American Prairie loses grazing rights

What in the actual heck. Is the internet not internetting today? Totally didnt see this turn out like it did.


Question, my Google algorithm doesnt help either. What is AUM? I cant for the life of me get what it stands for.

Sincerely some dude on the internet.
It gives the number of animals that can be supported by the land (though its definition has some variation and is not 1 to 1 comparable all the time). Important as you need a lot less land in say east Texas per bovine than in a place like west Texas.

From a BLM infographic
Screenshot_20260218_180402_Chrome.jpg
 
What in the actual heck. Is the internet not internetting today? Totally didnt see this turn out like it did.


Question, my Google algorithm doesnt help either. What is AUM? I cant for the life of me get what it stands for.

Sincerely some dude on the internet.

@Sandhills seems like a good guy. I was wrong and so an apology was in order. Besides that as we’ve seen on this thread doubling down on stupid isn’t a good look and nor is it honest or authentic.
 
There is a valid reason for our skepticism regarding livestock out here in the arid west. The attached map has in red allotments that don’t meet health standards with livestock identified as the primary cause. It’s bad out here. That’s why some might be slow to blindly praise the rancher.

With conditions like this as the status quo it’s little doubt how we could be open to trying something different.

 
The entire premise of conservation is that it has a value that is realized by the public. It’s the principle of why it’s worth doing. The idea that to conserve has inherent value is a core indispensable tenant of wildlife conservation.

You don’t see that. You only see value in extraction and growth of individual wealth and consumption. You’ve shown that in example after example. You’re posting in the wrong thread and I wish you weren’t associated with the same lifestyle that I love.
You are about as far away as could be about what I think or who I am, or even what I have accomplished in conservation. If It wasn’t for people like me and what we have accomplished, you wouldn’t be fishing, hunting or trapping today! Agriculture is not the ogre. The 4th and fifth generation family ranches and farms are a way of life. They determine their own economy. They help each other out to survive. Most work hard and struggle to put their kids through school. They seldom go beyond the local town.

Ranchers like Clarence Mortensen have made a huge impact on the landscape. Their contributions have returned a good amount of the short grass prairie to its original state. Simply because they realized that a natural prairie can graze more cattle. Their enriched lands have benefitted wildlife. You want to blame the fat cats for a reason to grab that land and put it all into a reserve for your own piece of mind. The reality is the family rancher, who has been the good steward of that land, is being displaced. That is not the democratic way to have a park.

Montana is roughly one third public lands. Some other Western states don’t have that much public land. They need to recruit private lands for hunting access or they can’t do very much hunting.

AI here gives a good synopsis of why hunters like me….are against American Prairie Reserve. What is missing is the impact that grizzlies and wolves will have on our hunting. I have already delivered my own talking points ad nauseam:
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Some hunters oppose the American Prairie Reserve due to concerns that its land acquisitions limit public hunting opportunities and favor wealthy individuals through high-end safari experiences. Critics argue that the organization's practices may not align with the interests of the hunting community, leading to a perception of exclusivity and reduced access to hunting lands.

rokslide.com hunttalk.com

Concerns Among Hunters Regarding American Prairie Reserve​

Limited Hunting Opportunities​

Many hunters express concerns that American Prairie Reserve (APR) limits hunting opportunities. Initially, APR did not allow hunting on its properties, which raised suspicions among the hunting community. Although APR has since introduced some hunting tags, the extent of hunting allowed remains unclear. This uncertainty leads to frustration among hunters who feel their interests are not adequately represented.

Perception of Land Ownership​

Some hunters view APR's acquisition of large tracts of land as a threat to public access. The organization has been involved in significant land purchases, which some believe could restrict traditional hunting grounds. This sentiment echoes historical concerns about wealthy landowners controlling access to resources, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement among local hunters.

Legal and Environmental Issues​

APR is currently involved in legal disputes over grazing permits for bison, which some hunters believe could further complicate hunting regulations. The ongoing litigation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has raised questions about the organization's commitment to balancing conservation with hunting rights. Hunters worry that these legal challenges may hinder their ability to hunt in the future.

