However, they can attempt to implement weapons-discharge ordinances. If a city or county bans the discharge of bows and crossbows, hunters could be shut out… along with school archery programs, 3D archery clubs and people who just participate in archery for fun.
Well no it doesn’t, City of Lincoln Nebraska has had an ordinance like that since 1990. But they do allow a trap and archery club plus a Game and Parks educational facility for 22 and archery to fully operate within the city limits. Including 3D matches. But a private citizen cannot set up a bow range or even shoot a BB gun outdoors on their property.
TITLE 9 PUBLIC PEACE AND WELFARE
Chapter 9.36 WEAPONS
9.36.050 Discharge of Weapons and Other Instruments Unlawful.
It shall be unlawful for any person, except as provided in this chapter, to fire or discharge, within the corporate limits, or on any property of the City of Lincoln outside of the corporate limits, any air rifle, toy pistol, toy gun, slingshot, or any other air, gas, or spring operated gun, weapon, apparatus, or instrument for the purpose of throwing or projecting missiles of any kind by any means whatsoever in such a manner as to endanger the safety of persons or property, whether the instrument is called by any name set forth above or by any other name. (Ord. 15625 §5; July 9, 1990: P.C. §9.28.040: Ord. 9382 §2; January 22, 1968: prior Ord. 3489 §9-103; July 6, 1936).
We have s similar ordinance in the city I live in. It has been in place for a long time. At least 40 years. BB guns and arrows may be discharged inside of your own home if you so wish but not outside.
I will say we only enforced it if someone was shooting outside and some one complained. We didn't go searching neighborhoods looking for some one violating it. If people are walking across neighbors yards INSIDE of a city limits then that is enforceable as there is no hunting inside of town. Out side of town it requires the land owners permission and you can cross a fence if you are chasing shot game by Iowa law.
I do know of one young man who was hit in the eye with a BB and it cost him the vision in that eye. He was several houses away from the kids who were shooting the BB guns. It was a stray BB. I understood the family with the kids who were shooting the BB guns got sued. I don't know how it was resolved beyond that. I assume the homeowners insurance paid out. The moral is, yes you can get an eye shot out.
kwg
