Residents split at Houston County hearing over whether to allow rifles for deer season

Houston County held a public hearing on whether to allow center-fire rifles for deer season, drawing a lengthy public-comment period in which dozens of residents voiced sharply divided views.

Dave Weber, who identified himself at the start of the hearing, said he was “strongly in favor of allowing rifles for deer season,” arguing that safety depends on the shooter, not the firearm, and pointing to other states that have dropped shotgun-only zones. Supporters including young hunters, instructors and law-enforcement veterans said rifles can reduce recoil, lower costs for small-stature hunters and make hunting more accessible to youth and older adults.

“Rifles are safer,” Donald Ott told the board, citing state and regional analyses. Several speakers referenced Wisconsin and Pennsylvania studies as they argued that accident data do not uniformly support a blanket shotgun-only policy.

Opponents urged the board to consider Houston County’s hilly topography, proximity of neighbors and the risk of ricochets. Jeanette Butel, a lifelong resident, said she was “against the use of rifles in our part of the state,” describing concerns about unseen neighbors in hollows and valleys and asking the county to remain shotgun-only. Clayton Johnson told the board he had submitted video showing rifle rounds passing through plywood and producing ricochets that he estimated traveled “probably 300 yards.”

Speakers also raised related issues: several farmers and landowners warned of increased trespassing and property damage if rifle use brings more out-of-area hunters; tribal, conservation and wildlife-management considerations were discussed in general terms by commenters who said herd quality and crop damage should factor into any decision. Beau Hanlon, an infantry veteran and competitive shooter, raised an environmental point, saying that use of lead slugs from shotguns deposits lead in soil and water and that non‑toxic copper projectiles are an available alternative.

Representatives of local sportsman groups and DNR volunteer instructors urged choice and emphasized training. David Apps, president of a local sportsman’s club and a volunteer firearm-safety instructor, said allowing rifles could benefit “less able-bodied shooters and youth” by reducing recoil and weight.

No formal policy action or final vote on rifle allowances was recorded at the hearing. After public comment closed, a commissioner moved to adjourn; the motion passed and the meeting ended. At least one commenter noted a county deadline tied to the state rule change (a May 1 date mentioned during testimony) that the board must meet if it chooses to act.

The board did not announce a schedule for further deliberation during the hearing. Commissioners may return to the matter at a future meeting, or they may request additional information from state officials or the DNR before taking any formal action.