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Politics & Government

Farmington Hills Council Examines Bow Hunting in City

A police report said that while hunting is legal, city ordinances make it "unreasonable" to practice.

In the wake of reports of hunting blinds, bait piles and deer wounded by arrows wandering through the city of Farmington Hills, the City Council is investigating the laws surrounding legal hunting within city limits.

It appears hunting is legal, if difficult.

"Hunting belongs in Farmington Hills like a bowling alley belongs in a library," said Councilman Randy Bruce. "I come from a long line of hunters, but there are 80,000 people here."

A report on the status of hunting city Farmington Hills shows that while hunting isn't prohibited, it is nearly impossible to do while following city ordinances. Firearms are not allowed, and there is no hunting allowed within 100 feet of a building, private or public school property or across a road. The ordinances say a bow or crossbow can be used to hunt legal game, which the Department of Natural Resources defines as anything classified as game in season.

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However, police found that while bow hunting is legal in Farmington Hills, it is "unreasonable" due to the fact that the city's ordinances do not allow an animal to be wounded during a hunt. A deer shot with an arrow is unlikely to die instantly, which makes tracking an important part of the hunting process. However, it is illegal to track a deer across private land without permission, according to city ordinances.

The department recommends that the city change its laws to prohibit the practice.

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At a study session Monday night, City Attorney Steve Joppich told the council that it could prohibit and regulate the methods, but not the practice, of hunting.

"If you prohibit the discharge of a bow, you're not prohibiting hunting," he said. "If you try to ban hunting, you'll get into a fight with the DNR."

Councilman Richard Lerner asked whether it would be possible to relegate hunting to areas with plenty of open acres. Joppich shot the idea down, saying that it would be a de facto ban on hunting.

A few residents came out to oppose any hunting within the city, saying it's too dangerous.

"It's a safety issue," said Maryann Damman. "These arrows have three or four razors in them. I fear for children and dogs (who might come across them)."

Phil Barnett asked the city what would be done about the growing herds of deer and other animals that were in the city. He said his neighborhood has deer and more than a few coyotes roaming around, and he wanted to know whether the city plans to do anything to cull those populations.

Kurt Brauer said there should be more hunting in the city. "There are several places in the city that can be hunted safely and ethically," he said. "It's not like people are flocking here to go hunting."

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