firefighterSTFD22
Regular Member
imported post
I was hunting at the Shiawassee Basin Preserve on Eaton Rd. in Davisburg, MI a few weeks ago; this is land that is owned and governed by Springfield Township, MI. The “Park Rules and Regulations” sign that is posted near the parking area lists a rule stating “Possession of weapons by any nature other than hunting is prohibited”. It also provides a Township Ordinance number in reference to this.
I sent a letter to the Springfield Township Parks and Recreation department asking :
[align=center]“Does this prohibit someone who is a Michigan Concealed Pistol License holder from carrying (for reasons other than hunting) a pistol, either concealed or openly carried, within the laws of the State of Michigan? Is this ordinance stating that a person may only carry a pistol on that property during an open hunting season as recognized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources?”[/b][/align]
I received a reply from the Director of Parks and recreation stating that she had forwarded my question to the Oakland County Sherriff’s Department Sergeant that oversees Springfield Township. A few days later I receive a telephone call from the Sergeant regarding this matter. He states that this ordinance is NOT enforceable and a person can Open Carry or Concealed Carry (if licensed) on this property. He did state, and I paraphrase, ‘the only issue that may arise is if you were carrying a “hunting type “pistol and were dressed in full camouflage and it was NOT an open hunting season you could be questioned as it appears you may be poaching.’ The one thing that he did say and that I disagree with, is that even though the ordinance is not enforceable, the Township does not have to change the sign. I did not argue this point with him as I did not have enough info to back my argument.
So, is this true or not? It was my understanding that a Township could not have any laws, ordinances, etc. that supersede the laws of the state. Does that mean the Township must change the sign? Do they have to remove the ordinance from the books?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
THANK YOU!
I was hunting at the Shiawassee Basin Preserve on Eaton Rd. in Davisburg, MI a few weeks ago; this is land that is owned and governed by Springfield Township, MI. The “Park Rules and Regulations” sign that is posted near the parking area lists a rule stating “Possession of weapons by any nature other than hunting is prohibited”. It also provides a Township Ordinance number in reference to this.
I sent a letter to the Springfield Township Parks and Recreation department asking :
[align=center]“Does this prohibit someone who is a Michigan Concealed Pistol License holder from carrying (for reasons other than hunting) a pistol, either concealed or openly carried, within the laws of the State of Michigan? Is this ordinance stating that a person may only carry a pistol on that property during an open hunting season as recognized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources?”[/b][/align]
I received a reply from the Director of Parks and recreation stating that she had forwarded my question to the Oakland County Sherriff’s Department Sergeant that oversees Springfield Township. A few days later I receive a telephone call from the Sergeant regarding this matter. He states that this ordinance is NOT enforceable and a person can Open Carry or Concealed Carry (if licensed) on this property. He did state, and I paraphrase, ‘the only issue that may arise is if you were carrying a “hunting type “pistol and were dressed in full camouflage and it was NOT an open hunting season you could be questioned as it appears you may be poaching.’ The one thing that he did say and that I disagree with, is that even though the ordinance is not enforceable, the Township does not have to change the sign. I did not argue this point with him as I did not have enough info to back my argument.
So, is this true or not? It was my understanding that a Township could not have any laws, ordinances, etc. that supersede the laws of the state. Does that mean the Township must change the sign? Do they have to remove the ordinance from the books?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
THANK YOU!