Bob Ricklefs & the Bear

Bob is well known at the ranch and in Northern New Mexico for his work with livestock, agriculture, and wildlife.  He worked at Philmont seasonally for 6 summers and full-time for 44 years. The majority of this full-time career was spent as Philmont’s Ranch Superintendent.  In this episode, Bob focuses on the history of Philmont’s bear policies and procedures, in conjunction with New Mexico Game and Fish law.  In 1986, several serious bear attacks occurred at Philmont.  These attacks set into motion the need for more defined and strategic bear practices at Philmont, many of which are still used today - including backcountry bear box trash receptacles, bear cables in campsites, and the sump for waste water.  It also meant the establishment of the 10-34 bear sighting form and a designated bear researcher position.I want to thank Bob for sharing this history and dedicating a large portion of his career to the bear.    Philmont Experience: 1967 - 1972 - Horse Department seasonal staff1972 fall - Hired by Bob Knox full time as cowboyMid 1970's - Became Cattle Foreman 1980 - 2016 Hired as Ranch Superintentdent by Paul ClaussenNotable Mentions:Bob KnoxPaul ClaussenLloyd KnutsonAl AccountSteve HararroGene PompeoDon JonesSteve ZimmerHap BlackstenJeff OgataBoss SanchezBen VargasRod TaylorChuck EnloeBrian HobrockLeo MartinezAaron RicklefsFred CicnerosRachel RicklefsSupport the show