Originally Posted by
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Since when do they want to do any elk management in VA? When I was stationed there you could shoot an elk in the open deer season and tag it with a deer tag. Matter of fact I helped a buddy of mine take a fat spike out of his grandfathers hay meadow in Smyth County once.
There are still areas where what you say can be done. The
dept. voted on an elk restoration plan and it was supposed to protect elk for restoration in 3 counties. It looks like they have had to minimize their plans due to farmers and cattle growers in 2 of the 3 counties. So I believe the dept. will use those 2 counties as a buffer zone.I believe restoration is only going to occur in 1 county now. They also had the job posted for the elk biologist. Yeah, it's minimal, but maybe the farmers and cattle growers- I won't refer to them as ranchers. Don't know how big they are- will change their mind over time. Elk here used to be public enemy #1, but the commission is trying.
This change will be slow coming, if it doesn't fail altogether.