Ashland Ordinance.

[Xtreme]

We have recieved word that there is a possible ordinance about to be proposed to outlaw all discharge of weapons inside the city limits of Ashland. This will include archery. It is rumored that this meeting will take place around the 3rd of October.

Does anyone have any info? If so we need to react to this ASAP as it will slide through. This same ordinance almost made it last year in Morehead.

C'mon cyberhunters this is where we shine. We need info ASAP!

[Multidigits]

Most city's already have ordinances that outlaw hunting within. Your saying this will outlaw practice shooting as well???

[Xtreme]

Highbow E-mailed me last night and as he understands there will a meeting to outlaw all discharge of ANY weapons in Ashland city limits. This will include archery, practice , hunt etc.

This almost went through in Morehead last year if you all remember.

We need to jump on this. If anyone lives there or near we need to find out. If anyone has the Mayor of Ashlands E-mail we need it as well. Ashland is a big town and I'm sure this will affect several folks hunting spots.

C'mon folks, lets' put all of this excess energy we have had here lately to work and get to doing what we do best. Info and issues at Cyberspeed!![:0]

[grouseguy]

Xtreme, I live 20 miles from Ashland and get the Ashland Daily Independent newspaper and this is the first I've heard of this. Not saying that its not happening, but if they are, they're keeping it pretty quiet.

Ashland technically doesn't have an elected mayor presently. The former mayor resigned recently just prior to being indicted on child porn charges and they are having a special election in November to elect a new mayor. Ashland city government has been in turmoil for several years and can best be described as incompetent and petty, so I guess it is quite possible that they would be debating some irrelavent issue like this, while their whole governmental structure crumbles around them.

Highbow, where did you hear of this pending ordinance? Maybe I can do some local research of its status if you can provide some background info.

[Flintlock54]

I spoke with a representative of the Ashland Police Department this AM and there is already an ordinance on the books prohibiting the discharge of firearms including airguns within the city limits. They did say that there was some discussion last year as to whether or not archery equipment was included in the ordinance and the issue was turned over to the city's legal department and they (the police) have not heard a report from them.

It was their best quess that archery equipment was included because of the close residental areas in the city.

City Manager: William Fisher kymanager@hotmail.com
Presiding City Commissioner:
Kevin Gunderson kevingundersonky@aol.com

[Birdman]

Mark what is the name of the gun shop on rt.60 they should know something or at least know where to start. I would call city hall, nowwww and ask the city clerk if this is on the agenda or if she has any knowledge of this matter. I'll make a few calls from my end and get back, but for calling city hall we need an officer to follow up on that end.

Mark what is the directors name with the LOKS in the 8th? We need to contact him, and Rolly. I'll take care of Rolly if you'll take care of the director.

[Xtreme]

As soon as we get solid info we will act. I will E-mail the city manager and commisioner tonight. Keep on it folks. I hope this has a happy ending.

[grouseguy]

Ronnie, I personally don't think there is anything going on to follow up on, but I have called and left a message with a guy I used to work with. He is a bowhunter that lives in the city limits of Ashland, actually its the same guy that killed the elk with the bow last year, and if anything is being discussed, he should know.

[ky_great_white_bowhunter]

I was here at the Morehead meeting last year. The one thing I noticed was the concerns from the parents. If the person that is discharging the fireman can keep the projectile on thier property then no one can complain. If the neighbors do not like the thought of someone shooting a bow near their property then they are the one responsible for constructing a fence to put around their property. Or atleast that was the way Morehead city council reacted to the people complaining about bowshooters. But the thing that help bow hunters and shooters around here was the national forest allows hunting on their property and some of the property runs into the city limits and the city did not want to take the time to file papers with the national forest to try to get them to ban shooting a bow in city limits so the motion to put the ordinience into effect failed

[Highbow]

Grouseguy, that's not saying much for respect to think that I'm just stirring up trouble, No I have enough troubles on my end and that is one reason I went to Rick with the facts. I hope there isn't much to the problem but if it were to pass without us knowing anything then what would say? I'd rather do some checking and maybe get the guys down at Borders or O'Briens to check a little closer to City Hall than have a wall fall over.

[Duster]

Believe me fellows IT CAN HAPPEN before you know it the way politics are today. ONE Anti-Hunter in a town near where I lived in Indiana stopped all hunting in that town. The only people who got a break from the discharge law was an archery club that used part of a city park for a range an had done so for several years. There was a lot of farmland in the city limits that was hunted..not any more.

[Xtreme]

I just sent an e-mail to Kevin and William wanting to know whats up?

[grouseguy]

Highbow, there was no disrespect intended. I'm sorry it came across that way. Believe me, ANYTHING could be going on with Ashland city council, they are pretty much "loose cannons". However, I live nearby, talk to numerous people regularly who would be upset by this, and get the Ashland paper daily, and just haven't heard the first word about it, but like I said, you never know with Ashland.

