Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hunting Regulations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents weigh safety, trespass and population concerns as Board debates rifle hunting restrictions
Summary
Following the state repeal of shotgun‑only rules effective Jan. 1, 2026, Lincoln County held public comments on whether to restrict rifles for deer hunting; about 22 attendees offered mixed views and the Board took comments under advisement with no action taken.
Lincoln County held an extended public discussion about whether to adopt a local restrictive ordinance to prohibit rifles for deer hunting after the state ended the shotgun‑only zone effective Jan. 1, 2026.
About 22 members of the public attended; the minutes summarize that roughly 14 were in favor of allowing rifles, five opposed and three had no preference. Speakers raised safety concerns, trespass incidents and deer‑population impacts. Dean Lueck warned a rifle allowance could 'diminish the deer population to nothing,' while Val Downing and others described incidents of trespassing and called rifle shots farther reaching than slugs. Commissioner Mic VanDeVere said the county will consider neighboring counties’ policies before deciding; no ordinance was adopted at the meeting.
The Board emphasized that landowners may permit or deny hunters on private property and suggested constituents contact state legislators with policy concerns.
