In a recent government meeting, local ranchers voiced significant concerns regarding the impact of state-managed bison populations on private property and cattle operations in Utah. Austin Carter, a rancher from Green River, highlighted the challenges posed by bison that have encroached on his land, making it increasingly difficult to manage cattle and threatening the safety of livestock and horses. He described the situation as dangerous, particularly due to the territorial behavior of the bison, which have taken over essential resources like mineral and salt licks, and have even contaminated water supplies critical for ranching.

Carter expressed frustration over a decade-long struggle to find resolution with the Utah Division of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), stating that efforts to address the issue have been met with inadequate responses and a lack of meaningful compensation for losses incurred, including livestock deaths attributed to bison interactions. He called for better cooperation from state agencies to enforce existing regulations or develop new ones to protect private property rights.

Another rancher, Quentin Johnson from Quarter Circle Jay Ranch in Vernal, raised concerns about trespassing by state and county agencies on private land. He emphasized the need for these agencies to notify landowners before conducting activities on their property, advocating for respect and communication between ranchers and government entities.

The discussions underscored a growing tension between ranchers and state wildlife management practices, with representatives acknowledging the need for solutions that prioritize cooperation and respect for private property rights. As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the importance of addressing these issues in future legislative sessions to foster a more collaborative environment between ranchers and state agencies.