Bow and Arrow Target Practice May Be Allowed in Farmington Hills

Bow and arrow enthusiasts in Farmington Hills will be able to continue backyard target practice, if a city ordinance amendment introduced Monday receives final approval. 

The draft changes stemmed from discussions among city attorney Steven Joppich, police chief Chuck Nebus and other Farmington Hills officers, Joppich said. The final product simplifies restrictions, allowing the use of bows in a safe manner, shooting only at artificial targets, and in a manner that prevents arrows from landing on someone else's property. 

"If a person complies with those three," Joppich said, "they will be allowed to engage in target practice in their back yard." 

"What I really like about this, from a law enforcement perspective," Nebus said, "it's very simple. It's simple for residents and it's simple for police officers." 

 council members first looked at the possibility of  in November 2011, after  by arrows in south Farmington Hills neighborhoods. But  expressed concerns about not being able to set up practice targets in their own backyards. 

Officials also generally agreed the new draft did what they wanted it to do. Council member Nancy Bates said it addressed her concerns over restrictions on "using your own property in a responsible manner." Council member Michael Bridges cast the lone vote against the ordinance introduction.

"I'm concerned about errant arrows ... even with the restrictions," he said. "I'm not inclined to encourage any type of archery in the city." 

Before the vote to introduce the ordinance, city manager Steve Brock suggested officials add a restriction suggested by resident Maryann Damman during public comment, to prohibit "razor tip" arrows. Officials included that restriction in the final version. 

Resident Mary Lou Kruger thanked officials for taking action on the issue.

"I'm very proud of all of you for coming to this," she said, "for having this discussion and making it happen." 

The ordinance is expected to come up for final approval at the council's Sept. 10 meeting. 

Correction: Mary Lou Kruger's last name was incorrectly reported in the original version of this story.