Community Sentiment​

The local hunting community is divided. While some support APR's conservation efforts, others feel that the organization prioritizes wealthy clientele and high-end experiences over traditional hunting practices. This division reflects broader concerns about the impact of large land acquisitions on local culture and hunting traditions.

Overall, the apprehension among hunters regarding American Prairie Reserve stems from a combination of limited access, legal uncertainties, and the perception of prioritizing affluent interests over community needs.
rokslide.com wlj.net
 
You are about as far away as could be about what I think or who I am, or even what I have accomplished in conservation. If It wasn’t for people like me and what we have accomplished, you wouldn’t be fishing, hunting or trapping today! Agriculture is not the ogre. The 4th and fifth generation family ranches and farms are a way of life. They determine their own economy. They help each other out to survive. Most work hard and struggle to put their kids through school. They seldom go beyond the local town.

Ranchers like Clarence Mortensen have made a huge impact on the landscape. Their contributions have returned a good amount of the short grass prairie to its original state. Simply because they realized that a natural prairie can graze more cattle. Their enriched lands have benefitted wildlife. You want to blame the fat cats for a reason to grab that land and put it all into a reserve for your own piece of mind. The reality is the family rancher, who has been the good steward of that land, is being displaced. That is not the democratic way to have a park.

Montana is roughly one third public lands. Some other Western states don’t have that much public land. They need to recruit private lands for hunting access or they can’t do very much hunting.

AI here gives a good synopsis of why hunters like me….are against American Prairie Reserve. What is missing is the impact that grizzlies and wolves will have on our hunting. I have already delivered my own talking points ad nauseam:
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Some hunters oppose the American Prairie Reserve due to concerns that its land acquisitions limit public hunting opportunities and favor wealthy individuals through high-end safari experiences. Critics argue that the organization's practices may not align with the interests of the hunting community, leading to a perception of exclusivity and reduced access to hunting lands.

rokslide.com hunttalk.com

Concerns Among Hunters Regarding American Prairie Reserve​

Limited Hunting Opportunities​

Many hunters express concerns that American Prairie Reserve (APR) limits hunting opportunities. Initially, APR did not allow hunting on its properties, which raised suspicions among the hunting community. Although APR has since introduced some hunting tags, the extent of hunting allowed remains unclear. This uncertainty leads to frustration among hunters who feel their interests are not adequately represented.

Perception of Land Ownership​

Some hunters view APR's acquisition of large tracts of land as a threat to public access. The organization has been involved in significant land purchases, which some believe could restrict traditional hunting grounds. This sentiment echoes historical concerns about wealthy landowners controlling access to resources, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement among local hunters.

Legal and Environmental Issues​

APR is currently involved in legal disputes over grazing permits for bison, which some hunters believe could further complicate hunting regulations. The ongoing litigation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has raised questions about the organization's commitment to balancing conservation with hunting rights. Hunters worry that these legal challenges may hinder their ability to hunt in the future.

Community Sentiment​

The local hunting community is divided. While some support APR's conservation efforts, others feel that the organization prioritizes wealthy clientele and high-end experiences over traditional hunting practices. This division reflects broader concerns about the impact of large land acquisitions on local culture and hunting traditions.

Overall, the apprehension among hunters regarding American Prairie Reserve stems from a combination of limited access, legal uncertainties, and the perception of prioritizing affluent interests over community needs.
rokslide.com wlj.net
You using AI to cite to yourself to support your claim is an absolute illogical masterpiece.
 
There is a valid reason for our skepticism regarding livestock out here in the arid west. The attached map has in red allotments that don’t meet health standards with livestock identified as the primary cause. It’s bad out here. That’s why some might be slow to blindly praise the rancher.

With conditions like this as the status quo it’s little doubt how we could be open to trying something different.

Looks like a failure of the agency in charge. There are regulations in place why are they not enforced? Should we also be skeptical that the govt is capable of managing the public land ?
 
Th

This needs to be shouted from the roof top. So few people realize that we subsidize a select few ranchers so much. At the cost of public land health.

