The New Mexico Wildlife Federation strongly supports federal action to destroy feral cattle in the Gila Wilderness.
The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently began an aerial gunning program using helicopters to kill scores of illegal cattle in the Gila Wilderness, along the New Mexico/Arizona border.
“These feral cattle in the Gila Wilderness are destroying critical riparian areas and they absolutely need to be eliminated in the fastest and most humane way possible. Aerial gunning accomplishes that,” said Jesse Deubel, executive director of the NMWF.
The New Mexico Cattlegrowers’ Association and local ranchers are asking the federal courts to block the aerial gunning program. They allege the federal agencies failed to follow environmental laws and say they’re concerned that wolves in the area will eat the slaughtered cattle and develop a taste for it.
But Deubel said the New Mexico Livestock Board and other ranching interests have had plenty of time to address the illegal livestock grazing in the Gila. Ranchers themselves hold the blame for failing to deal with the feral cattle, he said.
“Where was the ranchers’ stated concern for environmental laws while these cattle have been illegally overgrazing the Gila Wilderness for years?” Deubel said. “Spring turkey season starts in New Mexico in just over a month and turkey hunters would be elated if they do not have to contend with feral cattle during their hunts.”