Posted: 6/19/02

Anger growing as hunting ordinance develops

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

Perhaps not as controversial as spearfishing, Forest Lake residents and hunters have found a battle of their own.

After 20 Forest Lake residents filed a petition with grivences against hunters coming too close for comfort last fall, the Forest Lake City Council looked to its police chief, Dave Schwartz, to develop a hunting ordinance to settle the growing situation on or near Forest Lake. Schwartz now finds himself acting as mediator to craft a resolution between two widely different sides.

Shady Land Point is a residential area on the northern side of third lake, and home to the duck hunting debate. The area extends along shoreline covered with tall weeds, and hundreds of ducks.

Issues being investigated with current DNR restrictions as they be, people can legally hunt ducks by standing within the lake, in the weeds, as long as they do not hunt on the property of residents.

But how close to shore is too close to shore?

House siding has been dented, windows have been shot, and lead shot is being found in backyard sandboxes. You make the call.

Although no person has been reportedly injured, Schwartz and the city council do not plan to wait to take action until the unfortunate occurs.

"We're trying to make a common sense resolution that can be a reality." Schwartz said.

Rightfully so, hunting ordinances are in place across five-county metro area. As will be in Forest Lake's ordinance developing process, these hunting rules are unique to each cities' needs ranging from decisions on bow and arrow hunting, discharging of all firearms, to allowing limited areas for regular hunting.

An ordinance will be developed with regard to all hunting and weapon discharging, not solely with regard to duckhunting.

Chief Schwartz has set a goal of approaching the city council with his findings before the end of the summer in order to allow the ordinance to take effect for the upcoming hunting season. Although he has invested no less than 40 hours on the project by looking at the examples set by neighboring communities, talking with DNR officials and several public leaders, he is not working alone.

Schwartz has asked the public to step forth with their ideas. To understand the feelings of residents on the issue evoked Schwartz into organizing monthly meetings that began in April.

Meetings are becoming increasing popular in attendance as well. The small crowd of nine at the first meeting in April swelled to over 20 last month.

More people brought louder opinions, and to the dismay of Schwartz, less control and more anger. Three meetings later, Schwartz fears many people believe he is trying to take away their right to hunt.

"Everyone is taking a hardline cause. We're not trying to close hunting, but others feel differently." Schwartz continued,"Some believe the masses are being punished for the sins of a few."

With two goals in mind, Schwartz looks to upcoming meetings to open up a forum of discussion with his fellow citizens. The next meeting has not been determined, but tentatively planned in early July.

An avid hunter himself, Schwartz is determined to withhold public safety while keeping hunting open for Forest Lake residents to enjoy.

"Some think this area is a great place to hunt with their grandkids and family, but others think why should people be able to hunt in people's backyards," Schwartz said.

"We're not interested in a total ban. It's important to allow pheasant, deer, or duck hunting."

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