Help Big Bend Ranch Round-up the Longhorns

[SHANEA]

Pay to work, unique concept for $975... 

[presidio]

Pay to work, unique concept for $975... 

Brings to mind a famous quote from PT Barnum.....

[Boojum1]

Longhorns are of some interest as a historic breed, but their grazing habits are destructive to sensitive vegetation....proba bly not the best choice for natural preservation.  I don't know how they compare to sheep and goats...the more logical grazing choice for the desert, though possibly even more destructive.

[SHANEA]

That is an interesting train of thought there Boojum1.

Are Longhorns an indigenous species to the Big Bend Region?  Should TPWD be wantonly shooting this animals from helicopters?

[presidio]

Are Longhorns an indigenous species to the Big Bend Region?

Yes, though more properly they are a product of the region via adaptation, but they've been there so long they essentially are native.

Should TPWD be wantonly shooting this animals from helicopters?

It's a less intrusive means than a tracked howitzer.

[SHANEA]

It's a less intrusive means than a tracked howitzer.

So, begs the question of at what point does an introduced animal become indigenous?

[badknees]

Are Longhorns an indigenous species to the Big Bend Region?

Yes, though more properly they are a product of the region via adaptation, but they've been there so long they essentially are native.

Should TPWD be wantonly shooting this animals from helicopters?

It's a less intrusive means than a tracked howitzer.

Is it legal to carry a loaded howitzer, or does it have to be unloaded, and temporarily rendered inoperative? 

[russco]

Since guns are back in the chatter...Wish I had some extra cash cuz I'd strap on the ol six-shooter, jump on a horse and (probably fall off) round up them Longhorns Yall! Yeehaw!! sorry...dork comes out in me every now and then.

[presidio]

So, begs the question of at what point does an introduced animal become indigenous?

I don't know and you'd probably get 7 opinions from 6 experts. It would seem to be a mostly subjective determination.

[presidio]

Is it legal to carry a loaded howitzer, or does it have to be unloaded, and temporarily rendered inoperative? 

Mighty heavy carry there. Not too concealable either. Put a flower in the barrel and an ice chest on the caisson and no one will know what it is. 

[deeperrin]

I don't care if they are indigenous or not.  These cattle drives bring knowledge of the park to people who might not know about it... not to mention the $20,000 of revenue it helps to create.  Consider they do that twice a year and that is now $40,000.  This program is a successful way to get people to come and take away some great memories of the Big Bend Ranch.  The area is large enough to house the 200 or so cattle they drive every year.

-Derrick