I believe that is a very broad and inaccurate statement. But I can understand how somebody could come to that conclusion with TV hunting shows and the greater publicity given to the taking of the herd bulls and mature buck. But over all, that is not the case. Its actually a VERY small percentage of the overall harvest. Game managers provide far more doe and cow licenses than buck/bull in an effort to keep a balanced herd. Most are no more than 1 1/2yr animals and are the first legal bull/buck opportunity for the average hunter. Likewise, doe/cow tags are most often taken first-come-first-serve strictly for the purpose of management and the freezer.Originally Posted by Mato Kuwapi
On the side of the wolves....it sounds great when people say wolves only kill the weak and sickly. As if they were simply an over grown opposum with a different tail. But that is not the cass either. Blackbear, wolves and coyote all have a huge impact on calving and fawn mortallity. And there is no culling involved. Nor are there any antlers with which to identify them with. They take all opportunities available, cow and bull calves alike. Herds are not getting knocked down simply because they are getting weak and helpless. They are "preyed' upon by predators. Sick and healthy.
Yellowstone didn't get overbrowsed because of the lack of wolves. It became overbrowsed by the lack of game management. Protectionism of game is not management. They are an animal, and eventually eat themselves out of house and home, or breed themselves into disease. Yes, yellowstone has been "preserved"....but in a man-impacted ecosystem and within man-made boundaries.
