Q: A resident has noticed people with professional hunting bows in the area near Oak Manor. Is it legal to hunt within the Westfield City Limits?

A: Residents cannot discharge firearms within the Westfield City Limits (Reference Chapter 43 Offenses and Miscellaneous, Article I. In General, Section 43-1 Prohibition of firearms within
the corporate limits of the city in the Code of Ordinances for the City of Westfield).

Bows are excluded from the firearms reference but could qualify under criminal recklessness code that states if a person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally performs an act that
creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person commits criminal recklessness. Bows are prohibited from City Parks under Section 44-1 General rules for the use of city parks and recreation facilities in the Code of Ordinances for the City of Westfield.

 

The person may also be trespassing which is also enforceable. It is illegal to hunt, trap, or retrieve game on private land without the consent of the landowner or tenant. For more information, please reference the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Residents should call 9-1-1 if they feel there is a danger.