"People Don't Understand Bison"
New developments in the ongoing saga over top federal farm subsidy recipient Maurice Wilder and the six thousand head bison herd he owns. The Associated Press reports this morning that the Sheriff of Sioux County will sign a complaint that Wilder's herd has been neglected. Reports in recent days have surrounding landowners complaining that starved bison are breaking from their corrals in search of food.
The public response from the Wilder corporation:
Bonnie Kemerling, whose husband, Jack, is the local manager, said a South Dakota veterinary inspector looked at ranch bison this week. "He thought the herd was OK as far as he could see. Some are skinny, but they're old, and there are a few dead ones," Kemerling said.People don't realize that bison are tall and skinny, not round and fat like cattle, she said. "People don't understand bison," she said.
I'm pretty sure folks from North and South Dakota "understand" bison. That's like saying New Yorkers don't "understand" bagels.
Comments
I have been to the ranch and they are not being underfed. I went out with them to feed the bison and it takes a lot of work. Plus, the pasture is very large. Winter snuck up this year and they could not get the herd in a small area fast enough. It is a tough job there. But they are definately taken care of.
Posted by: Derek St. John | February 19, 2009 11:37 AM