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Section.24-3.-Regulating the Discharge of Firearms. <br /> (a)This Section is enacted pursuant to the authority of N.C.G.S. 153A-129.This Section shall be <br /> interpreted in accordance with any sections of the North Carolina General Statutes which, by <br /> their terms, limit the authority of the County to regulate the discharge of firearms. <br /> (b) Firearm as referenced herein shall mean any handgun,shotgun,or rifle which expels a <br /> projectile by the ignition of gunpowder or by other explosive reaction. <br /> (c)It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm except into a natural or constructed <br /> backstop adequate to stop the projectile. This subsection shall not apply to trapshooting,skeet <br /> shooting, and sporting clays when such activities are undertaken through use of a shotgun. <br /> (d) It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm carelessly or heedlessly in disregard for <br /> the safety of others. <br /> (e) It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm in any manner that causes the projectile <br /> to leave the property on which it is discharged. This subsection shall not apply when the person <br /> discharging the firearm has written permission for such activity from the person on whose <br /> property the projectile comes to rest. The document demonstrating written permission must <br /> be immediately available at the time of the discharge and shall be provided to any investigating <br /> officer. <br /> (f) It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm after that person has consumed alcohol <br /> or any other impairing substance.As used in this paragraph,an impairing substance is defined <br /> in N.C.Gen.Stat.§20-4.01. A conforming alcohol screening device may be used to detect the <br /> presence of alcohol. A conforming alcohol screening device is any device listed in the National <br /> Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Conforming Products List of Evidential Breath Alcohol <br /> Measurement Devices as published in the Federal Register and as that list may be amended <br /> from time to time. An investigating officer may ascertain the consumption of an impairing <br /> substance or any level of impairment in any lawful manner. <br /> (g)Nothing in this Section shall be construed as prohibiting the discharge of a firearm: <br /> (1) When used for lawful hunting activities pursuant to Chapter 113,Subchapter IV;or <br /> (2) When used in defense of person or property;or <br />