And before someone disagrees....I am born and raised rancher.
I am very ignorant of the ag economy. I am from the Midwest in a state that is very ag dependent on corn/beans. My state also has next to zero public land to hunt. My kids love to hunt, so working (probably until death) to pay for as much ground to hunt as possible. I also grew up helping with cattle, hogs, hay, bit no row crop on a dying family farm. By the time I was an adult it was but a shadow of the 1960s and 70s success it had and was a glorified 120 acre hobby farm. I heard my grandpa, uncles, and dad talk about the "good old days" of the family farm in America.

Researching how to pay for land, I assumed income from the land would help. What I discovered is that the wealthy have been investing in land to hedge inflation just as they would gold/silver. The prices are now high enough in my area that a 25% down payment will let the income pay for about half of the interest on the remainder. The only way to do better is to already have paid for farming equipment and farm it yourself. Even that doesn't look a lot better.

Talking to farmers, the checks from government subsidies create a very large portion of their income. It seems like a giant welfare system for the rich, honestly. A lot of my neighbors are farmers, and I love them, but it is hard for me to understand. I am sure I have to be missing something.

Why is agriculture so heavily controlled and manipulated by the government? It seems back assward to me.

There are 3 (or close to that) fertilizer companies in the world, four main packing houses for beef, etc, etc, etc. Why aren't monopolies and price fixing/manipulation being attacked? Why does it seem the American taxpayers are both subsidizing the ag economy and paying high prices in the grocery stores? Why aren't the giant companies dealt with and the subsidies removed to let the free market do it's thing?

It looks like the input companies and the final sellers to the retail market (or maybe the wholesaler in the middle) are taking all the profit, leaving a tiny crumb for farmers/ranchers, and taxpayers are then paying farmers/ranchers to stay in business. Do you have any insight into what is going on here?

I have barely started looking into this, but I am very interested to hear the perspective of someone that deals with it daily as life, especially from a different part of the country. Would a true laissez faire ag economy work after a period of tough times during the adjustment from all the market controls? Does the monetary system have so much effect that laissez faire cannot work across any part of the current economy until it is fixed? What is going on with the ag economy and government/big business manipulation?
 
Horse isn’t bad at all, even grass fed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
When I worked briefly for Nevada Department of Wildlife, I got to know some other local ranch hands in the area. One invited me to a ranch BBQ. Steak was on the menu.

It was sweet and kinda stringy. I always heard that was what horse was like. About that time the guy who invited me said in a whisper "Don't tell anyone but we're eating mustang."

If they ever open a season on shitters I'll be first in line for a tag.
 
There is a valid reason for our skepticism regarding livestock out here in the arid west. The attached map has in red allotments that don’t meet health standards with livestock identified as the primary cause. It’s bad out here. That’s why some might be slow to blindly praise the rancher.

With conditions like this as the status quo it’s little doubt how we could be open to trying something different.

First thing I noticed is that most of the areas on that rangeland health map that red are in Nevada. Nevada has the highest wild horse population of anywhere in the state, and a fair number of burros too. It is also the driest state in the nation. I'll bet if you can zoom in, a lot of those red zones are in Churchill, Pershing, and Humboldt counties with clusters in Elko, Lander and Eureka counties. Churchill county is the driest county in the nation as far as annual rain fall. I think Pershing is second.

Like an old rancher, and I'll probably catch hell from you for quoting him, told me once: a mustang eats 3 times before a cow does. Cows are on open range allotments maybe half the year at the most. Most leases are far shorter time durations. Horses and burros are there year around. Horses graze differently than cattle, more similar to a sheep.

Its a fact that 5 horses eat the same 3 cows.

You want the rangeland to be healthy, push for more horse removal.
 
I am very ignorant of the ag economy. I am from the Midwest in a state that is very ag dependent on corn/beans. My state also has next to zero public land to hunt. My kids love to hunt, so working (probably until death) to pay for as much ground to hunt as possible. I also grew up helping with cattle, hogs, hay, bit no row crop on a dying family farm. By the time I was an adult it was but a shadow of the 1960s and 70s success it had and was a glorified 120 acre hobby farm. I heard my grandpa, uncles, and dad talk about the "good old days" of the family farm in America.

