I understand why they get the cheap cost to graze. But you cannot have the best of both worlds. They pay 1.35 per head of cattle per month, states that very clearly on blm, state and federal websites. If they couldn't do that, they would have to either buy more land, or pay for feed for the cattle. That would equate to a heck of a lot more than 1.35 a month per head. It is estimated to cost $900 a year to feed a head of cattle. so 1.35, compared to 75 a head. Huge difference there. Let's say a rancher has 100 cattle. They are saving over $7000 a year on feed by grazing public land. I have seen areas in national forest that are separated by fence, one side grazed, the other not. The grazed side is completely barren, with no grass or small vegetation. Ungrazed side is grown up. That is why I say the grazing can hurt the land. If it is done properly, and rotated, it will be ok. But when you have a rancher who just allows them to roam and completely take over an area, it is not. I have also been on an elk hunt in 17, on the west side of the mountains. Scouted my butt off to find elk, and the first day of the hunt, cattle drive directly through the area we were hunting. Asked one of the hands why they were doing it during a hunt, and he straight told me that they wanted to ruin it, because the road crossed their property, and they didnt want anyone back there. The next year, the public road was locked. Called Game and Fish, and they "had no one to go look, but will look into it." Stated that the road should be open, and they get that a lot all around the state. Also, a lot of these ranchers who receive unit wide tags, do not allow the public to hunt on their land, which they are required to. So, there are some good ranchers, but the majority I have run into in the field think they own the public land, and no one can use it but them. One near Cruces tried to chase me off of BLM land, stated it was his cattle ranch. Pulled up onx, and showed him it showed BLM. He tried to argue and said he leased it to graze his cattle. I laughed, he called the sheriff and they told him he did not own the land. That I had every right to be there. Of course, it ruined my evening quail hunt, but I decided I am not giving in to these people who think they own everything. I am fighting to use my public land. No more turning the other cheek.