Bear River adopts ordinance banning most firearm discharges within town limits

The Bear River Town Council adopted a new ordinance on July 9 that prohibits the discharge of firearms within the corporate limits, with enumerated exemptions and penalties.

During the ordinance's third reading, the council recited the ordinance language that defines firearms and lists exemptions such as self-defense as allowed by Wyoming law, actions by certified peace officers in the course of duty, property owners discharging a firearm on their own land when done safely and responsibly (where state law permits), dispatch of injured livestock or predatory animals as authorized by state statute, and humane dispatch of domestic animals when authorized by state law. The ordinance specifies that a person convicted of violating the section may be subject to a fine of up to $750.

A council member moved to approve the third reading and the council approved the motion by voice vote. The ordinance was declared adopted on final passage; the meeting record indicates the language will take effect after final adoption as stated in the ordinance text.

Council members framed the change as a public-safety measure intended to protect residents and property and to ensure peace of mind in the town. The transcript includes the ordinance language recited on the record; the council recorded the third reading, a motion to approve and a voice vote in favor. The meeting record does not include a roll-call tally or requests for immediate ordinance enforcement detail; implementation and enforcement questions were discussed elsewhere on the agenda during public comment.