I've not heard back from the phone messages I've left, but I'll report from my contacts when received.

Again, Highbow, sorry for the misunderstanding. That's one problem with impersonal internet communication...it's very easy to misread the intent of a statement.

[Highbow]

No problem GrouseGuy

[Multidigits]

That why you always want to stick one of them litte faces on the end[8D]

[Xtreme]

Multi, your people skills are improveing by leaps and bounds[:D]

Now then, seriously. I have E-mailed the Ashland royalty and I have heard nothing to date.[:(] We will stay on this till we get an answer.[;)]

[ky_great_white_bowhunter]

If you find out when they will bring this item to the city council, X-cutter and myself will try to round up people here at Morehead and make our way up there. That is if time permits us to. The view of the student really help here at Morehead when they had their council meeting about the same ordinance. If the hunting and fishing club of Morehead State can be of any assistance just tell us and we will try to help out in any way we can

[turk02]

Guys all of what you are hearing is true. Let me start by identifying myself, I am the Vice President for the State Chapter of the NWTF. I just got wind of this mess 2 days ago and it's true, the attorneys for the city are in the process of drawing up the new ordinance, which will include no hunting, no shooting your bows in your backyard etc. There is already an ordinance for firearms, bb guns, pellet guns and paintball guns. Now where are we? You are right they tried to slip this one by us but failed, last year this came up but never made it to the table. I am hearing that they might change the commission meeting, normally they are held on the 1st and 3rd thurs. of each month. Go to the city of ashland web site they are suppose to announce the mtg agenda 2 days prior to the meeting. Right now guys we are making the right moves, I have e-mailed HFH, Fish & Wildlife and have spoke with the president of the NWTF, by right moves guys I mean we are rallying the troops, tell everyone to be ready to go to that commission meeting, with women and children. This is another attack on our Hunting Heritage!!!!!!! I do live in the city of Ashland and like it but there are a lot of other issues that need to be addressed instead of attacking us......Help me out guys relay the message and e-mail your info , ideas etc. We need all the help we can get on this issue......

[Multidigits]

Do they have any Archery in School classes there yet?????

[Birdman]

I'll get in touch with Rolly and the director of the 8th district to get thing rolling with the league. I'll need your name and phone number for contact purposes.

[turk02]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Birdman</i>
<br />
I'll get in touch with Rolly and the director of the 8th district to get thing rolling with the league. I'll need your name and phone number for contact purposes.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

[turk02]

Sorry Birdman I hit the wrong key..... Now back to the isuue at hand.... I just got back from Borders and Obrien's, I received a lot of positive feedback but we still will need bodies at the commission meeting. I am still calling folks as all of you guys need to do!!!! No Multi we do not have archery in the schools yet, we need some one who is up on this program to defintely attend this comm. meeting. If someone needs to contact me feel free, Joe Broughton 606-324-7138 (home) I am still working on a date and the agenda for the comm. meeting, will let everyone know as soon as I do!!!!!

[Xtreme]

Okay Folks, it looks like our faithfull bloodhound Highbow just sniffed out another skunk!!

At this time I call for an emergency 48 hour vote. All members go to the voteing booth and we will call for motion, second and votes. Once again please discuss here and vote in the booth.

Grouseguy, this is in your back yard so please do all that is possible.

Members, this is what we pay our dues for so let's kick the tires and light the fires.

[Multidigits]

Xtreme--Do you know if Roy Grimes know's about this???? What about Ralph and Walt????

[turk02]

Walt was e-mailed by Sky Olt who is the president of the NWTF as was Tom Bennett....Roy Grimes I don't know if he has or not..... I talked with a fellow today about getting in touch with Rocky Adkins, no response yet...I will be talking to John Vincent next week. Let's keep it up guys...

[Xtreme]

Turk...for God's sake join us. I am waiting on a return call from Jerry Napier. Prez. of UBK. Ralph I'm sure is online if not I will e-mail him. I will E-mail Roy as we speak.

Guys I apologize for not getting on this today but my wife and me were asked to do a seminar on archery in a school and I was unable to get to a computer till I got home. The kids had a blast. Over 300 shot a bow for the first time and they loved it. This Ashland deal makes my blood boil[}:)]

We have to go to Larue co. middle to do the same thing Mon. I'll pass the word there about this as well.

Great White and x-cutter. , you guys are close and you know very well how the battle was fought at Morehead. As your Commanding Uncle I order you two to rally the college troops and dig on this for all you are worth!

Glad to see the NWTF recognizes us as important allies. Now lets live up to our mission statement and rock and ROLL!!!![:(!]

