Effects of sheep herds in elk hunting areas

[americanbwana]

Swede got me thinking to ask about the effects of sheep herds in elk hunting areas.

From my experience, areas with sheep activity are pretty devoid of elk. Not sure if it\'s the sheep, dogs, shepherds, or what.

What have you observed?

 

[Swede]

It gets baaaaaaad.

 

[F M]

Where we are cattle don`t bother the elk but if sheep are there even the mule deer leave.

 

[elkmtngear]

Yeah I agree with most; Could be the smell of the herd or the dogs I guess.

If you accidentally walk in to a herd in the dark, and those Great Pyrenees come at you baring their teeth...just talk baby puppy talk to them and they will all start wagging their tails...it works :upthumb:

 

[Colorado_Lew]

Sheep will graze the grass down to the roots leaving bare ground.
Cattle on the other hand leave plenty of graze for the other critters.

 

[Bob Frapples]

Moo moo baa baa

 

[bowhunter]

Sheep will graze the grass down to the roots leaving bare ground.
Cattle on the other hand leave plenty of graze for the other critters.

I believe this is the answer. I agree. I also have heard that the areas that were previously grazed are good a couple of weeks after the cattle are removed . The new sprouts of grass are fresh and elk like it.