The herd that frequents the property of the 18-hole public course has grown in size and destructiveness, and the New Mexico Game and Fish Department is making plans to work with the club to hold a depredation, archery-only hunt during which only two hunters will be allowed on the property at a time. “We’re having issues that could be a safety issue. Those animals are starting to cross the road,” a department representative said.
An upcoming elk hunt that will take place on the Taos (N.M.) Country Club golf course has some residents upset, station KRQE News 13 of Albuquerque, N.M. reported. But the New Mexico Game and Fish Department and the owners of the 18-hole public course said it’s their solution to an elk herd that is growing in size and destructiveness.
The herd started small but is now up to 50 to 60 animals that are causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage every year, KRQE reported. So the state’s Game and Fish Department is now planning to hold a depredation elk hunt on the golf course.
Staff with Taos CC told KRQE that the proposed hunt was initially set for Saturday, January 25, but now say it most likely won’t happen on that date because there are still details that need to be finalized. If the hunt isn’t on the 25th, it will be held sometime in February, the club’s staff said.
While some residents may not like the plan, representatives of the state Game and Fish Department says it’s the best solution at this point.
“We’re having issues that could be a safety issue. Those animals are starting to cross the road. [We] don’t want cars hitting elk; they are a big animal,” said the department’s Ross Morgan.
The department will give out 18 licenses, only two hunters will be allowed on the property at a time, and it’s an archery-only hunt, Morgan added.
The club’s website says the golf course is closed until March.
Krista Steen, who lives near the course, voiced residents’ concerns to KRQE. “When you build a golf course in the middle of a rural area, you understand that you are living with wildlife and there are other measures of mitigation that can take place,” said Steen.
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