows, I asked them about range riding, I've known these ranchers for my whole life so ya I'm going to get the unvarnished truth...

Like you, I wanted to volunteer to help out. 

I even sent a letter to Jay whatshisface  (CNW guy running the program).

"KF do you know what the range riders really do?  They ride around looking for dead cows" was essentially the same thing I heard from all the ranchers.


A few range riders aren't going to have much if any impact, and the bulk of their job isn't prevention, but damage assessment.


So I still do some "range riding" on my own, with an ATV, I'm really just scouting hunting areas and not associated with any CNW or bureaucracy; but I keep my eyes open and check out any circling crows or bawling cattle, they always talk when being worked or moved, but when a calf is half eaten and still alive it's a different noise, once you hear it you'll never forget it. 

If I find something amiss I know who has that range and I'll give em a call.  If your scouting public lands and come across ranchers running cattle (and they aren't elbow deep in a project) stop and say hi, let them know you're going to be spending some time in the area and if you find a problem see if they'll give you a phone # or contact info. 

[bearpaw]

It seems like an unfair farce to make the wolf lovers feel good, the way I understand it, iif a producer doesn't have a rangerider and the wolves kill your cattle then WDFW won't take any action, pretty disgusting situation.

[nwwanderer]

Think about it, thousands of cows, ten of thousands of acres, hidey holes every where and  24/7 hunters (wolves).  That is just one rancher.  The solution is honestly and quickly paying the losses.  If handled politely and equitably nearly all would participate.  Diamond M, our calculations say you loss $257,321.32 in 2018.  Here is your check.  The data and research exist to do just that.

[CAMPMEAT]

Anytime the corrupt government tries to do anything, it never works. Privatize it and get rid of the anti-American, echo terrorism groups and you could fix the the problem..............