Open Thread - Buffalo Cont'd

Since today is Earth Day...I thought I'd let you know how this story is evolving. I've been following the slaughter of 32 buffalo in Colorado by 14 supposed hunters. As the story unfolded we learned that buffalo roam. And with the heavy snow that had fallen in Yellowstone Park this Winter and feuding landowners...the buffalo were just looking for chow.
Not a pretty picture if you click on the link and read the whole article.
Rancher sues in bison slaughter

The owner of 32 bison killed by gunmen in March has sued a Texas businessman and his Denver lawyer, claiming they hired the hunters who felled the animals.

Bringing the suit against Austin, Texas, businessman Jeff Hawn and his Denver lawyer, Stephen Csajaghy, is Monte Downare, a longtime Colorado rancher and well-known figure in Park County.

The bison were killed over hundreds of acres of land in an area roughly 15 miles southeast of Hartsel.

The killings triggered an extensive investigation by five state and local agencies.

I should have known.......a Texan supposedly hired these hunters to take care of the trespassing buffalo on his ranch. According to the article:

The "hunt resulted in the death of 32 head of buffalo, including 26 cows that were presumably carrying calves and six bulls," the Downares' claim asserts.

Of the 32 bison killed, only eight were shot on the Hawn property. The rest, said the suit, were killed on property not owned or controlled by Hawn and his Wateredge Properties.

And now for some good news on the buffalo in Yellowstone park.
Deal will let the buffalo roam - Some bison will be allowed to pass through a ranch bordering Yellowstone without being killed.

BOZEMAN, MONT. -- Montana and federal officials announced a deal Thursday to let some bison migrate through a private ranch bordering Yellowstone National Park. It would allow a small number of the animals to avoid slaughter under a disease control program that has claimed more than 3,000 bison since 2000.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis said the ranch's owners, the Church Universal and Triumphant, agreed to sell their grazing rights and initially allow 25 bison to pass through the property. The deal, estimated at $2.8 million, would give the bison access to more than 5,000 acres of federal land outside the park.

I want to say WoopDeeDo...25 bison...seems a little slim to me but what do I know! I am wondering how they are going to count out 25 when weather conditions could be atrocious... Run buffalo run!

My original story is here: Open Thread-Buffalo