The freewheeling days of backyard bow hunting are coming to an end in Langford.
Langford bylaw services is proposing a citywide ban on using bows or crossbows on private property, which is still allowed if the arrows have a blunt practice tip.
The existing firearms and bow-use bylaw was adopted more than a decade ago, when Langford had larger residential lots and errant arrows had less chance of landing in a neighbourB次元官网网址檚 property, or backside.
B次元官网网址淲hen this was adopted in 2000, Langford didnB次元官网网址檛 have a lot of small-lot subdivisions,B次元官网网址� said senior bylaw officer Lorne Fletcher. B次元官网网址淣ow that the city has moved to small lots, if you donB次元官网网址檛 contain an arrow it will get into a neighbourB次元官网网址檚 yard in no time at all.B次元官网网址�
The number of resident complaints about backyard archery has been low, perhaps three in the past decade, Fletcher said. The City is trying to improve public safety, he added, and keep bylaws in tune with a growing urban municipality.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e had a couple inquiries from families, one had a neighbour using bows in their yard,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not been a issue thatB次元官网网址檚 drawn much attention at all.B次元官网网址�
A decade ago, bow hunters and archery enthusiasts complained about losing the ability to practice their sport, prompting Langford council to offer the existing exemption. These days, most archers and bow hunters use dedicated ranges for target practice.
B次元官网网址淚f youB次元官网网址檙e a hunter, you practice in organized groups,B次元官网网址� Fletcher said. B次元官网网址淓nthusiasts use the proper facilities. ItB次元官网网址檚 would be rare for people to practice in their backyard.B次元官网网址�
LangfordB次元官网网址檚 protective services committee give its thumbs-up to the proposal. Council will make the final decision.
One committee member noted that Langford is still home to larger acreages, but Fletcher said the bylaw amendment is meant to be as simple as possible. The bylaw would quickly become unwieldy and a potential legal liability if the City started making exemptions for minimum lot size, target sizes and backstop materials.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a matter of public safety,B次元官网网址� said committee chair Coun. Lillian Szpak. B次元官网网址淲e recognize this is a sport, but (banning bow use) is common sense with the density we have.B次元官网网址�
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