Yellowstone Elk

BuzzH · Apr 9, 2019

BrentD said:
Your cynicism

Didn't realize the truth is considered cynicism...

BigHornRam · Apr 9, 2019

Yep. Couldn't pay me enough to be a bio in Montana. Hats off to those that are.

BuzzH · Apr 9, 2019

BigHornRam said:
Yep. Couldn't pay me enough to be a bio in Montana. Hats off to those that are.

Yeah, not being allowed to practice biology, as a biologist, has got to be tough. A person can only pretend for so long before it just becomes a paycheck.

JLS · Apr 9, 2019

BrentD said:
And not entirely accurate

Unfortunately, it’s probably much more accurate than not.

Bambistew · Apr 9, 2019

http://www.montanaoutdoor.com/2019/...GigTlHmfHwNi0SBLaEbQyi6a2mLNKyXv1FUUwcav5K0KA

The numbers in this article are different... makes you wonder which are correct.

BrentD · Apr 9, 2019

JLS said:
Unfortunately, it’s probably much more accurate than not.

Or not. Of course, nabobs of negativity certainly hold sway on the 'net.

JLS · Apr 9, 2019

BrentD said:
Or not. Of course, nabobs of negativity certainly hold sway on the 'net.

How much experience do you have hunting in Montana over the years, or in lieu of that, experience working with and within FWP?

BrentD · Apr 9, 2019

JLS said:
How much experience do you have hunting in Montana over the years, or in lieu of that, experience working with and within FWP?

A bit.

shoots-straight · Apr 9, 2019

WE are blessed to have some Bio's that really care. Buzz has to remember that the management of our game herds has been dictated by Landowners, and the legislature. Bio's have serious sideboards attached to what they can do and must do. It's between a rock and a granite wall how they are suppose to manage. This is why so many of the old guard left recently.

JLS · Apr 9, 2019

BrentD said:
A bit.

And so do some of the rest of us. I don't automatically adopt "cynicism" as your somewhat patronizing comment would indicate.

Or not. Of course, nabobs of negativity certainly hold sway on the 'net.

In fact, I really detest it when it's the norm. However, based upon my life experiences and observations, I feel it is much more of the truth in this instance.

Carry on.

BigHornRam · Apr 9, 2019

BuzzH said:
Yeah, not being allowed to practice biology, as a biologist, has got to be tough. A person can only pretend for so long before it just becomes a paycheck.

Doing work like this would be rewarding.

0_BHS HD 302 2017 annual report.pdf

Putting up with obnoxious blowhards would get old.

JLS · Apr 9, 2019

BigHornRam said:
Doing work like this would be rewarding.

0_BHS HD 302 2017 annual report.pdf

Putting up with obnoxious blowhards would get old.

I saw some of these sheep a few years ago in the Moose Creek/Indian Creek area.

BigHornRam · Apr 9, 2019

JLS said:
I saw some of these sheep a few years ago in the Moose Creek/Indian Creek area.

Julie has done some pretty cool work since joining FWP. She cares.

JLS · Apr 9, 2019

BigHornRam said:
Julie has done some pretty cool work since joining FWP. She cares.

Most, if not all of them really do. Some great people. Unfortunately, true management often takes a backseat to other interests.

Bambistew · Apr 9, 2019

BigHornRam said:
Doing work like this would be rewarding.

0_BHS HD 302 2017 annual report.pdf

Putting up with obnoxious blowhards would get old.

Thanks for the link. I was wondering how that transplant worked. I hope those sheep thrive there in Indian Creek. Lots of good habitat for them.

I fear that the LO near the mouth of the creek may be the type to get some domestic sheep just to spite the F&G's efforts and kill off the sheep.

BigHornRam · Apr 9, 2019

Bambistew said:
Thanks for the link. I was wondering how that transplant worked. I hope those sheep thrive there in Indian Creek. Lots of good habitat for them.

I fear that the LO near the mouth of the creek may be the type to get some domestic sheep just to spite the F&G's efforts and kill off the sheep.

Reading the report and listen to Dr Garrott's presentation, I understand that all the neighboring landowners have been very enthusiastic about the transplant. Biggest issue is mortality and that is likely due to sheep learning how best to utilize a new area. Predation has been mostly from mountain lions.

antlerradar · Apr 9, 2019

BrentD said:
And not entirely accurate

I was going to try to be less negative. So much for that.
Brent is right, Buzz forgot to the part about using CWD to justify current management or maybe Buzz just hasn't heard of this new angle yet.

Straight Arrow · Apr 9, 2019

BigHornRam said:
Reading the report and listen to Dr Garrott's presentation, I understand that all the neighboring landowners have been very enthusiastic about the transplant. Biggest issue is mortality and that is likely due to sheep learning how best to utilize a new area. Predation has been mostly from mountain lions.

Hmmmm ... 'wonder how that will impact the Yellowstone Elk?

BigHornRam · Apr 9, 2019

MSU has also done some very cool work identifying suitable summer and winter range areas in the Madison range. Can't find a link at this time. Keep an eye on the work that is coming from there. Impressive!

theat · Apr 9, 2019

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with many wildlife biologists in a handful of western states. I can honestly say that the vast majority of them are good people that care about what they are doing and the wildlife that they are managing. Montana is no exception, and I wouldn't hesitate to say that we have some great biologist working for FWP. Unfortunately for them and all of us, they are often heavily constrained on what they can do. I don't agree with many of the choices FWP makes, but to blame the biologists is not at all accurate. Despite my love for Montana, if I was a biologist looking for a job, FWP would be low on my list.

Elk Brucellosis study SW Montana