§ 20-31. Use of firearms, air rifles, spring guns, slingshots, and other such devices.

(a)

Prohibited acts; exceptions. It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot or discharge within the town limits any gun, pistol, air rifle, spring gun or pistol, compressed air rifle or pistol, slingshot, grit shooter, bow and arrow or other similar device which impels with force a shot or pellet of any kind, provided that this section shall not apply to:

(1)

Law enforcement officers while engaged in the lawful discharge of their duties;

(2)

Any person while exercising a legal right to defend his person or property;

(3)

Any person engaged in shooting such device at an approved firing range; and

(4)

Any person engaged in a legal hunt on undeveloped property greater than ten acres in size located on the mainland of Oak Island.

(b)

Permits. The town manager may issue permits between November 1 and December 31 of each year to a nonprofit organization for "turkey shoot" type benefits. Activities conducted under this permit will be under the surveillance and control of the public safety department to ensure that they are not dangerous or prejudicial to the public health.

(c)

Seizure. The chief of police or any police officer may seize and hold, subject to court order, any gun or other device discharged in violation of this section.

(d)

Penalty for violation. Upon the violation of any provision of this section, the offender shall be punished in accordance with section 1-7 of this Code.

(Ord. of 11-14-2000(3), § 1; Amend. of 8-11-2009)

State law reference

Authority to regulate firearms, G.S. 160A-189; authority to regulate pellet guns, G.S. 160A-190.