Ordinance No. 124B Hunting & Discharge of Weapons

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City of Gem Lake, Ramsey County, Minnesota Hunting and Discharge of Weapons Ordinance No. 124B AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF WEAPONS AND HUNTING ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE, MINNESOTA. The Gem Lake City Council ordains as follows: Section 1. Intent and purpose. The City Council intends to protect the public safety of its citizens by regulating the use and discharge of certain weapons on real property in the City of Gem Lake, as permitted by Minnesota Statutes, § 471.633. The City Council recognizes that State law governs all other matters regarding firearms, including purchase, possession, and rights to carry. The Council also intends that existing State law relating to the discharge of bows and arrows in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 97B, and to the purchase, possession, carrying or use of other potentially dangerous weapons under Minnesota Statutes, § 609.66 and similar laws, be enforced in the City. Section 2. Definitions. As used in this Ordinance: "Dangerous weapon" has the meaning given it in Minnesota Statutes, § 609.02, subdivision 6. Section 3. Discharge of Weapons Prohibited. Except as specifically authorized in Section 4, the discharge or use of dangerous weapons is hereby prohibited. Violation of any term of this Ordinance is a misdemeanor. Section 4. Exceptions. Dangerous weapons may be discharged or used in the City only under the following circumstances: 1. Target Archery. A person may use a bow and arrow on private property, with permission from the owner, for target archery. 1. Arrows used for target archery must have points that are no wider than the shaft of the arrow, and not razor-edged on any surface. 2. Archers must shoot at a target, and targets must be mounted on material of sufficient depth and density to stop an arrow fired from the bow used by the archer. Trees and other live plants are not considered suitable backing material for mounting targets. 3. The shooting area and the targets must be placed so that there are no buildings, rights -of -way, or public lands within a reasonable distance behind the targets; the "clear" area beyond the target must be at least 1/3 of the estimated maximum shot distance for the type of bow used by the archer. 4. There shall be no Target Archery allowed or permitted on October 31 st. 2. Defense of Self and Property Against Animals. Use of a firearm or bow and arrow against an animal while acting in self-defense, in defense of another person, or to defend property (including pets and other domestic animals) from harm or damage is permitted. This provision is not intended to affect or be in conflict with State or Federal laws regarding the use of force against another person for self- defense, defense of others, or in defense of property. 3. Law Enforcement. This Ordinance shall not apply to licensed peace officers, or other authorized personnel, engaged in law enforcement activities when using firearms or other weapons in the regular course of performing their duties. 4. Archery Hunting. The City Council may issue permits authorizing the use of discharge of a bow and arrow within the City for purposes of deer hunting or turkey hunting. Said permits shall be issued only during the appropriate game season, or as deer or turkey hunting is otherwise authorized by the State Hunting and Discharge of Weapons Ordinance No. 124B