Bear River council pauses second reading of firearm-discharge ordinance after residents speak up

The Bear River Town Council opened a lengthy discussion on a second-reading ordinance that would prohibit discharging firearms within town limits, citing safety and noise concerns.

The Clerk read the ordinance language aloud: "No person shall discharge any firearm ... within the corporate limits of the town of Bear River, Wyoming," with listed exceptions consistent with Wyoming law for self-defense and authorized dispatch of injured or predatory animals. The text also included an affirmative-defense framework for property owners acting to dispatch injured livestock or predatory animals when state law authorizes it.

Residents and council members raised multiple concerns. One resident said high speeds on Highway 89 and nearby approach patterns make some turns dangerous and warned, "At some point, somebody's gonna get killed out there," urging safety measures. Other speakers emphasized that river-side target shooting and informal backyard target practice had previously been handled informally and asked the council to tailor any ordinance to avoid unintentionally restricting lawful hunting or traditional uses along the river.

Council members acknowledged the ordinance touched a sensitive issue and suggested more public outreach and revisions before final action. One council member proposed tabling the second reading at tonight's meeting and holding further discussion over the next month so residents can propose changes and understand enforcement mechanisms. Officials also said initial enforcement would begin with warnings before fines, consistent with prior enforcement approaches discussed earlier in the town's animal-control and noncriminal enforcement updates.

The council did not adopt the ordinance tonight; members asked staff to collect public feedback and return with a revised draft and enforcement plan.