Existing law allowing rifle use in supervisors’ cross hairs

For the past two seasons, hunters in Charles City County have exercised their right to hunt deer using high-power rifles fired from elevated tree stands. That privilege, however, may be close to being shot down.

Last night (Tuesday), the county’s Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 to schedule a public hearing on a proposal that would make it illegal to hunt deer with any rifle other than a muzzle-loader during general firearm season. If passed, the measure would in essence overturn the current law that has been on county books for two years.

Last November’s election changed the board’s makeup as Sherri Bowman, a rifle opponent, ousted three-term District 2 incumbent Michael Holmes, who voted for the rifle/tree stand law passed in 2005. District 3 incumbent Timothy Cotman, who opposed the measure, and District 1 representative Gilbert Smith, who sided with Holmes, were unopposed for reelection.

Close to 130 spectators attended last night’s meeting with rifle proponents slightly outnumbering those opposed. But during an informal public hearing on rifle use, 19 people spoke with those in favor holding a 15-4 edge.

Rifle hunters pleaded with the board to either retain the existing law or strive for a compromise. Hunters came armed with statistics on the low number of hunting accidents involving rifles along with petitions signed by residents in favor.

“When you’re in a tree stand, the chance of shooting another hunter is pretty close to zero,” county resident Craig Hofmeyer told the board.

David Adams, another county resident, praised the tree stand compromise reached in the current law, adding, “We need to work together and work out something.”

Opponents, meanwhile, labeled rifle use as too dangerous.

“No one goes out there with the intent to hurt somebody, but accidents happen,” county resident and opponent Kevin Slattum told the board.

After the public hearing was closed, Cotman motioned to have the controversy placed on the ballot for county voters to decide, but County Attorney Randy Boyd said no statutory provision exists as basis for a referendum.

Smith then recommended the board follow a county staff proposal to amend the law to require rifles be unloaded when hunters climb in and out of tree stands. He also suggested the board could refrain from action now and then reconsider the matter if accidents occur over the next season or two.

Cotman, meanwhile, said his stance on the matter remains unchanged.

“I still feel hunting with high-power rifles is a danger to our community,” he said.

Smith countered, saying, “If we go with staff’s recommendation on rifles being unloaded, how safe can you get?

“I don’t care what law you put out there. You’ll find someone who’ll break it,” he said. “It’s up to the individual if they obey the law.”

Cotman and Bowman voted against Smith’s motion to schedule a public hearing on amending the current law.

The public hearing on the proposal to make high-power rifle hunting for deer illegal is scheduled for supervisors’ March 25 meeting.