Sierra valley elk killed....

[sierrastocker]

http://plumasnews.com/index.php?opt...escue-effort&catid=69:-headline-news&Itemid=6

Too bad...
I believe this was one of two bulls out here?

 

[siskiyoucrash]

Unfortunate,,but it does happen. And a great deal more often than is put out. The animals weight and the amount of drugs are critical and can be mistaken.

 

[Bossbrott]

Not something anybody wants to see, but im sure the lessons learned here will resonate for days to come, and theres still 1 more bull.

Any he better be careful too, as he's got wolves to deal with now too!

 

[Ism415]

I saw those guys for the last few years... It was always so awesome to see a beautiful elk up there!!

 

[Modocer]

I actually heard more about this story than was printed in that paper. It was a cluster---- from the start. First they were trying to move the bull in the middle of the day. Second they put him in the ranchers horse trailer because they showed up with nothing but a tranque gun and a horn saw. And then woke him up while he was still in the trailer. The bull goes nuts and overheats while he is slamming into the sides of the trailer. The rancher is pissed about everything, the last thing he wanted was to have the elk killed. He told the Biologist I was talking to "If I wanted him dead I would have used the deperdation permit the DFG gave him".

 

[dchunter]

Well that just sucks in about every way.

 

[DFGELK]

Let me try to give some more information on what actually happened. The Department worked with the landowner ahead of time to come up with a plan to deal with the situation. Since the State has taken away many of the Departments vehicles and trailers we currently do not have a trailer to use. They were either unsafe to use (old) or were taken away as part of the States vehicle reduction. Knowing that, the landowner offered to use his trailer to relocate the elk. Employees and volunteers arrived at 8 am, the elk was tranquiliezed by 9:15 and then transported back to the trailer using a metal framed litter and the help of local volunteers. The animal was processed, antlers removed, blood drawn, radio collared, ear tagged, etc. He was then moved to the trailer and the drugs were reversed. You do not want to move an animal while still under. There are many things that can go wrong while under, breathing regulation, heart rate, temperature control etc, are all compromised. The Department has moved hundreds of elk considerably longer distances than this elk with rarely a problem. Moving bulls is always a little more tricky than cows and calves. The elk was agitated but that is not uncommon at first, typically they calm down once the trailer starts moving. Most elk calm down right away and lie down. During the drive we could see him stand up from time to time, in fact he was up approximately ten minutes prior to the release site. At the release site we discovered that he did not make it. It was unfortunate, no one was happy especially not me. I talked with the landonwer and although he was not happy, he did not express outrage to me. Maybe he was more upset then he showed. Some times things go wrong that are not in our control. We knew the situation going in and had a plan to try to deal with it. If anyone has any other questions or wants more information please call me 916 445-9992.

Sincerely

Joe Hobbs

 

[Bossbrott]

Thanks Joe, Nobody can be 100%, 100% of the time. Thanks for your efforts with helping the landowners and trying to mitigate the situation.

 

[mtnsammy]

We work within the boundaries of our employers. Many times this limits us to unsafe or impractical methods that end badly. Sorry to hear the elk passed. Sorry to know who everyone is pointing fingers at. Many times I too faced what DFG is facing now. Not easy. Worst part is the elk did not make it.

 

[SoJo]

thanks for the report Joe. Last year we'd drive by and see one of the bulls laying out there alongside the cattle and grazing with them as well. Too bad he died as it was great to see elk in the Sierra region. Any further updates on the rest of the herd (I understand there was a small herd in the area)

 

[6x7]

There are way more elk in that area than people think I have seen pics and heard from hunters of elk from Sierra valley to susanville