UTAH'S DROUGHT

Hardware Ranch sleigh rides canceled for second straight year 

Nov 22, 2021, 6:45 PM | Updated: 9:37 pm

HYRUM, Utah – The drought has brought at least one Utah winter tradition to a halt. Managers at Hardware Ranch in Cache Valley, have canceled sleigh rides. 

Last year it was due to the pandemic. This year it’s because of the drought and a dismal hay harvest. 

This year the ranch grew only a fifth of the typical hay harvest. 

Farmers took priority this past season which ultimately left the folks out at Hardware Ranch with no water rights for the year, and not a lot of rain. 

The sleigh rides are a tradition that started in the 1950s. 

“Myself, I grew up in the Cache Valley,” said Brand Hunt from the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources. He knows what a big deal these elk rides can be. “Hardware Ranch was, it’s a fun thing to do every year.” 

The ranch usually has plenty of hay out at this Wildlife Management Area, roughly 250 tons each year to draw elk into the meadow for feeding. 

Brand Hunt from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (KSL TV) File photo of the elk at Hardware Ranch. (KSL TV) Hardware Ranch today. (KSL TV)

“We just didn’t get the water we needed and every, everybody across the state is impacted by the less amount of water that was available this year,” Hunt said. 

That means the Division of Wildlife Resources will have to focus on the essentials for now using what hay they have to check herds for brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can cause elk to abort their young. 

“We do that by trapping elk in our holding facility and when we have our sample size which is between 40 and 50 female,” Hunt added. 

While the disease has not been detected in Utah, it is in neighboring states and wildlife biologists want to keep a close watch in case it spreads to local herds. 

“We can put GPS collars on elk and we can see how far do they go? How far do they migrate? Do they mingle with known herds in neighboring states that have Brucellosis?” 

That means no room for sleigh rides this year.  

Hunt said they’ll save what hay they can for next year and hope for much more snow this winter. 

There will still be some elk down in the meadow. You just won’t be able to get up close.  

Hunt saID they’re also putting up some additional displays and educational programs to give people something more to look at up the canyon.

KSL 5 TV Live

Utah's Drought

The Glen Canyon Dam holds back the waters of Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, on July 18, 2022. Lake P...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Here’s how much Lake Powell is expected to rise this year

Lake Powell is expected to receive a decent bump in the coming months, but experts say it still has a "long way to go" after years of drought.

8 days ago

Jordanelle Reservoir. 12/19/2033 (Michael Jefferson)...

Eliza Pace

Utah’s water conditions, including snowpack, look ‘optimistic,’ experts say

Storms from January have increased snowpack levels and Utah's water supply shows signs of "resilience and abundance."

1 month ago

Utah Lake water release...

Alex Cabrero

Utah Lake release sends 300 million gallons of water a day into the Great Salt Lake

The Utah Lake control gates in Saratoga Springs opened Thursday morning to release water into the Great Salt Lake.

2 months ago

The snow northern Utah finally got the past few weeks put us in a comfortable spot, according to th...

Alex Cabrero

Snowpack totals are in a ‘comfortable spot’ for northern Utah

Northern Utah's snowpack is in a good spot, but state water officials are worried about southern part of the state.

2 months ago

Brock Peery and his daughter Berkley, 6, walk back to their car during a snowstorm in Salt Lake Cit...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Utah research may change everything we know about snowfall

A new study led by University of Utah researchers offers new insight into how and why snowflakes fall the way they do.

3 months ago

During a possible drought in Southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastr...

Alex Cabrero

Washington County: Infrastructure will remedy possible drought in southwest Utah

During a possible drought in southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastructure ensures drinking water is safe, but conservation should still always be part of life in the desert.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Hardware Ranch sleigh rides canceled for second straight year