P.S. We have bison in the wild in north-eastern Poland, they are smaller than American one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisent

Joe seemed to imply that wildlife is better off in National Parks, where they are protected, yet Joe didn’t mention the millions of people who go through Natl Parks each year to gape at the critters, and run right up to them to take thier picture. He didn’t mention how many wildlife are hit on Park roads by vehicles, or how often wildlife is chased out of their habitat to avoid the masses of people. He didn’t mention how in Natl Parks animals like bears can become habituated to people, which can often cost the animal his life.

Joe also seemed to imply that wildlife on private land is in danger because there are no laws to protect them. We do have laws in America that set hunting seasons for many wildlife species, as well as laws regulating chasing, hazing or abuse of wildlife.

Next time you are out driving around the country, look for wildlife. Where do you see the deer, elk, or moose? Generally, they will be in the river bottoms, irrigated pastures and fields, and even in yards – on private land. Wildlife are there because most landowners take care of their property by controlling weeds, developing streams and other water sources, and growing grass and other crops that wildlife feed on much of the year. When private property has limited or no public acces, wildlife live unmolested, and thrive, much or all of the time.

I know this first hand because we own a ranch, and over 30 deer live right here in the hay field and pasture by our house. Often in the fall, 14 or more buck deer will walk right past my yard to and from the river. We have had several moose here, and one young female spent several days literally in our yard one winter to avoid predators. We also have elk, antelope, numerous species of birds, fish and other animals right here within a few hundred feet of our house.

We go to lengths not to molest the wildlife on our ranch and in the area. We feed many species of birds, but store bird feeders, dog and livestock feed, and BBQ grill out of reach of bears. We also have a bear proof-dumpster. When we are out on horseback or on foot, we are always aware of our surroundings and make enough noise to give bears warning we are in the area, and we properly store our food while in cow camp. We don’t want to be the reason a bear would have to be put down. We do not allow our dog to chase wildlife. We practice rotational grazing with our livestock, to allow grass plants to grow and thrive between grazing, similar to your lawn between mowings. As the livestock are grazing, and while the grass plants are resting between grazings, the wildlife have free choice grazing. The deer often rest under or trees during the afternoon heat, and drink from our ponds and irrigation ditches. During the winter, wildlife feed on the hay we spent thousands of dollars to harvest and store. We are not the exception. Most of the ranchers in this state, and other states, operate the same way. Some have even created wetland areas to attract more wildlife. Of course, there are ranchers and other private landowners who do not operate this way, but in general, they are the exception.

Joe wrote a fine article. I just don’t want readers to be mislead into believing the popular yet false theory that when wildlife are in a Natl Park they’re safe, and when wildlife are on private land they’re in jeopardy. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you don’t believe me, start watching where the wildlife graze, sleep, and and raise their young. When you have healthy wildlife to photograph, thank a private landowner.