An ordinance that would stop the firing of guns in residential areas of the county is being considered by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.
The BOC reviewed the proposed ordinance Monday night and commissioner Tom Crow pointed out several issues, including prohibiting property owners of larger tracts from firing a gun just because their property is not zoned agriculture.
“This is not only a subdivision, but any residential home in the county, whether that home is located on a half acre or 50 acres,” Crow said.
Crow said he “could go along” with an ordinance regarding firing a gun in subdivisions, but not from just any single-family dwelling.
County attorney Julius Hulsey was asked to present other options to the ordinance, including acreage exemptions, at the BOC’s next meeting, set for 6 p.m. on Monday, June 20, at the courthouse.
Hulsey said the ordinance was created following complaints about guns being fired in residential areas. He added that it does not stop people’s rights of “bearing arms.”
“It’s not intended in any way to restrict lawful use of arms,” he said.
...said the people who are trying to make it unlawful to use arms.
Bicknell and Yates trying to kiss backside in West Jackson !
Hunter move back to Gwinnett and take your friends in Traditions with you !!!!
Now if we are talking discharging firearms into an unsafe firing range then that is something that needs to be taken up.
Unfortunatley I am all to familiar with this. Anyone with an ounce of common sense would realize that a subdivsion with homes, children playing, etc. is not the environment to sit off your porch shooting. This ordinance, like any other of it's kind is brought on by the incompetent idiots in the community who lack the mental capacity to grasp the potential consequences of their actions. Think about it.
I have quite a collection of guns and I am an avid hunter. I also have a carry permit and enjoy firing my pistols...but not in the backyard of a subdivision. I support this 150%
As with anything that requires action its not the law or rule its the people's actions or lack of that cause problems. So if you know someone is shooting guns illegally call the police and call them every time it happens. If you are not calling the police then you are just as guilty as the actual offender.
Personal responsibility, for many easier said than done.
Once again a new ordinance will not stop law breakers from breaking the law.
If the BOC want to approve this, then they need to allocate some county land to build a free shooting range on, but of course they won't be able to allocate the funds for it, because they can't even balance the budget.
The right to bear arms must include the right to use them when it is necessary for self defense!
Jackson County is still largely rural and undeveloped, with a relatively low population density. Many of our neighbors have sufficient tracts of land for hunting and recreational shooting sports. We expect to occasionally hear the sound of recreational gunfire resulting from target shooting and hunting. It does not bother us at all when we hear gunfire in the area. We just smile and consider it to be the sound of freedom and part of what makes Jackson County great. Let's not take that away.
While an individual's behavior and actions must be safe and responsible to not present a true risk to public safety, the mere "sound" of gunfire does not present a legitimate threat. As such sounds can carry a considerable distance in quiet, undeveloped areas, hearing gunfire alone often results in unwarranted hysteria among some individuals. If the legal discharge of firearms within densely developed subdivisions with smaller lots is of concern, let the community associations deal with it themselves without the involvement of county government.
Existing state and local laws are sufficient and that proper enforcement of such laws would be more than adequate. The creation of new ordinances will do nothing to control the behavior of those whom by their very nature, ignore laws and rules anyway. A new ordinance will only serve to further encroach upon the freedom that we now enjoy, for the sake of appeasing a few who are largely uninformed. We all have the responsibility for our actions, and when those actions are improper, it may result in criminal and/or civil liability. Let's hold those who are truly guilty of reckless endangerment accountable for just that, but again, the creation of noise resulting from the safe, legitimate use of firearms is not a danger to anyone. In fact, the sound of lawful gunfire sends a message to would-be criminals that they should probably consider going elsewhere to engage in their crimes against persons and property.
We are very active politically and will vote at every opportunity. This issue is very near and dear to our hearts and is not an area where we can afford to compromise.
Does mean that I can't shoot some one breaking into my house or car?