(A) Prohibition of firearm use.
(1) Prohibited acts.
(a) Generally. No person shall discharge a firearm, air rifle, air gun, BB gun, slingshot, or other similar device capable of self-propelled discharge within City of St. Charles City limits, except as provided in this section. Any person in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Definition. For purposes of this section, a FIREARM has the meaning contained in M.S. § 97A.015, subdivision 19, as may be amended from time to time.
(2) Exceptions.
(a) Lawful defense, law enforcement. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the firing of a gun, pistol, revolver or other kind of firearm when done in the lawful defense of person or family or in the necessary enforcement of the laws by a law enforcement officer.
(b) Wildlife conservation. Wildlife conservation or animal control officers or other authorized representatives of the city, county, state or federal government, acting in an official capacity, may use a firearm or weapon to restrain the free movement of any animal, wildlife or birds as is permitted by law.
(c) Veterans organizations. Members of authorized veterans and law enforcement Honor Guards discharging a rifle volley with blanks as an honorary salute.
(d) Firearm ranges.
1. The discharge of firearms shall also be permitted at any trap, skeet or firing range in zoning districts allowing such a property use. This exception applies only upon such days and at such times as the range is open for shooting and when the manager of the range or his or her lawful agent is present and supervising the shooting of firearms. All trap, skeet and firing ranges shall have signs conspicuously placed on the premises stating the substance of this division.
2. No person shall possess or consume nonintoxicating malt liquor or intoxicating liquor at any trap, skeet or firing range located in the city.
(e) Permit. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the firing of a gun, pistol, revolver or other kind of firearm in situations authorized by the City Code, and when permission therefor has first been given by the Chief of Police, which permission shall designate the place where and the time when such firearms may be used. Any resident of the city may obtain a permit from the Chief of Police for shooting an air rifle, air gun, BB gun, or other similar device for the shooting of vermin inside a dwelling, building or structure on property within city limits.
(3) Authority. This division is enacted pursuant to M.S. § 412.221, subdivision 32, § 410.33, and § 340A.509.
(B) Prohibition of bow and arrow use.
(1) Prohibited acts.
(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this division, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
ARROW. Any shaft, rod or bolt constructed out of any substance.
BOW. Any device designed as or commonly known as a bow, long-bow, compound-bow, or cross-bow and fashioned to propel, thrust or project an arrow, shaft, bolt, or rod beyond 1 foot of the device itself.
(b) Shooting of bows and arrows prohibited. It is unlawful to shoot, discharge or otherwise propel an arrow from a bow in the city except under the conditions listed under division (B)(2) of this section.
(2) Exemptions. Use of bows and arrows in the following circumstances shall be exempted from the general prohibition thereof contained in division (B)(1) of this section:
(a) Bows and arrows may be used as authorized in a physical education program in a school when supervised by a member of its faculty;
(b) Bows and arrows may be used in a community-wide supervised class or event as specifically authorized in advance by the Chief of Police; or
(c) Bows and arrows may be used in any bow and arrow range specifically established and so designated by the City Council.
(3) Authority. This division is enacted pursuant to M.S. § 412.221, subdivision 32 and § 410.33.
(Ord. 620, passed 4-14-2020)