Police are reminding citizens discharging firearms of any kind is illegal within Winkler city limits.

Last week a concerned caller reported a male on the front yard of a residence who appeared to be shooting birds from a tree.

The gun was identified as pellet gun by police, and the man was given a verbal warning for discharging it within city limits.

"This is not unique by any means," explains Winkler Police Chief Rick Hiebert. "We often get calls about kids or individuals walking to the dike and wanting to plink around with their pellet guns."

Many residents may be unaware that Bylaw 1957-08 passed in 2008 outlines, no person shall fire or discharge a firearm or 'shooting device' within the City of  Winkler.

Exceptions include a peace officer in the course of their duties; at or within a facility licensed for the purpose of using firearms.

The Bylaw doesn't just include firearms such as guns, the sale and use of firecrackers and other fireworks, use of catapults, slings, bow and arrow, soft air guns, or paint ball guns are also prohibited.

In a city environment the use of these items can be unsafe for other residents, Hiebert explains.

"Most lots are narrow in relation to firearms at least. If your lot is 65 or 75 feet wide, most kinds of these guns can fire a pellet much further than the width of that. To contain your firearm shot within your lot is almost impossible."

Persons carrying a firearm or shooting device and guilty of the offense may be liable to a fine.

Learn more about Bylaw 1957-08