SNOQUALMIE, Wash. -- Public outcry has apparently led to a reprieve for some elk that have been causing problems at the Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course. Plans to allow hunters to shoot two elk at the course are on hold.
In the past, the hunting of problem elk was done quietly with very little controversy. But when word got out that the elk were going to be shot on the Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course, word spread quickly. Word spread across a spectrum of social media and the golf course lighting up the phone lines of the local police department and the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Department.
"We got an email that was sent to about 60 people and I think the general consensus was they did not want the elk being shot," said neighbor Rick Pacholski.
And with complaints pouring in, the golf course and the wildlife agency are taking a step back.
"We're pretty much on hold. While I believe the golf is checking with their owners to see where they want to proceed with this," said Sgt. Kim Chandler with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The elk herd is no stranger to golf or lethal threats. The group has learned to make itself at home in an area where cities and towns have gobbled up open space.
"They've learned that this is a pretty good gig we've got going here with nobody to really bother [them] and lots of food," said Pacholski.
Last year around this time, the herd was looking down the barrel of a gun at Mt. Si Golf Club where it was causing similar damage.
Owners of that course ended up solving the problem by installing a large fence around the much smaller course.
That is not a possibility with the sprawling Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course.
And while many golfers support the hunt because of the expensive damage caused by grazing elk, the opposition continues to grow and for now the only danger facing the herd is from a hook or a slice.
"I think a lot of people are going to really be happy about especially my wife," said Pacholski.
The decision to hunt the elk could change at any time and even if it doesn't it won't mean they won't be hunted. They just won't be hunted on the course.
Each year hunters shoot several members of the herd and will continue to do so.
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