Trouble with the neighbors..again

He may be 'responsible' about it--but that's a moot point. It's ILLEGAL. You've already researched that.
Options would include:
1. talking to him (probably not a good option for you since you've had prior issues and are on non-speaking terms)
2. Sending a letter to the neighborhood safety committee - really what is this going to do except single this man out for nasty treatment and snide remarks
3. Call the police.

In my opinion, this activity is illegal, unsafe and needs to be reported to the proper authorities. Then let them handle it.

I would put on my big girl panties and do the adult thing. Go to your neighbor, tell him you know it is against the law but you don't want to stir up trouble you just want to make sure the kids are safe. He will stop.

What you are considering doing is using a stupid law that isn't so stupid in its intent. In other words the punishment for it is ridiculous! Just so that you don't have to be an adult and just tell your neighbor that what he is doing is dangerous. That just isn't right.

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Yes, you hate to make it worse. But he is breaking the law. It sounds from his response to the kids as if he is unaware that he's breaking the law -- he would have been more surly with them or tried to deny the arrow was his, if he were aware he's lawbreaking. I would write to that safety committee -- but you also must get thte town government and police involved; however, you can do it angry and boiling or you can do it like a calm homeowner who follows the rules. The latter will get you a lot more help.

I would call the police's community liason officer. Most departments have one. Explain the situation: This is city property, you already checked with the city and it's illegal to shoot on that property, the city says you have to see him shooting in order to call the cops. Is that right? What do the cops say? Ask them if they are williing to send the community officer to his house to say "We can see the targets sitting back there and we know you accepted an arrow from kids and said it was yours; it's illegal; in the interest of safety, the targets must go." I would think the cops would be willing to do this even if he is not spotted in the act of shooting -- especially if the targets are sitting right there in sight. They may only be able to "advise" him to stop shooting in his yard and not order it but he should get the message. Emphasize to the cops that you are trying to be a good citizen and prevent a kid from being hurt or killed, rather than just waiting and watching to catch him shooting an arrow --when it may be too late.

If the town plans to put in trails, the town government must consider this property -- what? An offically designated town park? If not, you and your neighbors need to work with the city to get the property legally and formally designated a park with clear signs and boundaries and notices to all neighbors that it is a park and what is and isn't allowed. This isn't just about the one person and the arrows, it's about the whole neighborhood then.

If it was me I would first try talking nicely to him, I mean this is a safety issue for all the children who use those woods. IF you can not do that, than send the letter, or get the police involved.

I would go with your gut.

Maybe he doesn't know he he is breaking the law, but so what. Prevent the unthinkable before it happens. Don't feel bad about making waves, doesn't sound like a good neighbor if he's dumb enough to shoot arrows in an arrow where kids play....maybe you can do it anonymously?

I would absolutely report it.

When we first moved here, I was 13, and my parents neighborhood was still mostly vacant lots; there weren't many houses. We used to shoot bow and arrows in our yard; there were no other people around, and it backed up to the 'dent'; a long piece of high land with the railroad on the other side of that and a fence.

One day, contractors came out and told us it was illegal to shoot bows`and arrows... no problem, now that people were around, we weren't going to risk hitting somebody.

We did, however, forget to bring in the target, and one worker called the cops on us. We weren't still actively shooting, and the cop was super cool, just let us know we couldn't and asked us to remove the target.

My point is, it's illegal, and leave the legal stuff to the proper authorities if you're uncomfortable with discussing this with your neighbor. Have the boys tell the police exactly what happened. Better safe than sorry!

Good luck, and what a bummer they can't play back there right now, sounds really neat!!

I would call the non-emergency police number and let them know that you are concerned for the safety of the neighborhood that this man is shooting arrows. What would happen if you did nothing and he hits a kid? You wouldn't be able to live with yourself. The woods are for the enjoyment of everyone! Call!

I would take it as far as I needed to, including calling the police. Your neighbors do not need to know that it was you who called on them. I think it is good that you have a safety committee for your neighborhood too, then everyone knows of the danger, and can keep an eye out so you can get the police called when he starts practicing again.

I would let my kids play out there but tell me right away if he was out there shooting then call the cops

the law is the law, I would contact the police department and find out the proper procedures to go about. maybe they will just send him a letter in the mail warning him. I would also send the letter to the safety committee as well!

I agree with Cate. He may not know, so l would advise him, then if he doesn't care to comply call the police. You certainly don't want to wait for something bad to happen. It is very irresponsible on his part to be doing that with children in the neighborhood!