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[article provided by Pat Morris. Thanks!]

http://database.newswest.com/cgi-bin/T3CGI.exe/bdc/bdcNews.taf?function=detail&Local_uid1=22450

Opinion
By Michael S. Mease
02/21/2000 12:00:00 AM.

'Nightline' took bison problem national

I feel compelled to share with Montana taxpayers the
activities of the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL)
over the last three weeks.

This winter, we have been blessed with very mild weather.
The buffalo have responded, except for one bull buffalo, by
staying inside Yellowstone Park. This lone buffalo has
taken refuge a mile outside the park on the Madison River.
As a bull he has no possibility of transmitting brucellosis
to the cows that will return to the area on June 15.

This Thursday, Feb. 10, marked the fifth attempt by the
MDOL to harass the bull, with a view to either haze it back
into the park or capture it in their trap. When the MDOL
come out to haze they do not work alone. Members of the
Gallatin County Sheriff's Department, Montana Highway
Patrol, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the
U.S. Forest Service assisted the DOL.

Each hazing operation lasts about five to six hours. Apart
from forcing buffalo to run through snow for hours at a
time, hazing can involve snowmobiles knocking down trees and
being run through creeks and tributaries of the Madison
River. It also unnecessarily stresses other wildlife in the
area and wastes untold amounts of tax dollars. The
minimum cost to the taxpayer of these hazing operations is,
according to my estimation, between $5,000 and $6,000.

Last week's TV broadcast of a "Nightline" investigative
piece showed beyond a doubt the lack of reason behind
Montana's stubborn refusal to change the policy which lies
behind these hazings. I encourage everyone, therefore, to
contact the MDOL and Gov. Racicot and demand that this
insanity stop at once. Maybe then the MDOL will leave our
bull alone and keep their bull up in Helena, where everyone
is used to it.

Michael S. Mease
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone
 

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