A lot of whining about not getting the government to subsidize their business the way they want. Take out all the fences and reestablish the bison and antelope herds. We can all go get our protein without the middleman.
We raised cattle on our own land, providing feed and protection ourselves here in southwest Washington. No grazing on public land. Cattle ranching as these guys are practicing it displaces elk, deer, bison, and pronghorn, not to mention all the small animals the ranchers are at war with. When they cite wolves as the reason the deer herds are down, it makes me laugh.
Definitely some whining and I've never been a fan of private ranchers grazing for cheap on federal and/or state lands. That's a whole other issue. And ungulate management is a whole deal too.
However, their point about the WDFW not managing is completely valid. As anglers, we have the same frustrations as them.
The typical if A, B & C parameters are met, then we have a season. Well, we now know that A, B & C can be met and we still don't get a season because...apparently, there's no money. Or they thought there was no money so they didn't even ask.
The film also points out how it only takes one activist group, like Washington Wildlife First, to tie up WDFW resources in court that gives them the convenient excuse to not manage. "Our hands are tied" type of thing. Litigation is a powerful tool. For good and bad. As anglers, we know all about this one too. I won't go there.
There are definitely issues with private land owners and the whole grazing thing, but as fishermen...that poke fish in the face for fun...I would argue that the ranchers are a closer ally to us than the extreme environmental groups. Most of us are in favor of using science to manage fish & game and to implement reasonable limitations. The trouble comes when those agreements and policies are established, but are not followed or enforced.
I think those ranchers are showing great restraint. Probably better than the fishing and hunting crowd. The cattle ranchers I know are in south central Washington and don't have to worry about wolves...yet.
I love wolves, but also think the ranchers are a vital part of our history, culture, economy and potential partners for water protection. There are plenty of ranches that protect headwaters just as well or better than the state, county or city. I hope things get worked out, but with the current WDFW dysfunction it could be a while. Not sure the ranchers (or us) will have the patience to wait for improvement.
wdfw.wa.gov
