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Now, I see the insertion of the backstop rule is intended to address this by providing options to
landowners, yet again, this is quite a burden for the average person. To install such a backstop
is not only very expensive, but restrictive. You now have created a situation where a person will
definitely incur significant expenses as well as the requirement of at least one permit to erect
such a structure, regardless of the type of material selected to construct said backstop. Current
county permitting and site plan ordinances affect the erection of such a structure. In turn, surely
at some point in time in the future, there will be a “need” for a new inspection process to now
come and inspect shooting backstops to ensure proper construction and maintenance, again at
a cost to the private landowner and tax payers alike. Not to mention, the requirement of such a
structure affects an owners rights of enjoyment of use and perceived property value, not only
the property on which the structure resides, but the surrounding properties as well (who wants
to look at a big mound of something whether on their own property or their neighbors?).
Addressing the “allowed shooting hours;” again burdensome, for several reasons. Being fully
aware that the amount of shooters who engage in shooting after sunlight hours is limited, there
are those of us that do just that. Current State and State WRC regulations allowing for the
hunting of Coyotes at night. To the best of my knowledge, Orange County does not have an
ordinance preventing this. To be able to effectively hunt at night, one must have the right
equipment and said equipment must be calibrated in the conditions in which it will be used (i.e.
after daylight hours). This would effectively give me, and those like me, approximately less than
60 minutes, for only several months out of the year to calibrate our night hunting equipment
properly, with the hope that it remains calibrated throughout the remainder of the year. Let me
add that, the coyote problem in Orange County, and the State, is an ongoing issue and by the
accounts of many sportsman and land owners alike, is continually worsening. It has been show
in other states, and likely one of the main reasons the hunting of coyotes at night has been
allowed in North Carolina, that night hunting of coyotes is a very effective tool in controlling the
population of such a nuisance predator. I do not see how this amendment will not directly affect
those of us who participate in the hunting coyotes (and other game) at night. While I am aware
that there is a clause in this amendment that explicitly states that it is does not impact or
regulate hunting activities, it does not permit me to calibrate my hunting equipment as needed
for said activities. In essence, my neighbor calls law enforcement, because I am calibrating my
equipment at night, I am fined because I am not technically involved in a hunting activity at the
time.
Now, I do see the inserted clause allowing for land owners to target shoot two or fewer days per
month……simply not enough. Although, again, I am likely in the minority of shooters, I enjoy
target shooting quite regularly, much more often than two days of the month which this
amendment would restrict me to. Avid shooters and sportsmen such as myself are regularly
calibrating our equipment and shoot regularly to better our skills as enjoyment shooters and
sportsmen. A large reason for the ownership of my property is so that I can shoot, at distance,
on a regular basis. In addition, while I have never owned, shot, or even know where to acquire
“explosive shells,” I do occasionally shoot, what may be referred to as an “explosive target.”
Tannerite is a completely legal, two part compound, commonly sold at sporting goods stores
throughout the state and country. I see no reason why I should not be able to shoot at these
sorts of targets on my own property, provided that I am not endangering anyone around me.
These types of targets do not expel fireballs, harmful/hazardous substances, secondary
projectiles, and are not designed to be destructive. They simple “go ‘bang’” when struck with
any standard centerfire rifle bullet. Again, I do not see any reason why I would not be allowed to
do this on my own private property, given that no one and nothing is being put in danger – a
hard thing to do with something that does nothing more than make a noise when hit.