Researching how to pay for land, I assumed income from the land would help. What I discovered is that the wealthy have been investing in land to hedge inflation just as they would gold/silver. The prices are now high enough in my area that a 25% down payment will let the income pay for about half of the interest on the remainder. The only way to do better is to already have paid for farming equipment and farm it yourself. Even that doesn't look a lot better.

Talking to farmers, the checks from government subsidies create a very large portion of their income. It seems like a giant welfare system for the rich, honestly. A lot of my neighbors are farmers, and I love them, but it is hard for me to understand. I am sure I have to be missing something.

Why is agriculture so heavily controlled and manipulated by the government? It seems back assward to me.

There are 3 (or close to that) fertilizer companies in the world, four main packing houses for beef, etc, etc, etc. Why aren't monopolies and price fixing/manipulation being attacked? Why does it seem the American taxpayers are both subsidizing the ag economy and paying high prices in the grocery stores? Why aren't the giant companies dealt with and the subsidies removed to let the free market do it's thing?

It looks like the input companies and the final sellers to the retail market (or maybe the wholesaler in the middle) are taking all the profit, leaving a tiny crumb for farmers/ranchers, and taxpayers are then paying farmers/ranchers to stay in business. Do you have any insight into what is going on here?

I have barely started looking into this, but I am very interested to hear the perspective of someone that deals with it daily as life, especially from a different part of the country. Would a true laissez faire ag economy work after a period of tough times during the adjustment from all the market controls? Does the monetary system have so much effect that laissez faire cannot work across any part of the current economy until it is fixed? What is going on with the ag economy and government/big business manipulation?
Really there's two packing companies for beef, because JBS owns one of the others and kept the name and Cargill or Tyson own the other.
 
You are about as far away as could be about what I think or who I am, or even what I have accomplished in conservation. If It wasn’t for people like me and what we have accomplished, you wouldn’t be fishing, hunting or trapping today! Agriculture is not the ogre. The 4th and fifth generation family ranches and farms are a way of life. They determine their own economy. They help each other out to survive. Most work hard and struggle to put their kids through school. They seldom go beyond the local town.

Ranchers like Clarence Mortensen have made a huge impact on the landscape. Their contributions have returned a good amount of the short grass prairie to its original state. Simply because they realized that a natural prairie can graze more cattle. Their enriched lands have benefitted wildlife. You want to blame the fat cats for a reason to grab that land and put it all into a reserve for your own piece of mind. The reality is the family rancher, who has been the good steward of that land, is being displaced. That is not the democratic way to have a park.

Montana is roughly one third public lands. Some other Western states don’t have that much public land. They need to recruit private lands for hunting access or they can’t do very much hunting.

AI here gives a good synopsis of why hunters like me….are against American Prairie Reserve. What is missing is the impact that grizzlies and wolves will have on our hunting. I have already delivered my own talking points ad nauseam:
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Some hunters oppose the American Prairie Reserve due to concerns that its land acquisitions limit public hunting opportunities and favor wealthy individuals through high-end safari experiences. Critics argue that the organization's practices may not align with the interests of the hunting community, leading to a perception of exclusivity and reduced access to hunting lands.

rokslide.com hunttalk.com

Concerns Among Hunters Regarding American Prairie Reserve​

Limited Hunting Opportunities​

Many hunters express concerns that American Prairie Reserve (APR) limits hunting opportunities. Initially, APR did not allow hunting on its properties, which raised suspicions among the hunting community. Although APR has since introduced some hunting tags, the extent of hunting allowed remains unclear. This uncertainty leads to frustration among hunters who feel their interests are not adequately represented.

Perception of Land Ownership​

Some hunters view APR's acquisition of large tracts of land as a threat to public access. The organization has been involved in significant land purchases, which some believe could restrict traditional hunting grounds. This sentiment echoes historical concerns about wealthy landowners controlling access to resources, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement among local hunters.

