Resident warns commissioners about gopher-shooting at Scobby cemetery; sheriff’s report cautions enforcement limits

During public comment, resident John raised safety concerns after multiple incidents of people shooting gophers at Scobby cemetery. He told commissioners he was at the cemetery on Memorial Day when someone was shooting in proximity to other people and urged the county to adopt clearer rules and improve enforcement.

John said he has discussed the matter with other cemetery caretakers and commissioners and observed inconsistent signage and practices at nearby cemeteries. "The safety of the public is the overriding factor," he told the commission.

The meeting also included a readout of a sheriff’s office report describing two incidents (May 27 and June 13). The report, signed by a sheriff’s office official, states the cemetery is outside city limits and notes Montana statute language (transcribed in the report as "MCA 45-5 d343 firing firearms") about firing firearms; it concluded that until the cemetery board or the county issues a rule addressing shooting at the cemetery, the sheriff’s office has limited options for enforcement in that location.

Commissioners discussed the report and the practical enforcement limits the sheriff’s office described. The public commenter said he would continue contacting neighboring cemeteries to learn how they handle such problems and urged the county to consider rules that would make the cemetery safer for visitors. No new county rule or formal enforcement action was adopted at the meeting; the matter remains for further consideration.