WDFW wants to reduce the Hanford herd by 350.

[Biggerhammer]

Here is the link bellow, that was provided in article in our local paper yesterday ( Wenatchee World ). The article stated the WDFW wants to thin the Hanford herd by 350 or so. This would take place on the Rattlesnake Mt  side of the highway.

http://www.fws.gov/hanfordreach/management.html

[B.G.hunter]

I saw this in the Lewiston Morning Tribune also. 

[Biggerhammer]

I started reading through all of it but as usual with the WDFW. Fairly spread out, lack of full detail with allot of wiggle room. A damage control deal Dec-March I believe. So it can turn into a real circus by next year with who can hunt it. Who can apply and such, I don't see them turning anyone loose on those bulls but they didn't mention cow or bull just herd reduction.

[PolarBear]

They will wind up releasing wolves to take care of the "problem".   

[plugger]

They said in the tri-city paper only cows. No hunting the bulls

[Biggerhammer]

They said in the tri-city paper only cows. No hunting the bulls

That wasnt mentioned in the article I read but it goes to figure they aren't giving up those bulls without  the proper $$$$$$$ figure attached.

[fishingnut71]

OH NO! The tribes will be all over this one just like always!

[plugger]

It also said there working in conjunction with the tribes (Yakama) It was a pretty thurough artical. A max of Ten hunters a day. I wonder how much a goveners tag would go for in there?

[Biggerhammer]

It also said there working in conjunction with the tribes (Yakama) It was a pretty thurough artical. A max of Ten hunters a day. I wonder how much a goveners tag would go for in there?

They did mention that the Yakima tribe was in on it for whatever reason, that's why I figured no chance of any bulls.

[jager]

I guess realistically the elk will move to the un-huntable areas across the highway. 

So if they do manage to eliminate 350 cows and half of those would have calves thats 550 elk they are killing 
Why not relocate some like they did several years back. I mean that's a lot of elk.

But, in their minds I'm sure it's another special permit fee...$$$

[fishingnut71]

Like I said.  The TRIBES WILL RAPE IT FOR ALL ITS WORTH!

[carpsniperg2]

So if they do manage to eliminate 350 cows and half of those would have calves thats 550 elk they are killing 
Why not relocate some like they did several years back. I mean that's a lot of elk.

But, in their minds I'm sure it's another special permit fee...$$$

I could not agree more! They just don't want to spend any money to relocate them. They just want the money.

[dreamunelk]

Relocation is very expensive.  Also there is often a low survival of relocated elk.   If you do not move far enough they will find there way back.  They have been know to travel very long distances.  If memory serves me correct there is a documented case of approximately 200km (124miles) as the crow flies.  So how many 100's of miles she really travel was unknown.  took her year or two.  Now it you find an area with top grade food than they may stay.  Short an simple, hunting is a cost effective way to achieve the goal and provides opportunity. 

[adamR]

I started reading through all of it but as usual with the WDFW. Fairly spread out, lack of full detail with allot of wiggle room. A damage control deal Dec-March I believe. So it can turn into a real circus by next year with who can hunt it. Who can apply and such, I don't see them turning anyone loose on those bulls but they didn't mention cow or bull just herd reduction.

page 7 part c spells it out fairly clearly I thought, sounds like just cows from oct to march

[huntmando]

It would be interesting if they would relocate after the rut to get some genes spread out a little bit.