I had to make a run to the courthouse this morning, and met up with a traffic jam, prompting this entry. Let me provide a short etiquette lesson for cattle drive encounters. First and foremost, don’t get impatient and uptight when you see livestock being moved down a highway. Instead, get out the camera and take it easy for a few minutes to allow the herd to calmly proceed while you enjoy the glimpse of western life. These drives are not everyday occurrences, but are usually major movements to seasonal pastures.
Generally, as long what you’re seeing are not the first cattle about to cross a bridge or other hazard, keep driving, but proceed slowly and carefully through the herd. The cattle will move out of your way, but don’t pressure them too much. Be careful around the cows and cowboys on horseback because you don’t know how individual animals will react to a strange vehicle in a somewhat stressful situation. If you honk your horn, expect to be jerked out of the vehicle for the throttling you’ve earned.
Roll down the window and greet the cowboys/cowgirls/cattle kids. Ask a question, if you want. They’ll appreciate your friendliness and interest. Happy trails.
3 comments:
Great photo.
I was taught that if absolutely necessary, revving the engine just a little can get the cattle to move out of the way, but that honking the horn can scatter them to the four winds.
-R.A.W.
Your were taught correctly - revving is good, honking is bad.
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