Eld Inlet no-shooting zone at meeting 30 July 209

[billythekidrock]

The Olympian
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/910876.html

Published July 15, 2009
Eld Inlet no-shooting zone considered at meeting
THE OLYMPIAN


Residents will be asked whether to establish a no-shooting zone or controlled-shooting zone on the southwestern shore of Eld Inlet from 7 to 9 p.m. July 30 at the Griffin Fire Department, 3707 Steamboat Loop N.W., Olympia.

Several residents who live near the shore have asked the Thurston County commissioners to prohibit the discharge of firearms near their homes. Others, primarily hunters, oppose such a move.

Commissioners and representatives from the Thurston County Planning Department, Sheriff’s Department and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on hand to talk about the current policies and answer questions.

[bow4elk]

Remember that "no shooting zones" refer to firearms only and do not affect archery gear.  Not stating this to sway attendance or dismiss the hearing; just pointing out the specifics of this vague zoning law.  I used to avoid such areas with my bow until I called about it and learned this important distinction.

Incidentally, I've searched the RCW's for the details around No Shooting Zones and found nothing very useful.  This hearing will be a great opportunity to ask specific questions.

[Dustin07]

Remember that "no shooting zones" refer to firearms only and do not affect archery gear.  Not stating this to sway attendance or dismiss the hearing; just pointing out the specifics of this vague zoning law.  I used to avoid such areas with my bow until I called about it and learned this important distinction.

Incidentally, I've searched the RCW's for the details around No Shooting Zones and found nothing very useful.  This hearing will be a great opportunity to ask specific questions.

So if the new designation passes, the Eld Inlet hunters should take up archery duck hunting

[sisu]

Greetings,
 
The Board of County Commissioners is holding a community meeting on a possible no shooting zone in Eld Inlet, this Thursday, from 7 to 9pm at the Griffin Fire Department.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.
 
Thank you,
Danielle Westbrook
 

Danielle Westbrook
Assistant to Commissioner Valenzuela
360-786-5414
westbda@co.thurston.wa.us
2000 Lakeridge Dr SW
Olympia, WA 98502

Below is the attached message I had in my email at 1032 today 24 July.


Thurston County Board of Commissioners, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502-6045
www.co.thurston.wa.us (360) 786-5440 Fax: (360) 754-4104
What: Community Meeting on No Shooting Zone in Eld Inlet
When: Thursday, July 30th
7pm—9pm
Where: Griffin Fire Department
3707 Steamboat Lp NW
Olympia, WA 98502
The Board of County Commissioners has received requests from several residents who live along or near the southwestern shore of Eld Inlet to prohibit the discharge of firearms in the vicinity of their homes. The Board seeks your input on this important topic.
For more information, contact Danielle Westbrook, assistant to Commissioner Karen Valenzuela, at (360) 786-5414.

[Dustin07]

hey Locals! Be there!! Do not underestimate the value of just BEING there. Even if you say nothing but let others speak for you, force in numbers says a lot. if there are 20 homeowners and two hunters that won't look good.

[billythekidrock]

Right now I am planning on being there and I am not even a duck hunter.

[jackelope]

Right now I am planning on being there and I am not even a duck hunter.

if i were i'd look at becoming an eld inlet archery duck hunter.

 

[goosegetter79]

If I lived closer I would definately be there but it's kind of a long drive for me. Hopefully you guy's can keep this from happening. Good luck.

[ICEMAN]

Sorry Willie, didnt see your thread about the same meeting...I will be there with youth hunters.

[billythekidrock]

Unfortunately I am not going to make it.  

[ICEMAN]

I attended the meeting. Good turnout for duckhunters, also many homeowners. Probably 50/50...maybe 35 owners, 35 hunters. Game department had two officers there, one Deputy Sheriff, Thurston county manager, a few other county staffers plus two commissioners. Two WSU representatives were present to run the show. The evening went well without any super heated discussion, mostly respectful.

I am not going to completely recap all, but here is my understanding of what I observed;

Homeowners were not too happy with recent legal duck hunting in the waters in front of their properties. Many homeowners claimed to have called 911 or the sheriff directly over the issue. Many were advised that hunting is legal in this area.

One homeowner complained that bird shot rained down on his property, and that he has a 3yr old grand daughter he is worried for.

One homeowner had a gallon ziploc full of spent shells she cleaned from the beach.

Multiple homeowners voiced complaint over the noise, an intrusion into their "tranquility" ( the term used by a hunt supporter)....the homeowners don't like the noise, one even admitting that she did not feel her safety was in jeopardy, but her peace was invaded.

One homeowner voiced his question...if ya cant hunt in other inlets, why can you hunt this one....isn't my safety just as big a concern as theirs?

Wildlife admitted no big game violations noted in the area for years, as long as he can remember, this from a Wildlife Seargant.

Wildlife admitted they knew the main hunting group in the area of complaint, wildlife stating that they believed the hunters were safe, had no violations noted, and even stated that he knew the guy well enough to claim that the hunters would not place any homeowners in jeopardy.

Sheriff deputy stated that he researched all complaints/calls to 911 in the area for the past 18months and had no citations issued or noted no damage to property, no reckless shooting found, nothing.

Conflicting language with state RCW and county code was noted.

Commissioner Valenzuela claimed that she felt that if property owners were in "jeopardy", that county code could be drafted to change the gun use in the area. This word "Jeopardy" is going to be the hotly argued word.

Valenzuela admitted she had a petition signed by 100 property owners requesting the shooting ban...

Hunters were represented well by many game biologists present. Others there were lifelong, or decade long hunters who were here to support the hunters view. A few residents from the area stated they were hunters, and did not want the ban.

All in all a good meeting. The commissioners are going to continue to consider the issue, no clear calendar yet, we should stay tuned.

Ice.

[gasman]

Sounds like us hunters have a leg to stand on..........
 

[billythekidrock]

Sounds like us hunters have a leg to stand on..........
 

I don't know. The article this weekend quoted a comissioner as saying 2/3 of the people were for the ban.