iminor@dailypress.net
ESCANABA After some discussion, the Escanaba City Council unanimously approved a change to the city’s code of ordinances that will ban hunting within city limits.
The ordinance, which was first presented at the April 22 regular council meeting, aimed to address an ongoing issue with hunting on land within the Westside Recreation Area. Over the years, the number of hunting blinds appearing in the recreation area has increased, suggesting the area has become popular with hunters. However, hunters could only be ticketed for hunting within the city limits if they were actively seen discharging a firearm.
The change approved Thursday expands upon the rules against discharging a firearm by explicitly prohibiting hunting activities. Specifically, the amended ordinance reads, “There shall be no hunting of wild or domestic animals within city limits with any kind of air gun, spring gun, cross bow, or firearm or any dangerous weapon. There shall also be no baitin