Residents urge Houston County commissioners to keep rifle restriction, press for public hearing

Clayton Johnson, who identified himself from Black Camera Township, told the Houston County Board of Commissioners that residents expect the county to preserve its shotgun‑only local practice and pushed the board to schedule the public hearing he says was promised in August. "This is not a January 6 insurrection," Johnson said as he described why he was there and criticized how a Pennsylvania study had been used to argue rifles were safer. He gave the board a copy of the study and said residents continue to worry about bullets traveling beyond property lines.

Dan Vestercy of Spring Grove, who described decades of hunting experience and service in the U.S. Army, told commissioners that local terrain and ricochet risk make rifles less safe in the county. "I would respectfully ask that you guys vote no for allowing rifles in Houston County," Vestercy said. Other residents made similar points: Bob Berreviec questioned whether rifles are needed in the county's "hill country," and Mike Sieve said his concern was wildlife management and the cumulative pressure modern equipment puts on deer.

Speakers during public comment also addressed the question of enforcement. One resident said a DNR officer told them the department would enforce a county decision to remain shotgun‑only, but would not enforce certain modified restrictions. Commissioners and residents said they wanted clearer information and more public outreach about how a county decision would be enforced.

Board members told speakers they would work to set a public hearing date at the next workshop. "We can work on that next week at our workshop to set a date," an on‑dais official said, and commissioners discussed options including an evening hearing or placing an opt‑out question on the March ballot if needed. Several commissioners emphasized that the public hearing would be for public comment and would not necessarily be followed immediately by a vote.

The board did not take a final vote on policy at the meeting; commissioners directed staff (including the county attorney) to return with details about required notices, timing and options for in‑person or specially scheduled public hearings.