9.12.040 Exceptions.

Notwithstanding any of the prohibitions against shooting contained in this chapter:

(1)    A firearm may be fired in lawful self-defense or defense of others.

(2)    Any firearm may be fired by a person who is slaughtering livestock in the regular conduct of an agricultural activity for which the slaughtering of livestock is required; PROVIDED, that the firearm is fired in a reasonably safe manner and at a reasonably safe distance or direction from all recreational areas, parks and places of habitation.

(3)    Arrows may be shot at targets which are impenetrable, or which are backstopped by an impenetrable material or substance, anywhere within the unincorporated areas of Clark County; PROVIDED, that a living animal shall never be considered a target and PROVIDED FURTHER, that this subsection shall not apply to commercial shooting ranges.

(4)    Any firearm or bow and arrow may be shot at targets at any shooting range licensed for such weapons pursuant to Section 9.12.050.

(5)    Any “BB” air rifle or pistol, any air pellet rifle or pistol, any .22 caliber rifle or pistol, or any handgun with practice-loaded ammunition of either wax, plastic or lead may be shot at targets by the owner, or by his guests while he is present, at his residence within any enclosed structure if the wall at which bullets are shot either is itself incapable of penetration or is backed up by some object or substance which is incapable of penetration and if the target practice is done in a reasonably safe manner; PROVIDED, that this subsection shall not apply to commercial shooting ranges.

(6)    A firearm of one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet per second or less of muzzle velocity may be fired anywhere within the unincorporated areas of Clark County to protect crops or other property from marauding or scavenging animal predators or pests if done in a reasonably safe manner and at a reasonably safe distance or direction from all occupied recreational areas, parks, or places of habitation; PROVIDED, that this subsection shall apply to shooting of domestic animals only if such animals present an immediate threat of injury or death to livestock or other domestic animal and PROVIDED FURTHER, that, except in emergency situations, deer, elk and protected wildlife shall not be killed without a permit from the State Department of Wildlife issued pursuant to RCW 77.12.265.

(7)    Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to shooting wildlife pursuant to an agreement with the State Department of Wildlife entered into pursuant to RCW 77.12.140.

(8)    Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to shooting by law enforcement, National Guard or United States Military personnel while engaged in official functions. (Ord. 1974-10-15; amended by Sec. 5 of Ord. 1989-04-25)