Breaking Barriers: Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding, NY Pheasant Stocking Threat, and Colorado Wolf Fund Debate

Season 5, Episode 219

Trailblazers in Rodeo, Hunting Challenges in New York, and Colorado’s Controversial Wolf Debate & Compensation Fund

Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Women in Ranch Bronc Riding

The Women’s Ranch Bronc Championships (WRBC), established in 2016 by the McElroy family, began as a platform for young female athletes eager to compete in the traditionally male-dominated rodeo sport of ranch bronc riding. With a mission to empower women of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their dreams in the arena, the WRBC has grown into a renowned competition circuit known as The Trail to Cheyenne Tour. This international platform continues to break barriers, showcasing the grit and talent of women ranch bronc riders across the globe.

These women are excellent ambassadors for the western lifestyle and are a MUST SEE if ever given the opportunity! For two years in a row, Tigger & BEC (PRCA Announcer & Music Director) have had the pleasure of working the Leather & Lace New Year’s Eve Party: Bull Riding, Women’s Bronc Riding, and Bull Fighting in Watford City, North Dakota. The WRBC Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding has become a much anticipated event during the performance. Congratulations to all of these women on paving the way for others!

Reference: https://www.womensranchbronc.com/

New York’s Pheasant Stocking Program Faces Threat—What It Means for Bird Hunters

According to the New York Times and Outdoor Life; New York’s pheasant stocking program, which provides hunting opportunities by releasing pen-raised birds, is under threat by a proposed bill from Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal. The program aims to give hunters the chance to chase pheasants, as wild bird populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss. Despite the argument that releasing these birds is “state-sponsored cruelty,” the program is essential for maintaining hunting activities in the state. Without it, pheasant hunting in New York could cease to exist.

Though critics argue that hunting pen-raised birds is too easy, the program provides a crucial starting point for new hunters and young people. It also serves as a gateway to fostering future wildlife advocates. However, opponents, including animal welfare groups, push for an end to the practice, claiming it’s not in line with ethical hunting standards.

The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) states that the program is necessary for creating hunting opportunities, especially for beginners. If the bill passes, it could significantly reduce hunting participation in New York, affecting conservation efforts and funding for habitat restoration. If other states follow suit, it would be a setback for bird hunters nationwide.

Colorado Wolf Debate: Ranchers’ $582K in Damages

According to Outdoor Life; Ranchers in Grand County, Colorado, are facing severe financial losses due to ongoing attacks by gray wolves, and they are now asking Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for $582,000 in compensation. This request, submitted at the end of December, is well beyond the state’s $350,000 Wolf Depredation Compensation Fund, which is intended to cover all claims for livestock losses caused by predators. If approved, the ranchers’ claim would deplete the fund, leaving the state with no resources to cover future losses.

The claim comes from just three ranchers, but it reflects the growing challenges faced by those living in rural areas where wolves were reintroduced under a voter-approved program. These ranchers say the damage extends far beyond the confirmed wolf kills. They are claiming compensation for missing livestock, cattle sent to market underweight, and lower conception rates in affected herds, which they attribute to stress caused by the constant threat of wolf attacks.

The Copper Creek wolf pack, responsible for many of these incidents, was reintroduced by CPW, but the pack’s presence has been devastating to local ranching operations. Despite multiple requests from ranchers to remove the wolves, CPW opted to relocate them.

With these mounting pressures, ranchers are now calling on CPW to pause the wolf reintroduction program. This plea follows months of escalating wolf attacks and frustration with how CPW has managed the situation. Ranchers argue that the state has prioritized wolves over the livelihoods of local agricultural families, putting their businesses at risk. Tensions are high, and the state’s wildlife commissioners were set to meet on January 8 to discuss whether to pause or continue the program. This decision could determine the future of wolf reintroduction in Colorado and whether ranchers will be forced to continue bearing the brunt of its consequences.

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The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage.

AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle.

Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation.

Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God’s Country.

United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path.

Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend.

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