[Multidigits]

Ashland needs an Archery in School project and that would make this a mout point

[Highbow]

I new my source was correct and I'm sure the guys at Borders and O'Briens will rally with us all. Go get em Birdman. THanks Extreme for moving quickly on this, I'm going to mail you a article from our Paintsville Herald on the WMA meeting.

[Xtreme]

I just got a e-mail from Kevi Gunderson and he contacted Bill Fisher.[ Ashland ] Both say they know nothing of this and have no beef with bowshooting. I think there is mass confusion as well as some fishy stuff in Ashland. Turk, Jerry Napier[UBK] is on board and is going to call you.

[Multidigits]

I got the same reply from Gunderson??????? I'll try to get somebody on a ohone line tomorrow and see if they act like they are fibbing?????

[turk02]

Ok guys here we go I just got off the phone with 2 guys who have talked to 2 city officals this evening and they both responded the same as did Gunderson. My first info came from a e-mail from fish and wildlife and then a phone call from a friend who heard it also. I then called the city bldg and I was told that this issue is in the attorneys hands to draw up the ordinance to go before the commission for a vote. This is where we are right now I have nothing more to report right now. I do stand corrected on the archery in the schools issue,. Paul Blazer High has archery class, so that's some good info for a change!!!!! I hope there is nothing to this issue, last year when it came it never made it to the floor due to the hunters complaints...... No matter I am not going to leave it alone until I get to the bottom of it......I have a promise from 1 city commissioner to research it on Fri. and get back with us, as soon as I know so will everyone on this forum..... Yes it does smell kind-a fishy up here but I will find where the smell is coming from and spray Lysol on it!!!!!!!!

[Multidigits]

Keep us popsted

[Highbow]

Good luck Turk.

[Xtreme]

Stay on em Turk! I've got the UBK as well as F&W DEPT. looking into this as well as us. I'm sure Ralph is all over it to.

Turk, if you don't join our little band of merry marauders I will dispatch our Sgt.at Arms and VP to bring you in by force for the good of the State[:D]

Besides we need a few more NWTF guys. We have a few already. I'm sure by now you realize the value of this organization.

We await your joining us.

[grouseguy]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Xtreme</i>
<br />Okay Folks, it looks like our faithfull bloodhound Highbow just sniffed out another skunk!!

At this time I call for an emergency 48 hour vote. All members go to the voteing booth and we will call for motion, second and votes. Once again please discuss here and vote in the booth.

Grouseguy, this is in your back yard so please do all that is possible.

Members, this is what we pay our dues for so let's kick the tires and light the fires.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

I'd like to offer a procedural point here. I notice that the vote in the member's only section calls for a letter to oppose the ordinance, but as of right now there is NO ordinance to oppose. I'm all in favor of emailing and calling elected/appointed officials to let our feelings be known and hopefully considered PRIOR to an ordinance being developed and read. Therefore, possibly achieving our goal without having to change something after it becomes law. However, drafting a letter to oppose an ordinance that doesn't yet exist is premature.

My suggestion would be to cancel the emergency vote until there is something to vote on (personally I want to read the ordinance before I vote to oppose it), while continuing with our efforts to mold the wording of the ordinance into something that we could support prior to it being developed and presented to the Ashland City Commission.

[Xtreme]

Your right Grouseguy. We need to send a letter that is basically a preemptive strike. I also read where they have an ordinance in place already banning bb guns and paintball guns as well as firearms.

My question is : Are they proposeing to rewrite the whole thing and include archery as well? My question is what does it hurt if someone wants to shoot a bb gun or paintball gun in their back yard?

Also I'm not familiar with Ashland city limits but if there is quite a bit of rural huntable ground the gun thing may need to be addressed.

I think we need to leave the vote going as it will tell us what the members want so if it does "pop" up in the next few days we can legally[by our by laws] react to this in a very prompt manner.

Also if we draft a letter stateing our case the council will at least know what is in store for them as far as opposition if they do move on this.

I have no doubt something is up. Granted it may be in the smoldering stage and we need to pour water on it before it flames up.

Lets keep gathering info and stay very well prepared to react.

[turk02]

Grouseguy I agree but around here you sting before you get stung!!!! I beleive we have let our presence and our feelings be known to the point that this may go away or we may be in for a fight.... It looks to me like we are ready for a fight and if an ordinance does come to the commission, we fill that meeting room full of camoed bodies.....let the fun begin....I am a firm believer in doing things right and 1 step at a time but if we don't head this nonsense off, another rule and regulation to deal with. After learning of the archery classes at the high school I feel very positive this will go no where. Xtreme how do I join this Elite group??

[turk02]

Xtreme there is hundreds of huntable acerage within the city limits....All of it is private and of course you must gain permission to hunt... 9 out 10 residents will allow it just to get rid of the deer eating there gardens, flowers, etc. I have 2 flocks of turkeys within 1 mile of my house real close to the city limit line...Last night my daughter and I were returning home from a friends house and there were 15 turkeys a 6pt and a doe.

