After a three-day operation, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) concluded on Feb. 28 its aerial shooting of estray cattle in the Gila National Forest of New Mexico. A total of 19 head were killed.
“What a waste of taxpayers’ money,” said Loren Patterson, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association president. “Reporting 19 head killed over several days of flight just shows that the United States Forest Service has absolutely no idea about the actual herd numbers in the Wilderness, and has no evidence to support its claims that a herd of 150 head was causing dire terror and environmental damage. The environmental organization the USFS apparently listens to has failed it.”
Patterson continued that unless USFS turns to “long-term tried and trued solutions,” estray cattle will move back into the area and the aerial shooting will have accomplished nothing.
