Should Fayette County regulate bow hunting?

After two discussions on the issue, the Fayette County Commission decided last Thursday to wait until the new year before any final decision is made.

Currently, there are no regulations outlining where bow hunting or archery can occur in the unincorporated parts of the county. Commissioner Eric Maxwell had asked Chief Marshal Ed Collins to look into the issue and see how other jurisdictions regulated the activity.

In Fayetteville, it’s unlawful to shoot a bow and arrow or compound bow within 100 yards of a residence, while Senoia’s regulation states it’s unlawful for any person to shoot an air rifle, BB gun, bow and arrow or crossbow in the city limits.

Georgia law dictates that a gun or pistol cannot be discharged within 50 yards of a public highway or street. In Fayette County, firearms cannot be discharged within 100 yards of a public roadway; 200 yards of a home and 200 yards of a public recreation area.

Collins recommended any ordinance concerning bow hunting to model the county’s statutes on discharging a firearm.

But resident Ray Schmeck said the county was moving too fast in trying to pass an ordinance. Schmeck has worked with the 4-H program for years, and said the group had an archery range in Brooks years ago, but it was closed after neighbors raised concerns.

“We’re just trying to give these kids something to do,” he said.

The commissioners asked Schmeck if he would read the ordinance and report back to the group in January.

In Other actions, the board agreed to participate in the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District regional toilet voucher program. The program would provide $100 vouchers to residents who live in homes built before 1992. The voucher would allow residents to replace their toilets with 1.28 gallon low-flow toilets.

Parrot said the money to fund the program would come from the conservation rate of $1 per customer who use over 19,999 gallons per month.

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