Cattle & Elk

[TBark]

Commented on ww2269's thread about cattle in the crown land (bush) area.
Got a bull each Sept in this area over the last few years, many elk on my trail cams 'til a few weeks ago. Cams are jammed up with cattle now.
I spoke with the local farmer and he says he will have the cattle out there 'til sometime in Oct, 'til the green undergrowth dies out.
Bugled and cow called morn and evening Sept 4 - 6th, with no replies.
Just the odd moo in the distance.
These cows are a mile or more into the crown land beyone the lease, I'm talk'n bush, kinda wonder how the farmer will round them all up when the time comes.
Does it make sense that the elk have moved out and they will return next month ?
Or could they still be near by laying low and not bugling or creeping my way because of the cattle ?
Any help from those with cattle & elk experience appreciated.
Thanks,

TBark

[Blind hunter]

Had the same problem. Farmer put his cows right next to some crown land and the elk shut down.

[Whiskey Wish]

Technically if they are off his lease he is not allowed to keep them there. Practically once they are out in the bush the only way to get them back is to wait until the feed runs out and they are hungry then put out hay bales back on the lease and wait until they return on their own..... thus the "sometime in October" statement.
It's not right but it gets done all the time especially in dry years like this year when the pastures are poor. Chances are the elk have moved on to greener pastures for this year anyways. I would contact F&W and ask about why the cattle are there, they may advise you to contact someone else in SRD. Take the time to point out what is happening because if this continues to re-occur season after season they will have the ammunition they need to put pressure on the leaseholder. ie. Take his lease away
Unfortunately some guys that know how to "work the system" get away with this for years.
This really sucks but it's the best info I have...:(

Keep Your Powder Dry,
Dave.

[migrant hunter]

I was in 400 all weekend, and it seems there are cattle everywhere. The bush and vegatataion is trampled and grazed, not a sign of Elk anywhere.
Maybe I'll get myself one of those nice "Elk" with a white face and an ear tag!

[TBark]

Someone just told me they had heard that cattle are allowed on the crown land this year due to drought conditions. MD ruling in my area.
Good for cattle I guess, bad for hunters.

TBark

[honda450]

This here pic was taken in 400 in July. This cow was some crazy. One night she got all fired up and started charging trees, snorting hollering and going wild right near my camp. This happened a few times. Had some good medicine for her if she came to my camp though. :evilgrin: Still saw lots of elk.:wave:

[u_cant_rope_the_wind]

all cattle belong on a BBQ grill, and no other place small or large dont matter:lol:

[diamond k]

I dont know where that pic was taken but I can tell you any cow that looks like that in this country is for breeding rodeo stock. Some of those rodeo cows are mean mean mean. I should know I raised them for 15 years.

[Denadii Cho]

Someone just told me they had heard that cattle are allowed on the crown land this year due to drought conditions. MD ruling in my area.
Good for cattle I guess, bad for hunters.

TBark

Ya
Drought Leads Alberta Government To Make Public Land Available For Livestock Producers
08/18/2009 04:00PM

The Edmonton Sun reports that the Alberta government will let producers graze on public land because dry conditions have created a shortage of hay and other forage crops.

A combination of drought, hail damage and cool growing conditions have increased the cost of feed. Farmers are encouraged to work with others who hold agriculture leases on public land.

The government’s decision to open up public land was made after the request was made from the Alberta Beef Producers.



Source: Edmonton Sun

[monstermulie]

Technically if they are off his lease he is not allowed to keep them there. Practically once they are out in the bush the only way to get them back is to wait until the feed runs out and they are hungry then put out hay bales back on the lease and wait until they return on their own..... thus the "sometime in October" statement.
It's not right but it gets done all the time especially in dry years like this year when the pastures are poor. Chances are the elk have moved on to greener pastures for this year anyways. I would contact F&W and ask about why the cattle are there, they may advise you to contact someone else in SRD. Take the time to point out what is happening because if this continues to re-occur season after season they will have the ammunition they need to put pressure on the leaseholder. ie. Take his lease away
Unfortunately some guys that know how to "work the system" get away with this for years.
This really sucks but it's the best info I have...:(

Keep Your Powder Dry,
Dave.

Some set of morals you got there buddy, some guy is trying to feed his cattle so he can have money to keep doing it year after year and put food on his table. For some of these guys its not about making money it about making it through the year and on to the next. I personally hope that you're out hunting and a mean ol herford gets you on the ground and stomps a mud hole in your behind