BY JOHN R. REED LEADER EDITOR
KNOX — A large crowd of hunters tried on Oct. 28 to shoot holes in a proposed city ordinance which would prohibit hunting and discharge of firearms within the city.
Almost 40 people crowded into the City Hall courtroom on Oct. 28, with an estimated 30 more standing outside. An informal poll by the council revealed almost all were bow hunters who were worried about the ordinance’s proposed ban on bow hunting within city limits.

The ordinance, one of five considered that night by the council began innocently enough. Mayor Rick Chambers explained that there once was a ban on firing guns inside city limits, but somehow the ordinance was dropped for city code books.
Most communities ban discharge of guns within city limits. And spokespeople for the crowd at the City Council said that wasn’t a problem.
Most residents at the meeting were protesting the ban on bows and arrows.
Harry Bunkowfst said he has a pasture “and deer are an enormous problem. We have hunts to reduce the deer. Bows and arrows are allowed, not guns.”
Mark Smith, co-founder of hunting publications and shows, called the practice “urban hunting.” “Bow hunting has never been prohibited...urban deer zones have been created in cities. I’m going to hunt in St. Patrick’s Park in St. Joseph County. There are 19 tree stands in the park. Indianapolis, Hammond, Gary – all have hunting in city limits,” Smith said.
“There are very few places that have as many restrictions as this ordinance.”
One hunter added that turkey, raccoon and squirrel also are hunted in cities, using bows.
Mayor Rick Chambers responded, saying the bans were over part of city codes.. “We’ve had several complaints about bows and arrows. We’re not trying to punish anybody. We’re trying to protect the citizens of Knox.”
The council is expected to discuss the matter again at its next meeting, which has been rescheduled to fall on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.