Legal and Environmental Issues​

APR is currently involved in legal disputes over grazing permits for bison, which some hunters believe could further complicate hunting regulations. The ongoing litigation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has raised questions about the organization's commitment to balancing conservation with hunting rights. Hunters worry that these legal challenges may hinder their ability to hunt in the future.

Community Sentiment​

The local hunting community is divided. While some support APR's conservation efforts, others feel that the organization prioritizes wealthy clientele and high-end experiences over traditional hunting practices. This division reflects broader concerns about the impact of large land acquisitions on local culture and hunting traditions.

Overall, the apprehension among hunters regarding American Prairie Reserve stems from a combination of limited access, legal uncertainties, and the perception of prioritizing affluent interests over community needs.
rokslide.com wlj.net
Holy mother of horseshit.

I have to give credit for cut and paste and consistency in not responding to questions. Ai did give us a heck of a word salad here.

The whole hunters rights on private property is a non issue and shouldn't even be discussed, public land opportunities can't really be limited, soo. Garbage in, Garbage out with AI.

@Gila, How prevalent are Clarence Mortensens practices in actual use by ranchers that aren't Clarence Mortensen? % of users etc not feelings preferably.

Please cite how you singlehadedly or with help saved hunting, fishing, and trapping for all of us?

Isn't buying property at market rates the capitalistic way of doing it, can you clarify if you would prefer this to be done by socialism or capitalism? Also how are the fat cats at the APR different than the other rich guys buying up family ranches for 1031's etc?

Can you cite places where cattle have restored the prairie besides Clarence Mortensens?

Please describe how private property rights should be different for the APR than the standard lo, in your own words.

Sincerely waiting with Bated breath,

WRO
 
Holy mother of horseshit.

I have to give credit for cut and paste and consistency in not responding to questions. Ai did give us a heck of a word salad here.

The whole hunters rights on private property is a non issue and shouldn't even be discussed, public land opportunities can't really be limited, soo. Basically AI is a wrong as the OP.

@Gila, How prevalent are Clarence Mortensens practices in actual use by ranchers that aren't Clarence Mortensen? % of users etc not feelings preferably.

Please cite how you singlehadedly or with help saved hunting, fishing, and trapping for all of us?

Isn't buying property at market rates the capitalistic way of doing it, can you clarify if you would prefer this to be done by socialism or capitalism? Also how are the fat cats at the APR different than the other rich guys buying up family ranches for 1031's etc?

Can you cite places where cattle have restored the prairie besides Clarence Mortensens?

Please describe how private property rights should be different for the APR than the standard lo, in your own words.

Sincerely waiting with Bated breath,

WRO
Just because i know and in no way defending rain man. Up here quite a few i cant speak for other states. By the end of the year its pretty apparent.
 
Just because i know and in no way defending rain man. Up here quite a few i cant speak for other states. By the end of the year its pretty apparent.
What’s apparent?

I’m genuinely interested. The dichiotomy I’ve seen is public land management vs private land management. The private will look great while the public looks like hammered dog shit.
 
Looks like a failure of the agency in charge. There are regulations in place why are they not enforced? Should we also be skeptical that the govt is capable of managing the public land ?
Thats a bit like blaming the police for the break-in and not the criminal. I do see the point made though. In the end. The government is what we make it. The hard working men and women of the land management agencies are why we even know what the conditions are in the first place. But they aren’t resourced or directed to use all the tools available to enforce the standards and the laws aren’t clear and black and white enough.

Unfortunately, we as a nation have not prioritized funding and resources for this purpose. It’s not so much a government issue as it is a voter priority and advocacy issue. Also, look at what happened when we did attempt to enforce grazing standards. The public would have to be willing to endure the uproar of making the rancher diety follow the laws of the land. A big ask.
 
What’s apparent?

I’m genuinely interested. The dichiotomy I’ve seen is public land management vs private land management. The private will look great while the public looks like hammered dog shit.
The ground just looks healthy with substantial grass and what not. Its mostly on walk in land which is still private but public access or state school gound. Blm gound looks like hammered dog shit regardless of cows or no cows most of it is bad lands type stuff hell most of the time the prairie dogs dont even like it.
 
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