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<br /> Now, I see the insertion of the backstop rule is intended to address this by providing options to
<br /> landowners, yet again, this is quite a burden for the average person. To install such a backstop
<br /> is not only very expensive, but restrictive. You now have created a situation where a person
<br /> will definitely incur significant expenses as well as the requirement of at least one permit to
<br /> erect such a structure, regardless of the type of material selected to construct said backstop.
<br /> Current county permitting and site plan ordinances affect the erection of such a structure. In
<br /> turn, surely at some point in time in the future, there will be a "need" for a new inspection
<br /> process to now come and inspect shooting backstops to ensure proper construction and
<br /> maintenance, again at a cost to the private landowner and tax payers alike. Not to mention, the
<br /> requirement of such a structure affects an owners rights of enjoyment of use and perceived
<br /> property value, not only the property on which the structure resides, but the surrounding
<br /> properties as well (who wants to look at a big mound of something whether on their own
<br /> property or their neighbors?). Addressing the "allowed shooting hours;" again burdensome, for
<br /> several reasons. Being fully aware that the amount of shooters who engage in shooting after
<br /> sunlight hours is limited, there are those of us that do just that. Current State and State WRC
<br /> regulations allowing for the hunting of Coyotes at night. To the best of my knowledge, Orange
<br /> County does not have an ordinance preventing this. To be able to effectively hunt at night, one
<br /> must have the right equipment and said equipment must be calibrated in the conditions in
<br /> which it will be used (i.e. after daylight hours). This would effectively give me, and those like
<br /> me, approximately less than 60 minutes, for only several months out of the year to calibrate
<br /> our night hunting equipment properly, with the hope that it remains calibrated throughout the
<br /> remainder of the year. Let me add that, the coyote problem in Orange County, and the State,
<br /> is an ongoing issue and by the accounts of many sportsman and land owners alike, is
<br /> continually worsening. It has been show in other states, and likely one of the main reasons the
<br /> hunting of coyotes at night has been allowed in North Carolina, that night hunting of coyotes is
<br /> a very effective tool in controlling the population of such a nuisance predator. I do not see how
<br /> this amendment will not directly affect those of us who participate in the hunting coyotes (and
<br /> other game) at night. While I am aware that there is a clause in this amendment that explicitly
<br /> states that it is does not impact or regulate hunting activities, it does not permit me to calibrate
<br /> my hunting equipment as needed for said activities. In essence, my neighbor calls law
<br /> enforcement, because I am calibrating my equipment at night, I am fined because I am not
<br /> technically involved in a hunting activity at the time.
<br /> Now, I do see the inserted clause allowing for land owners to target shoot two or fewer days
<br /> per month simply not enough. Although, again, I am likely in the minority of shooters, I
<br /> enjoy target shooting quite regularly, much more often than two days of the month which this
<br /> amendment would restrict me to. Avid shooters and sportsmen such as myself are regularly
<br /> calibrating our equipment and shoot regularly to better our skills as enjoyment shooters and
<br /> sportsmen. A large reason for the ownership of my property is so that I can shoot, at distance,
<br /> on a regular basis. In addition, while I have never owned, shot, or even know where to acquire
<br /> "explosive shells," I do occasionally shoot, what may be referred to as an "explosive target."
<br /> Tannerite is a completely legal, two part compound, commonly sold at sporting goods stores
<br /> throughout the state and country. I see no reason why I should not be able to shoot at these
<br /> sorts of targets on my own property, provided that I am not endangering anyone around me.
<br /> These types of targets do not expel fireballs, harmful/hazardous substances, secondary
<br /> projectiles, and are not designed to be destructive. They simple "go `bang- when struck with
<br /> any standard centerfire rifle bullet. Again, I do not see any reason why I would not be allowed
<br /> to do this on my own private property, given that no one and nothing is being put in danger— a
<br /> hard thing to do with something that does nothing more than make a noise when hit.
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