Residents support firearms law changes

The changes would allow target shooting and weapons such as a bow and arrow.

By: Linda Seida
   WEST AMWELL — A few dozen residents of all types left their warm homes on a bitterly cold night to show their support for a less restrictive firearms ordinance.
   The proposed ordinance will allow target shooting and the use of weapons that previously had been outlawed, including a bow and arrow, by a 52-year-old law but never enforced.
   Some residents came in business suits. Others wore caps with insignia showing their support of the National Rifle Association. Still others sported camouflage.
   But they all agreed with Steven McConnell, an investment banker who lives on Bowne Station Road and enjoys hunting with a bow and arrow. Mr. McConnell said the new ordinance is "totally consistent with the rural nature of the community."
   Hunting with a bow and arrow requires practice for accuracy and proficiency, according to Mr. McConnell.
   "You’re irresponsible if you don’t practice," he said.
   Officials said the same when they began to publicly discuss the change in January. Catherine Urbanski, who chairs the Environmental Commission, has said, "We felt that to prohibit firearms practice was doing a disservice to both the hunters and the hunted. It is essential to sight in a firearm for safety and accuracy."
   At the meeting last week, Township Planning Board member Hal Shute said, "I think it’s basically a good thing."
   He called the old ordinance, written in 1955, a "total prohibition."
   Until now, anyone target shooting in the township had been breaking the law. But the old ordinance was never enforced because it was inconsistent with the ways of the township, according to officials.
   "This is something that responds to the way people live in West Amwell," Mayor Ron Shapella said.
   Committeeman William Corboy said, "I’m surprised the old ordinance existed as long as it did without someone recognizing it."
   The three-member committee unanimously approved the change Feb. 7 after a brief public hearing.
   Afterward, West Amwell Police Lt. Stephen Bartzak said the new law has his full support.
   "I’m happy with the way it is," he said. "It covers everything we want it to cover. Obviously, the 1955 ordinance was antiquated and needed upgrading."
   Before the committee voted, Mr. Shute suggested a modification of the proposed ordinance.
   He noted there are a "bunch of ‘shall nots’" incorporated into the new law, but he thought one important one was omitted. He suggested a prohibition be incorporated that would outlaw shooting across property lines.
   "It’s just a matter of public safety, in my opinion," Mr. Shute said.
   West Amwell Police Officer Wayne Boan, who researched the ordinance with Environmental Commission Chairwoman Catherine Urbanski, said such a change is unnecessary.
   "Hunting would fall under Fish and Game rules, not this," he said. "Target shooting wouldn’t cross property lines."
   Mr. Shute suggested the change should be incorporated to cover "reckless people."
   Officer Boan said, "That’s where the police would come in, for the reckless discharge of a firearm."
   The new ordinance does not change the penalties outlined in 1955. These include fines ranging from $100 to $1,250, 90 days imprisonment or community service or a combination of these penalties.
   According to the new ordinance, the discharge of a firearm on Sundays is permitted only from noon to 5 p.m.
   Also, the discharge of a firearm is outlawed within 300 feet of an occupied building. It also is prohibited before dawn and after dusk. Shooting is not permitted on or across any public or private road unless the road or driveway is owned or leased by the person discharging the firearm or a member of his or her immediate family.
   Excluded are licensed pistol or rifle ranges and outdoor lighted skeet shooting ranges. Also excluded are farmers who are authorized for deer management by the state Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Game.
   Other exceptions include licensed and bonded private and semi-private shooting preserves, a police officer performing an official duty, the preservation of human life, hunting in accordance with state laws, the veterinary use of tranquilizer guns and the veterinary use of firearms for the purpose of euthanasia.