Agenda - 01-21-2010 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 legislative leaders and in the discussion learned several had already been contacted by private property owners. The decision was made to withhold pursuing legislation then in order to provide time and opportunity for dialog among the stakeholders. The BOCC is scheduled to meet with the local delegation on February 22, 2010. As in the past several years, the BOCC previews its legislative requests with the delegation, schedules a formal hearing to allow public comment on its proposed legislative agenda, and authorizes the County Attorney to draft and submit any proposed legislation to the local sponsors by the required due dates. The BOCC is tentatively scheduled to receive public comment on its proposed legislative agenda on either February 2 or February 16. During fall 2009, Orange County staff held two "listening sessions" to receive input and information from vocal and active representatives on both sides of the issue from northern Orange County. These sessions were supported and assisted by officers from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The resulting reports were submitted previously to the BOCC as information items and are again attached here. Staff has also prepared and attached four maps depicting the population density in northern Orange and locations of contiguous acreage arguably considered "optimal" for hunting deer with the aid of dogs. The County Staff Attorney has also provided the attached report on means within the County control of addressing the issue locally. A summary of findings and conclusions from the two listening sessions are provided below: ^ Changing demographics and differing community perspectives have produced opportunities for deer hunters using dogs and private property owners to clash more frequently; heightened the importance of continuous public risk assessment; and fostered a need to re-evaluate local deer hunting customs. ^ Representative deer hunters and private property owners are organized and. active in stating opinions and objections. The Caldwell Hunting Club, for example, asserts how through a 30 year tradition it has adapted to ensure safe and responsible behavior among its membership and to demonstrate respect for the community by giving back through charitable service. Private property owners cite numerous illustrations and incidents of trespass, rude and intimidating behavior, disturbing the peace, threats to public safety, and general incompatibility with population and property patterns. ^ Dogging deer has been banned in adjacent Alamance and Durham counties. Dogging deer proponents argue those bans brought unscrupulous hunters from the outside into Orange County who disrespected law and etiquette, and caused crop damage for local farmers due to deer overpopulation. Opponents argue the bans were a result of increased urbanization and community adaptation for safety reasons. ^ Except in instances of large tracts under single ownership (estimated from 200-1200 acres) no practical way exists to prevent a deer dog on the hunt from physically crossing property for which there is no permission by the property owner to allow hunting. Neither is there technology available to the hunter to direct or deter the dog during the chase. ^ Local laws currently available -the required written permission by the owner to hunt on private property (Sheriff's Department) and the nuisance animal control citation (Animal