[Multidigits]

Xtreme--Before his death, I used to hunt on Frank Haddads "property" at the bottom of Muldraugh hill, across from the tank. It was always illeagal to do show, or so that's what law enforcement said. They allowed bowhunting, but on several ocassions was checked to be sure that was what I was doing. Point is, most Cities ban hunting in their city limits. I know E-town does as well. We won't get that changed. Practice shooting is a different matter.

[Xtreme]

Send Big 58 an E-mail. He will send you an info sheet to fill out online. I'll send you Mark Rogers address tonight. [Grouseguy] he is our secretary and wise elder. It's ten bucks a year. Welcome indeed my friend. Glad to hear that the stink we have already raised is doing some good.

I know what you are saying Multi. Vine Grove is the same way. When they start getting a lot of deer complaints they sometimes look the other way as long as no one does anything dumb [;)]

[Birdman]

Boys I just voted, I hope before we attack we know why.

The 8th districts dirctor is Mike McCormick ( mike@uswa1865.com) 606-928-4827. Some of you boys in that area should get in touch with him I've got a call and e-mail in now.

[Walt K]

Schuyler Olt, state chairman of NWTF, contacted me yesterday verifying what Nathan is telling us. I've been in contact with the UBK president and will be preparing a letter to Ashland.I agree, it's another hunting heritage privilage being threatened. I hear that Ashland has urban deer problems so it makes no sense for city officials to put a halt to something that just may be a necessity tool for them in the future.

[Xtreme]

Fear not Birdman. I'm just getting the forces on standby so if they ARE needed we don't have to jump through our butts to get our ducks in a row. I want and need to know that our members support our opposeing this.

Turk: Send a check for ten dollars to.

First National Bank of Grayson
attn. Mark Rogers
p o box 67 Grayson Ky. 41143.

Send big 58 an e-mail and he will send you the form to fill out.

[Ralph]

Sorry to respond so late, guys, but not having a good month at all. I'll leave it go at that. Been sending e-mails & making a few calls to try & locate some people around Ashland. Hopefully, a few will come through. Do we have a date on when this meeting for consideration of the ordinance will happen, if it does? Let me know. Meanwhile, I'll send some more e-mails[}:)]

[GSP]

Turk02-
Rick Allen-GSP here (your old friend from Cooper hall[:D])
Good to hear from you again. Hope you join up. There are some good folks here that really give a damn about what is happing in the outdoors sporting world.

[turk02]

Hey Rick Good to hear from you again..... Ok guys for whatever reason I could not access this forum last night...Now everything we feared is true, but it is not on paper and not on the commission agenda. My sources tell me not to push to hard, as has been discussed earlier in this forum. This commission supposedly has no outdoorsman on it but there are some that would vote out of spite, so I am told.... Guys do not stop the preperation, we have to go to the upcoming mtg with our ducks in a row, which we will have. No date on the meeting. I have real good sources so I believe what they tell me. Whoever e-mailed Gunderson & Fisher, print out those responses or forward them to me, we might need those. Let's not let up guys, but lets not push to hard 1 step at a time. On a lighter note RMEF is holding their annual BQ @ the Elk's club in Ashland 11/2/02 5:30 pm. come on down....... I am headed for Clark county for Soccer so I'll talk to you guys tonight, and I may even drive by the old Cooper hall Rick and think of all the good times!!!!!!

[shogan]

I hope to be a help here. Since it sounds like we are running into a brick wall (As I mentioned in the vote). How about taking this approach. We oppose the out and out banning of archery use in the city limits because there are X number of farm acres contained in the city limits and this would be an undue encroachment on those properties rights. However we would support a ban on Archery use on properties less than an acre in size and limitation on properites 1-5 acres and if an area being used for archery are within X feet of public area (road, play groud,and etc) or within X feet of another residential property the shooters would need to constuct an approved restraint. Properties over 5 acres (or whatever number you want to argue) and still agricultural in nature and zoning should not have limitations of archery use. Further to support this limitation of archery on these larger and rurual residential properties we would like an archery range contructed on X park grounds.

If you don't have hunters you probably have parents worried about their kids on this board. Give them an option that satisfies their needs and ours. Has this issue arisen because of a particular reason i.e. some yahoo with a 100 foot yard is shooting directly at his neighbors house with a cube and a couple bails of hay saying hey man I won't miss and if my arrow flies on your property it's your problem (which it is not). Legally it's the shooters responsibility to provide adequate measures to keep everyone else safe.

[Xtreme]

Food for thought Shogan. Turk and the gang: I have heard back from Roy G. and there have been others contact the dept. besides us.

