Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Letter from Randel Major, NMCGA President - Forest Service removal of "feral" cattle

 

New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association

 

2231 RIO GRANDE BLVD. N.W. • ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87104

Mailing Address: PO Box 7517 • Albuquerque, NM 87194

PHONE (505)247-0584 • FAX (505) 842-1766

EMAIL: nmcga20@gmail.com

WEBSITE: www.nmagriculture.org

Dear Producers and All,

Another challenge has presented itself to the ranching community of New Mexico. As President of our great association, I feel this matter and NMCGA stance should be shared with our membership. There has been potential legislation, meetings and media coverage concerning “feral” cattle running loose in the Gila Wilderness. There have also been talks of implementing a plan allowing Federal Wildlife Services to use helicopters to shoot “feral” cattle. In the proposed plan, hundreds of “feral” bulls, cows, and calves would be shot from low flying helicopters and the carcasses will be left to rot on the wilderness floor. APHIS uses similar practices to manage predators such as mountain lions, coyotes, and bears. Cattle are not predators. The Wilderness Ranger District has submitted a Minimum Requirement Decision Guide to the regional forester for approval of this action.

250 livestock carcasses being shot and left where they fall will draw the Mexican wolf and other predators to that area. This will make the hardship even more difficult for Gila ranchers, not to mention training the wolves to eat livestock.

The Center for Biological Diversity claims that “feral” cattle damage the river’s riparian corridors in the Wilderness District. It makes you wonder why elk are not put in the same category due to their wallows and tree damage from bull elk rubs?

The “feral” cattle issue is a direct result of Wilderness designation. These designations have caused ranchers economic hardship and prohibit access. This has made it difficult for ranchers to effectively manage the waters, fences, roads, and other management practices which contributes to their viability.

NMCGA is not in favor of this extermination plan and believes there are better options available. Cowboys could be contracted to remove the cattle. Contracts were used before but that was several years ago. This could be done again but in a more vigorous manner. “Feral” cow trigger traps could be baited and set up in key locations. Once the cattle are trapped, they could be tranquilized and transported by helicopter to an area where the New Mexico Livestock Board could determine whether the cattle are estrays or are branded. 

For the Wilderness Ranger District to request approval of shooting hundreds of cattle shows the direct attack that our government has on its ranchers and people. Creating wilderness and introducing endangered species such as Mexican wolves, the jumping mouse, and reducing landowner elk authorizations are just a continuation of the attack on ranchers and their livelihood.

On behalf of our membership and New Mexico’s producers, NMCGA has requested a letter be drafted by Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC to begin the process of halting the plan proposed by the US Forest Service.

My best to you all,

Randell Major

Randell Major

President




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