Davis County commissioners are correct to support a ban on firearms being discharged on the areas east of Highway 89 up to 7,000 feet elevation. The growth of the Top of Utah county comes with population density. It is a real safety hazard to have unregulated individuals shooting live ammunition in those areas.
Some gun enthusiasts have complained about the ban, saying that only the state and municipalities have the right to enact such bans. This seems a convenient argument, given that there are already bans on fireams being discharged on the west side of Davis County. However, if that argument ultimately proves correct, then Davis County cities -- particularly Layton -- should quickly enforce a ban.
Also, established Davis County firearms clubs have no reason to be concerned about a ban on the unincorporated East Bench area. It is appropriate, as the law allows, for current, popular, safe recreational shooting and hunting sports to be grandfathered in. The point is: no one is going to lose his or her right to enjoy safe, competitive firearms training and activities. Those the law is targeting are irresponsible, non-affiliated shooters who can cause safety hazards to hikers, other recreationists and even homes and businesses.
There may come a time when firearms rights in the higher elevations of Davis County may have to be indoors. It is projected that there will be tremendous population growth over the next half century. In Davis County's higher elevations, homes are now being built at the 6,000 feet level. There may be more businesses in the future as well.
We are beginning to reach that debate of urban versus rural rights. At this point, though, it makes sense to make sure that responsible gun groups with proven safety records are the only shooting organizations in the east foothills of Davis County.
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