One of the joys of spring trail riding is spotting an abundance of wildlife. Deer, antelope, elk, and moose are more likely to be out in the open, rather than ducking summer sun and hot-weather pests. Birds are nesting, and those that migrate south have returned.
A "light on the land" ethic includes paying attention to the well-being of creatures that inhabit the backcountry, while also being careful to protect yourself and your mount. Consider:
1. Wildlife is most physically vulnerable after winter, when fat reserves have been expended fighting off cold. Don't stress deer or elk by riding toward them for a closer look. Photograph from afar, then move on.
2. Calves and fawns are born in spring and are beautiful to see, but don't touch! The deer fawn or elk calf bedded by himself is just where his mother put him. He's not in need of "rescue." The mother will return after feeding (or after you leave the area). Cuddling or petting such a newborn pollutes him with human scent, possibly causing rejection by his mother and death by starvation or predators. I photographed the mule deer fawn shown from the back of my horse, then quickly moved away from its bed by the trail.
3. Moose with calves are extremely dangerous. Stay away!
4. Black bears (which come in brown, cinnamon, and other colors) normally avoid humans, but they always must be treated with a healthy respect, particularly if cubs are at side.
5. The young of most animal species haven't yet learned fear of humans, so they might travel straight toward you. My wife, Emily, and I, riding seasoned geldings, were nearly unseated when two baby antelope came straight toward us clipping the top of sagebrush at 40 miles per hour. Their mothers had run the other way, but the fawns were confused, and our horses were badly spooked by these little torpedoes.
6. Know how to handle your horse in a panic situation. All new wildlife will get your horse's horses' attention, but most horses seem particularly afraid of bears, mountain lions, and moose. Apply the one-rein-stop if necessary.
Happy spring trails!
Dan Aadland raises mountain-bred Tennessee Walking Horses on his ranch in Montana. His most recent books include Sketches from the Ranch, The Complete Trail Horse, 101 Trail Riding Tips, and The Best of All Seasons. For information on his horses, clinics, and books, visit http://my.montana.net/draa.
(For Dan Aadland's feature article, "7 Steps to a Safe Spring Ride," pick up the May'09 issue of The Trail Rider.)
