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Board sets public hearing on proposed night-hunting ordinance amid divided public comment
Summary
The Lander County Board of Commissioners set a March 27 public hearing on a proposed ordinance to allow limited night hunting of coyotes, bobcats and badgers under conditions including the use of night‑vision or thermal optics, safe‑distance requirements and permission of private landowners.
The Lander County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 27 set a first reading and public hearing for March 27, 2025, on a proposed ordinance (2025‑O2) that would amend county code chapter 9.16 to allow limited night hunting of coyotes, bobcats and badgers under specified conditions.
The proposed amendment would add an exception to the county prohibition on discharging firearms at night to permit hunting those species at night if hunters use equipment that allows proper target identification (night-vision or thermal optics), maintain safe distances from occupied structures (the draft identifies 2,000 yards), obtain permission from private landowners on private property and comply with state hunting regulations. The board indicated the draft ordinance language avoids specifying numeric optical-performance requirements and instead requires “the ability to properly identify targets.”
Commissioners discussed the advisory process and a prior voter advisory question. Several commissioners said previous public engagement had produced mixed input and that the ordinance is being revisited with some new members of the board.
During public comment, Dennis Course of Course Farms told the board he and other local agricultural producers oppose the ordinance. Course said his main concern is not the experienced hunters using high-end optics but people who purchase inexpensive equipment, cannot properly identify targets and then leave carcasses or shoot near livestock or infrastructure. He said private-property owners already face problems with hunters and expressed concern that nighttime hunting will increase trespass and damage. Course and other speakers said they wanted protections for agricultural operations; he said many local farmers and ranchers do not support the change.
Supporters were also mentioned; commissioners said prior meetings had strong support and that the public hearing will give both sides another opportunity to be heard. The board approved a motion to set the first reading and public hearing on March 27, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. for consideration of ordinance 2025‑O2. Commissioners emphasized that this meeting will be the forum for public testimony and further discussion before any ordinance is adopted.
