Vernon adds new weapons bylaw to its arsenal

A new firearms and weapons bylaw dictates what is allowed and what isn't for bow hunters, property owners, and military pageants.

The bylaw, which was adopted on Dec.10, regulates, prohibits and imposes requirements on the discharge and use of dangerous weapons.

"Bow hunters and property owners with nuisance bears may be particularly interested in some of the items in this bylaw," Clint Kanester, Manager of Bylaw Enforcement, said.

The bylaw continues to regulate the discharge of firearms, long bows and cross bows within the community. To ensure accountability if something goes wrong, arrows and bolts must be marked so the owner may be identified.

The coordinators of special events—military pageants, salutes, funerals and movie productions—are able to apply for firearm permits from the city.

The previously banned permit allowances for the use of "bear bangers" are permitted under the new bylaw.

The bylaw also takes the needs of farms and large properties into consideration. Bow use for hunting, predator control, and protection of crops is permitted on properties over two hectares in size, and on bona fide farms.

Bow use is also permitted at schools under the supervision of a teacher, and in archery competitions.

The bylaw allows permits to be issued for bow target shooting on properties less than two hectares in size meeting approved safety requirements.

—Charlotte Helston
chelston@infotelnews.ca
(250)-309-5230