Q: What type of hazing are you doing now?
Response: Currently, we are not using hazing. We might have a team of people go out wearing orange to see if that is enough to get the elk moving, since they now associate the color orange as a threat.
Q: How would the study of using rifles be conducted?
Response: I'd like to solicit public feedback again and get recommendations from CPW.
Q: Do rifles have increased accuracy, as well as increased range? Will there be lesser chance of stray bullets?
Response: Yes, I think so. The topography would also limit any stray bullets from going any farther. The accuracy will also be improved with rifles and better knock-down power.
Q: You mentioned the history of hunter safety at Rabbit Mountain. Do you think that would be a sufficient predictor for safety at Red Hill?
Response: Yes. Because of the way we have set up our program, we end up with safe and ethical hunters who don't take questionable shots.
Q: Before BCPOS owned Red Hill, weren't the land owners allowing rifle hunting?
Response: Yes.
Q: POSAC received a written public comment regarding Chronic Wasting Disease. Can you address this?
Response: All elk harvested in 2021 came back negative for CWD. It is something we look out for, but it's really something that CPW manages.
Public Comment:
Amy Strombotne, Boulder County. She believes overhunting has occurred and no elk currently remain on Rabbit Mountain. She asked POSAC to not reauthorize the elk management plan. She also thinks rifles are not safe for populated areas.
Michael Moss, Kilt Farm, Boulder County. There is a large herd near his farm that has caused a good deal of damage. He suspects that elk are coming from other areas where hunting is allowed. He would like to see management solutions for more urban areas.