During a typical hazing operation, the MDOL and collaborating agencies ride noisy, smelly snowmobiles, fly helicopters, run horses, and ride ATVs throughout sensitive habitat important to numerous wildlife species. Hazing operations are incredibly disruptive to many bird species such as Trumpeter swans, snow geese and bald eagles.

The open water area along the Madison River is home to thousands of waterfowl during the winter. It is the only open water in the region. The Audubon Bird Count 2004 for wintering Trumpeter Swans in the Madison River area is 425. Flying the helicopter throught this sensitive area sends all waterfowl aflight.

As the DOL cowboys move in on the buffalo, to chase them back into the park or capture facilities, creatures of the wild flee in fear, using up energy they can’t afford to spend during the winter. The damage caused to riparian areas while the DOL rounds up our buffalo is additionally shocking and inexcusable.

View video and photos of hazing operations disturbing Elk,
Trumper Swans, Moose, and other wildlife.