If the ranchers are not letting people hunt on their land, they should not be getting $$ for damages. I see this, all too often. a hunting area is open and if you don't know the person, you can't hunt the land. Then because the elk see this as a safe area, they move in and do their own thing. Hunting by permission only, is okay, but give the permission and let it be known, openly, it is on a permission basis only. Most hunters are extremely careful and reapectful. Don't let ATVs in or allow driving off-road and you will cut down the amount of those who like to go 'hog-wild' in an area.