By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch Hunting is now prohibited in Eatonville by a decision of the Town Councill that was less than unanimous. The no-hunting ordinance, which allows some exceptions, applies within the town's boundaries. Violators face a charge of gross misdsemeanor and punishment that can include as many as 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The ban was approved by the council, with the help of a rare vote by the mayor, after the council's Public Safety Committee it recommended it for the safety of people and the preservation of wildlife. Supporters of the ban noted that while deer and other wild animals frequent Eatonville, the town is an urban community where residents and visitors shouldn't be exposed to "the inherent dangers associated with hunting." Hunting is allowed on private property with the permission of the landowner and as long as the hunting is at least 500 feet away from homes or accesses to neighboring land. The only other hunting activity that's legal is by police or state wildlife agents in their official duties, and non-lethal trapping of animals and birds for their well-being. When the new ordinance came to a final vote by the council last month, councll members deadlocked. Abby Gribi and James Schrimpsher voted for it, while Bob Walter and Robert Thomas voted against it. Mayor Mike Schaub cast the deciding vote in the measure's favor. Mayors only vote on legislation if they're needed to break a tie. That was the case at the Jan. 11 meeting because of a vacancy on the council created by the resignation of Andy Powell the month before. Walter said he opposed the ordinance because it doesn't completely ban hunting within town limits. "It fell far short in protecting the safety of people and pets in town, let alone the almost tame deer who wander trustingly through town," Walter explained. "I voted no to prevent the risk of a person or pet being injured or killed." Walter said the ordinance also doesn't go far enough to address bow hunting, which he said could occur legally on large properties near the edge of town under the provisions of the measure. He said some citizens are worried about that type of hunting.
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