New Kent subdivision residents concerned about location of duck blinds
Residents of one New Kent subdivision are raising concerns over one property owner’s duck hunting blinds that they feel are too close to their neighborhood.
Homeowners in The Colonies subdivision in Lanexa addressed New Kent supervisors during the board’s Oct. 13 regular monthly meeting on their fears surrounding recently placed duck blinds on adjacent property. Duck blinds are hunting accessories that provide cover for hunters to help reduce the chance of detection while hunting water fowl.
While the duck blinds are technically on the land of the private homeowner (who was not identified), the location concerned residents enough to approach the board to help find a solution.
“I’m worried about the buckshot spray, the excessive hunting noise, the degradation of natural habitats, and the environmental marshlands,” said Fred Collins. “Right now, there are no regulations on how far these blinds have to be away from residences.”
More residents of The Colonies added that the owner of the duck blinds would not speak with them.
“We did not move there [to the Colonies] to be at a hunting refuge,” said Ron Lange. “Our property values would be diminished.”
Other speakers on the issue said their reason for moving or their intent to move to the Colonies was because of the scenic environmental view of the marsh and the subdivision’s location. However, it was 30-year resident Doug Dill who commented on a previous experience relating to duck blinds that provided the most insight on possible danger arising from the situation.
“It’s pretty unsettling when pellets hit your house and porch,” Dill said. “With the duck blind sitting where it is, it’s dangerous.
“The gentleman who owns it may be leasing it out,” he continued. “I’m petitioning each of you [board members] to help us out and make a regulation to move the duck blinds away from our residences.”
Board members did not comment on the issue, but acknowledged the concern of citizens who spoke on the issue.