The start of hunting season is open in Montana! That’s exciting for most but for some, it’s a point of contention. With hunters and campers showing up seasonally, they are not always aware of how their actions affect the people that live in Montana year-round. It can be very frustrating as a local rancher and hunter but I am leaning on the side of grace and choosing to educate people.
Hunting Etiquette in Montana
I came home through the hills the other night. We have a section of private ground that the county road goes through and then we have the BLM pasture leased around it. It is two separate pastures and we have to open and close two gates as you go down the road. We also have HUGE signs reminding travelers to PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE.
If you don't already know, a common rule of the land is “leave a gate as you found it!” Unfortunately, that night I found the gate had been left wide open. We rarely travel that way so it’s hard to know how long it has been open. Maybe the person that left the gate open thought it was no big deal but, as I see it, so many things are possibly going wrong at that very moment.
Gate etiquette on Montana ranches is a critical aspect of responsible outdoor behavior, especially for conservationists and hunters who visit the state seasonally. While the vast Montana landscape may appear wild and uninhabited, it is home to numerous ranches where agriculture and livestock management are a way of life. Here's why gate etiquette matters and why it's essential for out-of-state conservationists to be well-informed and respectful:
1. **Livestock Safety:** Many Montana ranches have sections of private land intersected by public roads. Ranchers often use gates to control the movement of livestock between pastures. Leaving a gate open can result in animals escaping onto public roads, posing a danger to both the livestock and motorists.
2. **Animal Welfare:** Gate etiquette is crucial for animal welfare. The example of a stud horse potentially mingling with young fillies illustrates how leaving gates open can lead to unintended and undesirable breeding situations. It can also cause injuries to animals if they enter unfamiliar territory or encounter aggressive individuals.
3. **Calving Season:** Ranchers carefully plan the breeding of their livestock, and open gates can disrupt these plans. For instance, the mix-up between low birth weight bulls and regular-sized bulls can lead to complications during calving season, potentially increasing calf mortality rates.
4. **Environmental Impact:** In the rugged terrain of Montana, open gates can allow cattle to roam far and wide, sometimes even onto neighboring properties or wildlife refuges. This can lead to overgrazing, damage to sensitive ecosystems, and conflicts with other land users. The Charles M. Russell Refuge that we live next to is particularly challenging to navigate and poses significant financial penalties for ranchers whose cattle end up there. The CMR is 11 million acres of National refuge and you cannot use motor vehicles to get around it.
5. **Resource Drain:** Retrieving cattle from remote areas can be a labor-intensive and resource-draining task. Ranchers often have to employ horseback riders and dogs to locate and herd the animals back to their rightful pastures. This process consumes valuable time and financial resources.
6. **Legal and Financial Consequences:** Ranchers make significant efforts to maintain their properties and adhere to local regulations. When gates are left open, ranchers may face fines and penalties for their cattle trespassing onto public lands or wildlife refuges.
7. **Long-Term Effects:** The repercussions of gate negligence may not manifest immediately. Months can pass before the full consequences become evident, making it essential for all visitors to Montana's ranchlands to act responsibly.
Gate etiquette is more than a simple courtesy; it is a vital part of respecting the land, wildlife, and the livelihoods of ranchers in Montana. Conservationists and ranchers must work together, fostering mutual respect for local laws and unwritten rules. By adhering to gate etiquette and demonstrating kindness and accountability, both groups can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and resources of central Montana while preserving its delicate balance.