New Kent citizens speak up on hunters’ gunfire issues

While New Kent supervisors had no problem amending and readopting county code to reflect changes in the state’s code on weapons, many citizens spoke at a public hearing in concern for their safety during hunting season.

Supervisors listened attentively during the public hearing at their Jan. 13 regular meeting as citizens addressed recent situations that included physical damage to homes in local neighborhoods.

“A buckshot came through my house, as well as a bullet,” said Tyrone Johnson, a resident of Sertoma Drive in Lanexa.

“I hope you can change zoning on Sentoma Drive to prevent hunting. I hope you all can adopt the Stafford County code that prevents hunting within 100 yards of an occupied structure.”

Similar to Johnson’s concerns, Sandra Jefferson spoke about her time growing up in New Kent and compared it to her current experiences.

“I don’t recall hearing gunshots when I grew up,” she said. “It’s scary to hear them. My grandson wants to go outside and play, but I want him to feel safe, as well as my family and neighbors.”

“I don’t understand why the county doesn’t have a safety zone,” said Dave Wentlins. “I think you should think about enacting one.”

Supervisors emphasized their concerns as well, saying there was little they could do at the present time.

“When I go out to my fields, I hear more pistol shots than gunshots,” said District 5 supervisor Ray Davis, who is an avid hunter and owns large acres of land. “There is no law we can make that can stop or prevent illegal hunters.”

Currently, there are no laws that prevent a firearm from discharging in a residential area, unless it meets certain conditions that include being heavily populated, according to an extensive study said county attorney Michele Gowdy.

“The only thing we can do is ask the state to give us leeway,” said District 1 supervisor and board chairman Thomas Evelyn, referencing their inability to regulate hunting laws due to complicated regulations regarding land sizes and zoning.

However, supervisors did vow to do research into the matter.

“This is something we need to get done before the May 1 deadline [to submit new laws to Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries],” said District 3 supervisor James Burrell. “I want to make sure we have something in place to keep our citizens safe in their homes.

Supervisors are expected to update the issue in a future meeting.