Turk,it looks like you got the heads up on this one. I'll forward my e-mails to you from the head ducks in Ashland. I know Multi got the same responses. Due to what you said about "don't push to hard yet" . We will wait till you say GO. Hopefully we can get this fire put out while its still just a smolder.

[turk02]

Thanks Shogan but it's not farmland that we are dealing with it's wooded areas. The animals can travel through drains, ditches, wooded areas etc. to access yards with preety little flowers, bushes, grass, clover or whatever they find. Just like the lady who brought this to our attention says she has lost $1000 in flowers, new bushes and small trees she has planted over the past 2 years. She recieved no satisfaction from downtown so she sought help though our CO & Fish & Wildlife who contacted me.

Now some new info guys, my sources say that the agenda for this weeks commission meeting will be posted after 5pm on Monday. Now get this one we teach archery in the high school and we teach gun safety in the ROTC program at the high school, now it's illegal to discharge a firearm within the city limits, including bb, pellet and paintball guns but at the high school they have air rifle range within the city limits. Is this legal? I don't know I'm working on that one. Is there some kind of special exemption for this program???? I don't know that either. This is what I'm getting at can we use this as ammo or are we going to open a can of worms that will hurt these kids and there shooting program???? Guys keep your eyes and ears open, the agenda should be on line Mon. evening. Do not do away with any of your ideas guys we're in this together and it will take all of us, remember the commission meeting is still on for thurs. eve., so after the agenda is posted we may have to rally....

[shogan]

Woodland is agricultural in zoning typically. Timber is your crop! Recreational use (i.e. hunting) would be a secondary use. Limiting archery use on recreational land would be undue encroachment. Just my opinion.

[Flintlock54]

turk02:

Usually the cities that have a firearms ban change the wording of the ordinance so that the word firearms becomes weapons including archery, airgun, paintball, throwing stars and knives and firearms.

Usually there are exceptions to the ordinance for organized groups such as 4H shooting sports, Archery in Schools or for a local business to have an approved firing range for either firearms or archery.

That is what happened here in Winchester. It was our practice after 5PM to go out behind the city fire department and practice shooting our bows then one day one of our police officers came by and gave us the bad news--we could no longer shoot our bows within the city limits.

[Xtreme]

Turk....You may want to put a bug in the ear of a few local insurance[car] companies. Also a call to your Farm bureau would not hurt either.

If you know any friendly police officers who would have car/deer crash data would help immensely. If they think that curtailing the harvest of deer will get in their $$$$ pocketbook i.e. due to higher insurance rates.....you get the picture.

A financial loss statement from the lady you mentioned would not hurt either.

[turk02]

Thanks Flint that is 1 thing we are going to watch is the wording. Once I get an agenda xtreme I am going to personally invite the lady to go with us. Never know she just might come with us they said she was not a happy camper. I will work on deer collisions also, are records of that sort avaliable to the public???? Wow I bet that was just like getting shot in the foot when that officer broke the news. Thats what would have happened here if we would not have gotten wind of it.

[Highbow]

Turk, again good luck with this, I think they will rethink this before it gets a vote.

[Xtreme]

Turk, I can't speak for Ashland but the police dept. in E-town keep a record of car deer hits. I have even seen a map of where the most "hits " occured.

Bye the bye old man .....I'm to understand that the NWTF is a major sponsor of the Archery in the Schools program. A program that is near and very dear to the ole Xtreme mans heart. Not to mention you have very much impressed me over our current issue at hand.

I would very much like to join the NWTF. If you could direct me as to how I might join I would be obliged![:)]

[Walt K]

Again, banning archery in city limits limits officials to future urban deer problems as well as encroaching rights of citizens to enjoy archery at their homes. As far as safety, laws are already in place for wantoned endangerment for anyone committing an unsafe act. Shooting archery does not have to limit those with small lots. An example is my younger brother who lives in a crowded subdivision, he simply put his target butt against his house. If he misses, it's his vinyl siding! So far so good.

[rouge]

i hear ya walt. i live in lexington and place my target butt on my patio. if i miss, its my condo. i have'nt missed yet, knock on wood.

[Multidigits]

Or a basement. Not to mention a public business that may be inside the city limits. NO CPMPROMISES ON THIS!!!!

[turk02]

10-4 guys sounds like we are all on the same wave length....I just got back from the police dept. and they could only come up with 3 deer/car collisions in the city limits, so not much ammo there. The only thing we can do at this point is to wait on the posting of the agenda on the city's web site this evening. Xtreme your comments are very much appreciated. As far as joining the NWTF, go to KY NWTF, our state website and e-mail Pat Cardin who is the regional director in your area, and he will put you in touch with the local chapter there. Sunday I will be in E-town for stateboard meeting at Nolin RECC. The meeting begins at 12 noon come on over and visit with us. Talk at youn's later......

