BOWMEN HIT PROPOSED LAW TO BAN ARCHERY

SCOTT CITY -- A group of archery enthusiasts have shot down a proposed ordinance to ban shooting projectiles within the city.

Four bowhunters and archers attended Thursday's Scott City Council study session to discuss the proposed ordinance.

In the end, the council adopted a state law defining third-degree assault that would include the dangerous use of a bow. The compromise allows archers to continue to practice in the city limits.

Archers voiced their concerns at Monday's council meeting, when the ordinance was proposed because of a careless archer.

If the proposed ordinance had gone into effect, bowhunters would not have been able to practice within the city for the upcoming deer season, which starts Oct. 1.

Ward 1 Councilwoman Brenda Moyers said citizens were concerned about public safety and had hoped the study session would provide some guidelines for shooting inside the city.

Former mayor Shirley Young researched the issue and suggested the easiest solution would be for council to adopt a section of the state criminal code defining third-degree assault.

"All it takes is good common sense," said Don Sanders, an archer. "There's a risk with everything and we want safety first."

Mayor Larry Forhan suggested the council adopt the definition of assault into the existing city code.

"People have to act responsibly," Forhan said. "The responsibility should be put on the individual."

The next step for the archers is to find a place suitable for a shooting range, and they plan to meet with the city park board later this month to discuss the range or backdrop for shooting.