03-04-2011, 05:51 PM
I have seen the rancher feeding them, but I think it is to keep them out of his haystack and cows. I would not want them in with my cows due to the fear of [url "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brucellosis"][#0645ad]brucellosis[/#0645ad][/url]. I have been up there many times and have yet to see them out of the field they are in, so I do not think they are hurting any thing by feeding them once in a while. If they have enough food, they will be content to stay put and not cause problems. These animals need some place to go. People keep encroaching into their winter feeding area and this is bound to happen. Look at the 200 head of deer just up the hill from the elk. They are in their normal winter feeding area, but with people moving in and building homes and farms, things are bound to get complicated.
I personally would prefer to see those Elk fed a bale or 2 a week and not have them hazed, ripping down fences to get to haystacks, wandering around across roads, or into cattle. This will make them strong and healthy for spring, keeps them out of trouble, and should help the heard. The more Elk, the better.
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I personally would prefer to see those Elk fed a bale or 2 a week and not have them hazed, ripping down fences to get to haystacks, wandering around across roads, or into cattle. This will make them strong and healthy for spring, keeps them out of trouble, and should help the heard. The more Elk, the better.
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