After taking hours of public comment, the vast majority in opposition to the proposal, the Board of Commissioners unanimously rejected a proposal that would have made it illegal to shoot a gun for recreational purposes after 6 p.m.

Commissioner Earl McKee said he did not like the proposal because he thought it would effectively eliminate recreational shooting in Orange County.

“I have no sympathy for someone who recklessly or in the middle of the night exercises their right to fire off 100 or 1,000 rounds,” he said. “There needs to be something there to control that type of action, but this thing in front of us tonight does not do that.”

The proposal would have made 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the only legally allowed time for recreational firearm use.

The ordinance would also prevent people from engaging in “target shooting activities” more than twice a month.

“The ordinance appears to be written for a commercial shooting range,” one resident said. “Not for a resident who wants to do a little recreational target shooting in their backyard.”

The ordinance also would have regulated where on a person’s property they can shoot.

Residents would be required to build a backstop 15 feet in height and 30 feet in depth and place warning signs around their property at 100 foot intervals.

“This may not be your way of life,” another resident said. “But it is for many of us. This is normal for us. We do it safely and reasonably.”

In an email sent to McKee, sheriff Charles Blackwood said the backstop regulations were excessive, asked to extend the permitted time to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and said the signage would be a significant financial burden to residents.

Blackwood urged the board and the citizens to find a middle ground.

“All too often we have folks way over  here and then we have folks way over here,” he said. “I don’t know any time in history that anything has gotten solved from either of those places. We’ve got to come together.”

The board will continue to examine the issue and see if there is an ordinance that would make sense to implement.

As part of that process they unanimously approved the creation of the Orange County Firearm Safety Committee, which will be comprised of commissioners, residents and other prominent members of the community.

McKee said those interested in serving on the committee can find more information on the county website, when more details are available.

Related Stories
‹
Board Of Commissioners Create Firearms Safety Committee
After unanimously striking down a proposed gun regulation in February, the Orange County Board of Commissioners created a Firearms Safety Committee to discuss the possibility of future regulations. Commissioner Barry Jacobs said in their meeting Tuesday night, the creation of the committee does not necessarily mean that any new regulations will be passed. “We hear enough about […]
As Chapel Hill Library Weighs Options Amid Possible Funding Cut, Supporters Speak Up to County
After receiving more than $620,000 annually from the Orange County government, the Chapel Hill Public Library may soon lose that funding.
Orange County Government, Local School Districts Try to Do 'More With Less' Amid State Funding Uncertainty
Orange County's school districts will likely not get the full extent of their proposed budgets for the upcoming school year.
Orange County Recommends Tax Increases for FY27 Budget; Chatham County Could Keep Rate Flat
Both Orange County and Chatham County revealed their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year this week. Here are the highlights.
Orange County: Details of the Budget Presentation and Tough Decisions to Make — (May 6, 2026)
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton speaks with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, May 6.
Orange County Schools Board of Education Reviews Budget Requests for the Upcoming Academic Year
The Orange County Board of Education recently presented its preferred budget for the upcoming school year.
Orange County Commissioners Explore Options for Expanding Affordable Housing in Mebane
Orange County’s recently met with Mebane to discuss ways to plan for the future of the city and how to accommodate its growing population.
'Recreation for Folks from Orange County:' Commissioners Further Plans for Millhouse Road Site
Orange County is continuing to make progress on its plans for a recreational playing field facility north of Chapel Hill.
Following Recount, Bronson's 25-Vote Lead Holds Over McKee in Orange County District 2 Commissioner Race
UPDATE: Following Wednesday’s recount, the margin between Beth Bronson and Earl McKee remained 25 votes and the Orange County Board of Elections ratified the District 2 Democratic primary results on Friday. Bronson shared a statement about officially winning the race, saying she holds “a lot of respect” for McKee and the sitting commissioner has offered […]
In Carrboro and Orange County, A Push Back Against Pollution
The Carrboro Town Council and Orange County Commissioners both passed resolutions this week to tackle climate change.
›