So, the Federal Government Is Shooting Cows From Helicopters in New Mexico

This weekend, cows roaming in southwest New Mexico's Gila National Forest are being hunted from helicopters after the United States Forest Service (USFS) decided to move forward with plans to use "lethal methods" to "remove...approximately 150 head of cattle" in Gila National Forest's second chopper hunt in as many years. 

Despite the federal reserve covering more than three million acres, apparently these 150 cows need to be gunned down from above "to protect public safety, threatened and endangered species habitats, water quality, and the natural character of the Gila Wilderness."

The Forest Service says the cattle set to be shot from helicopters are "feral" and "have been aggressive towards wilderness visitors, graze year-round, and trample stream banks and springs, causing erosion and sedimentation."

A notice posted to the Gila National Forest webpage explains some of the reasoning behind the decision