Letter: Drones, not helicopters for managing elk
Why isn’t Colorado Parks and Wildlife using drones more frequently for wildlife management?
My neighbors in Eagle Ranch recently witnessed CPW conducting its annual elk count, using a low-flying helicopter that caused the elk to scatter in fear, risking injury and expending precious energy.
“The pilot was flying incredibly, systematically chasing elk out of the draws and pursuing them for distances of 200-400 yards before peeling off and going to the next draw. We saw three separate herds frantically running and scattering.” — Jennie Menke
“I saw a small helicopter appear to be ‘buzzing’ a group of 50-60 elk southwest of me. The helicopter appeared to be chasing them. It was so close to the ground that air turbulence from the rotors was blowing snow up in the air. The elk ran, seemingly terrified, from the low-flying helicopter…” — Valerie Glimp
Is this method of counting elk necessary?
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The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has used drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to classify and count elk on feed grounds. In one instance, they counted more than 1,000 elk without disturbing them, demonstrating that drones are an efficient and accurate method for elk counting.
Strict regulations of drone use on state and federal lands in Colorado are limiting factors but exemptions can be made.
I would like to see CPW expedite its use of this technology. Drones equipped with high resolution cameras can be a less stressful and cost effective method of counting our magnificent elk herds.
Joy Harrison
Eagle
