Crook County renews two‑year wildlife damage contract with Blosier’s Outdoor Enterprises

Crook County commissioners voted to renew the county’s wildlife damage management contract with Blosier’s Outdoor Enterprises for an additional two years at the existing rate.

The decision followed extensive public testimony from ranchers and landowners who described repeated depredation problems and said they rely on the contractor’s rapid response. “I would hate to switch over to somebody that doesn’t know the people in Crook County, doesn’t know the land in Crook County, and doesn’t have the relationships with these people,” said Logan Blaisdell, who identified himself as representing his family’s ranch.

Contract details and county context: The contractor, John Blosier (listed in materials and present at the meeting), told commissioners his company maintains a $2,000,000 liability insurance policy and said his approach delivers field services while avoiding the administrative fee structure of the federal program, which he said charges a 27.15% administrative fee. Blosier provided a county example of the federal program’s fee impact, saying that program would have cost the county $23,349 this year if used instead of a local contractor. The county’s finance staff confirmed funds are included in the proposed budget (cited by a commissioner as “page 84”).

Public testimony: Nineteen residents and agricultural operators gave testimony supporting renewal, citing fast response times, local knowledge and cost-effectiveness. Ranchers described multiple on‑site responses and said they trust Blosier to protect herds and wildlife on private land; hunter and rancher Hunter Newhart said he has worked with Blosier on mule deer and predator issues and called him “a master of his own craft.”

Board action: A motion to renew the contract for two years was made and seconded during the meeting; the motion passed by voice vote with commissioners recorded voting yes. Commissioners noted the current contract expires June 30 and that the renewal would continue service while allowing the county to review longer‑term options.

Distinction of duties and oversight: Commissioners and staff emphasized that the contractor will provide records of work for county oversight and that the county’s purchase will be monitored through existing budget lines. “We will provide records of our work to ensure you understand the service you’re receiving,” Blosier told the board.

Ending: The board’s vote keeps the county’s existing local wildlife damage service in place for the near term; commissioners and staff said they would monitor contract performance and budget impacts during the next biennial budget cycle.