§ 8.403. Special provisions for hunting.

(a)

Notwithstanding section 8.401 of this subtitle, a licensed hunter may discharge a gun if the hunter:

(1)

Is lawfully hunting outside the Metropolitan District:

(i)

On property the hunter owns; or

(ii)

On other property with the prior written permission of the owner; and

(2)

Complies with subsections (c) and (d) of this section and all applicable state laws or regulations.

(b)

Notwithstanding section 8.401 of this subtitle, a licensed hunter may discharge a shotgun if the hunter:

(1)

Is lawfully hunting on not less than ten acres inside the Metropolitan District:

(i)

On property the hunter owns; or

(ii)

On other property with the prior written permission of the owner; and

(2)

Complies with subsections (c) and (d) of this section and all applicable state laws or regulations.

(c)

(1)(i)

The safety zone is the area consisting of 150 yards around a facility.

(ii)

Without written permission of the property owner, a person shall not discharge a gun within, from, onto, or across a safety zone.

(2)

Whenever a person discharges a gun, the person shall:

(i)

Ensure that the projectile has a downward trajectory;

(ii)

Be sure that the discharge is towards a safe, visible backstop; or

(iii)

Use a shotgun that contains only shot.

(d)

In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a person has committed a class a offense under title 24, subtitle 1 of the Howard County Code if the person discharges a gun and a projectile from the gun damages a facility or personal property, including pets and livestock, regardless of whether the person has complied with all other provisions of this section.

(C.B. 33, 1976; C. B. 1, 2009, § 1)