[turk02]

As of right now they have not posted the agenda on the website yet..... One of our sheriff's office canidates just left my house and is aware of our situation and is willing to HELP!!!!!!!!

[turk02]

I just heard on the news Barboursville WV community park has a deer problem, residents around the park have complained big time and guess what they now have a bowhunting season that starts 2 weeks earlier than the regular bow season and ends 2 weeks later than the regular bow season, bow hunting only!!!!!!!

[Xtreme]

Turk: I'm real good friends with Dale Painter who is our NWTF Chapter guy. I'll get him to hook me up.

Folks, I just finished a two day archery marathon with my wife. Thurs. of last week we did an all day seminar at my school West Hardin Middle. Today we did an all day show and hands on seminar at Larue co. Middle. I did some trick shooting today along with Mrs. Xtreme and the kids loved it! I shot a carbon arrow in the middle of a gummy bear life saver at 15 yds three different times and Mrs. Xtreme did it twice. That was for each PE class of kids. Out of seven classes of kids our average for the lifesaver was a little down but we are both getting a little older[:D] Anyway, we let every kid that wanted to shoot a Matthews Genesis bow and by our best estimate in two days over 5oo kids shot a bow![:0] Most had never shot one before. They loved it!!

I also gave a speech on the history of archery and the important role bowhunters play in manageing the deer herd. When I asked who all knew someone who had hit a deer with their car today nearly everyone raised their hand. I explained that bowhunters could safely hunt in populated urban areas and if we do not watch our urban deer herd more will get hit. I asked the kids" Do you want to see a deer rotting by the roadside or in someones freezer" 99.9% said the freezer!!

Sorry to ramble here but this just falls hand in hand with the deal we have at hand.

[Highbow]

Xtreme, you the man. I admire both you and your wife for the commitment you have made to archery and our kids.

[rlb165]

DITTO!

[turk02]

Double Ditto for me Xtreme's!!!!!! Got word late yesterday evening commission meeting has been changed to wed. instead of thurs., nothing in concrete yet and no agenda. You all will know as soon as I do....

[Multidigits]

Prezzzz for Life!!!!!

[Multidigits]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Multidigits</i>
<br />Prezzzz for Life!!!!!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Now when we have the pheasant hunt, all we have to do is put a life saver on the side of one of them! [8D][8D]

[turk02]

Ok guys & gals here we go. Cha-Ching, round 1...... I just talked with the legal dept. at the city, yes they are going to ban hunting and disch of any weapon inside the city limits.Did you hear me? They are not looking into it they are going to do it!!!!!! It is not on the agenda for Wed. commission meeting but it can be walked in and brought up, motion made to draw up an ordinance for vote. Now I just got off of the phone with F&W attorney and he says, as previously stated they cannot outlaw hunting, but without the disch of weapons you have no hunting. I found out that this has originated in the police dept. who has had no complaints that they will tell about, but they have had a number of calls asking if it's legal to hunt inside the city, the police refer them to the legal dept. which inturn say yes. So there's nothing broken but let's fix it anyway!!!!!!! I am going to attend tommorrow night's commission meeting just in case all are welcome, I'll let you know how it goes....

[turk02]

If anyone has this type of issue in your area we need your input, copy of the ordinance etc. I'm beating my head against the wall up here, they are not giving in to anything so I would like to go to them with a compromise. I need everyones ideas on this, how close to shoot around a dwelling, from the blacktop etc. If we can do a compromise then hunting would not be banned.

[Strutter]

Hey guys. I found this info on another site and thought it might be helpful concerning how other areas are dealing with the urban deer problems. Click on the link and check out the bowhunting info in the left side bar. It may help the Ashland people want to get a head start on keeping the deer numbers in check and in doing so, go ahead and implement this type program. Or something like it.

http://www.swmnv.com/

[turk02]

Thanks Strutter great info..... I just got off the phone with the city again, they told me my feathers were ruffled way to early. The draft ordinance is already done and they said it was done last year when this issue came up, now that it is drawn up they told me it cannot be passed unless read at a commission meeting twice, plus being put on the agenda which is posted on the city's website. Now the way that I understand this issue is that if I create a hazard and someone is hurt then wanton endangerment or wreckless endangerment can come into play technically... So my argument to them was there is already laws in place for public safety. And of course they said do we have to wait until someone gets killed to make a law on this, I said you just got thru telling me about wanton endanger etc. So anyway guys I am making our case to the commissioners and I will not attend the comm meeting now that I know they can't vote without it being posted on the agenda. Do not stop with your ideas and info because I print it all and put it in our file for when we will need it.

[Flintlock54]

City of Winchester:

www.winchesterky.com/index.phtml

Click on City Ordinances on right top side of page, then do a search on the word firearm. For some reason I can't get the ordinance itself to load.

