(A) Except in accordance with this chapter, it shall be unlawful to discharge or use any firearm or bow and arrow or archery activity within the corporate boundaries of the city.
(B) Bow or archery activity.
(1) For the purpose of this section, BOW OR ARCHERY ACTIVITY means a weapon or act of using a weapon for shooting arrows, typically made of a curved material whose ends are joined by a taut string.
(2) Bow or archery activity is permitted subject to the below hunting program specific conditions:
(a) The location and boundaries of the lands within city limits where the taking of deer or other animals with the use of archery hunting techniques under the program is permitted. Minimum parcel size of ten contiguous acres is required for archery hunting activities. Archery hunting may not occur within 500 feet of any building not on the owner’s property. Archery hunting is restricted to the R-l Single Family Residential Zoning District;
(b) Notwithstanding division (a) above, an individual may allow and permit the use of a firearm or shoot an arrow from a bow at a facility designed for shooting and target practice; provided, the facility complies with state rules and regulations and has been approved by the city to conduct such business;
(c) The days and hours during which the taking of deer or other animals is permitted under the program matches state regulation for hunting activities as published by the DNR. No taking of a big game animal from, on or across a road right-of-way is permitted. If land adjacent to private property is posted, one cannot legally retrieve their deer without permission from the landowner;
(d) Hunters must make every effort to make a quick and clean harvest and recovery;
(e) Hunting on private property requires written permission from the landowner;
(f) Landowners are required to obtain an archery hunt permit from the city. Hunters must keep the archery hunt permit in their possession with the DNR license while hunting. Proof of a DNR hunting license will be required;
(g) Hunting on private property is allowed. Hunters are not otherwise restricted from such activities by state statute or ordinance;
(h) Persons permitted to participate in the program must follow all applicable state hunting and conservation regulations; and
(i) Bows and archery activity is permitted on properties identified and qualified under division (2)(a) above, at the City of Milaca archery range, or on school grounds in connection with an organized school event or class provided that the arrows used shall be equipped with blunt tips (also known as “field points” or “target arrows”). It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 15 years, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, to use a bow and arrow at the City of Milaca archery range. For the purposes of this section, the word GUARDIAN is defined as legal guardian or any other person over the age of 18 years who has been selected by the parent or legal guardian to supervise the person under the age of 15 years.
(3) Certain firearms, limited to shotguns, muzzle loaders, bow and arrow and crossbow may be discharged on any approved firearms range or other location approved by the Chief of Police.
(4) Except for discharge, this section intends neither to further restrict nor to permit what is restricted in M.S. §§ 624.711 through 624.7192.
(5) Under the conditions for discharge allowed in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or any other drug when discharging a firearm or bow and arrow.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to include any discharge of any firearm or bow and arrow when done in the lawful defense of person, family, property or within the basement of a private residence.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to include any discharge of any device used exclusively for the firing of stud cartridges, explosive rivets or similar industrial ammunition when used for construction purposes.
(Ord. 486, passed 10-21-21)