Public hearing sparks debate on rifle hunting regulations

During a recent Northumberland County government meeting, officials discussed a proposed amendment to Chapter 83 of the county code regarding hunting regulations. The amendment aims to allow the hunting of deer with rifles of a caliber larger than .23 from elevated platforms at least eight feet above ground level. Additionally, it would require hunters to obtain written permission from landowners to hunt with rifles or pistols on private property.

The public hearing featured several speakers, including Roger Barney, a former law enforcement officer and hunting safety instructor, who expressed support for the amendment. He highlighted the success of previous regulations allowing shotgun slugs and argued that the proposed rifle amendment would enhance hunting practices and deer culling efforts. However, he raised concerns about the written permission requirement, suggesting it could complicate enforcement and create liability issues for landowners.

Thomas Kelly, another speaker, emphasized the historical context of rifle hunting in the county, noting that rifles were banned in the 1950s. He argued that modern muzzleloaders are comparable to rifles in terms of safety and effectiveness, advocating for the ethical advantages of using rifles for deer hunting.

Conversely, Craig Grass raised concerns about public safety, questioning the necessity of the amendment given the current deer population and harvest statistics. He warned that the use of rifles could pose risks to both hunters and the general public, particularly if enforcement of the eight-foot elevation rule proves challenging.

Ashby Allen echoed Kelly's sentiments, arguing that the precision of rifles makes them a more humane option for hunting compared to buckshot. He pointed out the inconsistency in regulations that allow target shooting with rifles but restrict hunting.

The meeting also included input from a representative of the Virginia Conservation Police, who provided data on hunting incidents over the past five years. The officer noted that while there have been incidents involving rifles, the overall trend showed a decrease in hunting-related incidents, with no fatalities reported in the most recent season.

The board is expected to consider the feedback from the public hearing before making a decision on the proposed amendment, which could significantly alter hunting practices in Northumberland County.