Article Reflection No. 46 (4/4/2023)

Article: Mass Yellowstone Hunt Kills 1,150 Bison

In the article “Mass Yellowstone Hunt Kills 1,150 Bison”, journalist Jim Robbins addresses how state and federal authorizations have allowed this culling, primarily to limit the spread of brucellosis, a disease carried by 60% of the park’s bison. Given how livestock like cows share similar grazing spots and live in relatively close proximity with the bison, the fear of the former being damaged has driven this course of action. While proponents of the cull have referred to the convoluted management system of bison, stating that the state becomes responsible for the animals once they “cross an invisible national park boundary and wander into Montana to the north and west on national forest land” (Robbins 9). The article also shares the perspective of tribe members, some of which believe that hunting bison holds cultural value. According to Katie Harris Murphy of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, “‘[hunting bison] is a way to connect with family [and the] past and present’” (Robbins Caption).

Discussion concerning environmental preservation is prevalent today, and this story sheds light on the different aspects and perspectives of hunting. Learning of these different aspects is interesting and, overall, enlightening.

(Photo Credit: Associated Press)