01:00 AM EDT on Monday, July 18, 2005
By C. EUGENE EMERY JR.
Journal Staff Writer
SOMERSET -- Better keep those arrows in their quivers, at least if
you're on public land.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously last week to ban all
hunting on town-owned property.
It's already illegal to discharge a firearm in town, but the
proposal surfaced because Vincent Camara, of 85 Sebastian St., had
sought permission to hunt with a bow and arrow on 120 acres at Brayton
Point Road and Route 103, acquired in 2003 from New England Power and
Massachusetts Electric.
Until last week, the town had no restrictions on bow hunting.
"We thought the board was trying to encourage the use of that land
as open space. In fact, some of it is being used as farming," said
police Capt. John Solomito. "If you make a decision to open it to
hunting, you will do it for everyone. Who knows what the
qualifications of the individuals are."
Steven Moniz, chairman of the board, said Solomito "hit the nail on
the head. Mr. Camara may be an impeccable hunter, but we don't know
everyone's skill with bow hunting. If they miss the target, where is
that arrow going to end up?"
Selectman Patrick O'Neil said he opposed the idea of hunting on
town-owned land, particularly this property, because "I know people
who walk back there."
"There are very powerful bows and the arrows can travel great
distances at great force," said Selectwoman Eleanor Gagnon. If hunting
is allowed on that property, "What about Buffington Park? What about
the Elm Street conservation area? For public safety I would not be in
favor of opening this."
A call to Camara's home was not returned on Friday.
Bow and arrow hunting continues to be legal on private property.
To contact Gene Emery, phone (508) 674-8401 or e-mail
gemery@projo.com .