Your are right, these type of laws generally come out a concern for law enforcement rather than a concern for any thing else.

By the way the officer that told us we could not shoot anymore had earlier that day dropped his equipment of at our station so when he took his supper break, he could shoot with us. Bummer huh!

[Xtreme]

From what I gather Ashland's Gov. is in a shambles. Kevin G. E-mailed Jerry Napier [UBK Prez] today and reiterated the fact that he knows nothing of any complaints against bow shooting or hunters.

Turk, I would take a long hard look at what Shogan suggested. He had what appeared to be a pretty good compromise. Admittedly the word "compromise" kind of hangs in my throat but.....If common sense and cool heads can rule the day then all may be happy.

I commend you on your efforts and I intend to try to get to Nolin Recc Sun. to meet you. It is twelve miles from my house.

I'm always glad to meet someone who cares!!

[Xtreme]

OOps, I forgot. Thanks for the kind words folks! I as well as Mrs. Xtreme aprreciate it greatly[:)]

Multi: if you put a lifesaver on the side of a flying bird for me I hope it is the size of a LIFE Preserver.....not saver[:o)][:D][:o)][:D][8]

[Multidigits]

No shooting till their airborne!!

[turk02]

While talking with a city offical yesterday, I did mention copromise and it was unacceptable to him for what he called recreation.... He did say however out of necessity it would be possible, of course with permitting, the city reaping the finacial benefits from it. But I dont think they can do that because we already pay to hunt and the hunting done here is all on private land. I said yesterday that I would not be attending the comm meeting tonight but after continued talks with other guys with the same concerns we will be going to tonights meeting. Thanks Xtreme look I look forward to it.

[thunderstorm]

The only thing politicians understand is votes. Get as many people as you can to show up. If they have to explain themselves to a bunch of people they tend to be alot more cooperative.

[Multidigits]

Turk--I've been to Ashland's web site several times and can't find a link to the Agenda. Where is it normally posted???

[coolhand]

From mike mccormick 8th dist. LKS
I have spoken with the mayor and city manager of Ashland. Nothing offical on the use of bows in the city. I think we are ok now but need to keep an eye on this in the future.

mike mccormick

[turk02]

Thanks coolhand, we are still going to the meeting tonight. Multi i just checked the website again and I they still do not have it posted, it should be in the scrolling items bottom left of the screen.

[Multidigits]

Local Gov't Search » KY » Boyd County » Ashland

Ashland


Address:
City of Ashland
Box 1839
Ashland, KY 41101
Email: ashland@wwd.net
Phone: (606) 327-2024
Fax: (606) 327-2029
Web: www.ashlandky.org


Office & Contact Information

Mayor
Name: Contact Information:
Reeves, Paul prr9227@aol.com
Phone: (606) 327-2001
Fax: (606) 327-2055

Governing Body
Name (District): Contact Information:
Brown, Larry (At-Large) ldbrown@aep.com
Phone: (606) 327-2001
Fax: (606) 327-2055

Gunderson, Kevin (At Large) kevingundersonky@aol.com
Phone: (606) 327-2001
Fax: (606) 327-2055

Powell, Russ (At-Large) russpowell@kih.net
Phone: (606) 327-2001
Fax: (606) 327-2055

Rideout, Polly (At-Large) wpjrideout@dellnet.com
Phone: (606) 327-2001
Fax: (606) 327-2055

City Manager
Name: Contact Information:
Fisher, William H. kymanager@hotmail.net
Phone: (606) 327-2002
Fax: (606) 327-2055

City Clerk
Name: Contact Information:
Musser, Debbie ashland@wwd.net
Phone: (606) 327-2024
Fax: (606) 327-2029

[Birdman]

I see coolhand has posted his findings. Mike for you who don't know is the 8th district director with the LOKS. He called today with the information that there was nothing to the story from what people at city hall told him. He'll be keeping an eye out.

[Multidigits]

Let me guess--most of the city officials or maybe all of them are Democ-rats?????

[Flintlock54]

Multi:

I would have thought you knew that <b>ALL</b> city races are non-partisan.[;)][:)]

[Xtreme]

Folks I just got an E-mail from Roy Grimes and the threat is real. He also reiterated the fact that voters need to to show up at this meeting and remind the officials that they are representatives of the people.

Good luck Ashland!!!!

[turk02]

Ok I'll make this as short but informative as possible....I just returned from the Ashland city commission meeting, I was assured there is no movement to this draft, very rough draft so I am told. They have no intentions in pushing this through and if it were to come to vote it will be done legally, that means put on the agenda and read at 2 comm meetings.

There main concern was what got all of this started? I told them I did after I had heard about the ordinance.

But anyway I must commend the commision I was given my time to speak our feelings on this issue and why this would create problems versus solve a problem that does not exist. I changed my meeting strategy at the last minute when I was given a Huntington WV paper which on the front page was a picture of a bowhunter and a page article about the new bowhunting in the Barboursville city park. 1) I asked the commision about safety issues. No incidents have been reported. Wanton and wreckless endangerment was disscussed, I told them we are aware of those laws.
2) I asked if we had an overpopulation of deer in the city. Their response, we see them occasionally.
3) I asked about deer/car collisions, police records dept said only 3 that they were aware of.
4) I brought out the Barboursville article and told them this is what we will have in a short period of time if we ban our only means of controlling this deer herd. I said the sportsman of this community do not want this nor do the Ashland residents.

Of course there were a few comments, such as bowhunting in the downtown park. My response was, it's legal right now and as far as I know there are no deer in the park therefore there are no hunters. This commissioner was just this way and I was told this prior to the meeting.

After the meeting they all came up to me shook my hand and thanked us for coming, but still wanted to know where this rumor started. Enough for now, we might have slid by this round, but I'm sure there's more to come.I appreciate everyones help on this issue, and trust me it's not dead but I think we have enough eyes and ears open now so that we can ban together and do it quickly when neccesary. I must go now because I must prepare for a deposition tommorrow. I will touch base with youn's tommorrow.........

[GSP]

Turk 02,
Thanks for the info Joe. I don't see this as anyone crying "wolf".
This IS an issue that will raise it's ugly head again. The good thing about this is, the local goverment may now stem any small time complaints because they know they will get a BIG time argument.
You all did VERY good. The best way for all to fight such actions is to shake the hand of your local politician, introduce yourself and make DAMN sure he/she knows what you stand for (of course in a courteous manner).
Rick-GSP

[Xtreme]

Well done Turk!! It's my experience that where there is a foundation for a rumor there is substance!...It's obvious that there was substance here[;)]

Our thanks to you and Highbow for your vigilance!

I do hope that the NWTF as well as Cyberhunters can work again as one in the future and I welcome you as a member!.....Rick Hahn.

[Multidigits]

The job is not over yet. You know those that didn't get their way here will come back with even more vengence the next time.

I'd suggest trying to get some public shooting areas, either profit or non-profit set up inside the city limits. With those in place, it would only strengthen our position the next time.

[Xtreme]

Good thinking Multi. If this issue rears it's head again Cyberhunters will be there to spread the word in light speed.

I love this organization!....God, aint we all a bunch of pistols[:o)][:D][8]

[Multidigits]

Little late but I got my reply back from a lawyer of the NRA-ILA. She wants more information on the Ashland ordinance and a copy of the draft of the ordinance. If there is one, I have her fax number. If there isn't a draft yet, I'll get back to her with that news. They seem to want to help with this issue.

I also sent one on the Flats and haven't heard back on it yet.

[Highbow]

I talked to Turk yesterday and he said there was a draft , I don't know if he has a copy or not, on the Auxier Flats deal, I'm getting conflicting stories, Birdman thinks it is a done deal and the hunters have lost, my State Rep thinks it could be five years down the road before anything happens, it would fall to the side if we got a new judge elected in November.

[Birdman]

Not true Highbow go to closed form.

[Multidigits]

TTT--I need a copy of the intended ordinance for the Ashland Ban. If theire is anything on paper, I need to fax it to the NRA-ILA. Let me know!!!

Birdman and Highbow--Do the same on the Flats Issue. I have a fax number that you can fax it too. I'll post it later, it's at work.

[Xtreme]

From what I have recieved from several sources to include Roy G. The Ashland deal /crisis is over for now.

As for Auxier Flats I've not heard much.

[Xtreme]

Folks, I just recieved an E-mail from Roy G. and he said that Ashlands gov. was swamped with responses from concerned hunters.

A lot of the responses came via this website. Not to mention the broadcasting of info. He asked us to stay vigilant.

Vigilant is our middle name[;)]

Cyberhunters do make a difference.

[Highbow]

Yes, we can and I hope that this doesn't happen ever again but the other WMA's in the stateneed to be on watch for these projects like the Auxier Flats deal.

[Xtreme]

Well said indeed Nathan!!

[Multidigits]

From Roy Grimes:

This is a dead issue. According to Ashland officials "a secretary in the government office stirred up this rumor after hearing a single complaint about a bowhunter in city limits". After hearing from many archers who hunt and target shoot in city limits the local gov. folks dropped it.
Roy

[Highbow]

So voices do get heard, don't they.

[turk02]

Guys I have not been able to get my hands on a copy of the draft we call the Ashland Ordinance just yet, dont give up on me yet I'm still trying. On a good note i am working with the family resource center at a local high school here in Boyd county, Fairview High in Westwood. We are trying to get funding to start the archery program there, they have already received $1000 to start and I am going to the NWTF also for assistance. Thats all for now, have a great weekend.....