The RM of Weyburn has countered a proposal for a limited hunting ban north of the city of Weyburn with a proposal for a mile-wide ban around the entire city.

At its regular monthly meeting Jan. 7, councillors discussed the idea presented by local conservation officers to ban the use of high-powered rifles on the west and east corners of the north end of the city.

The law now bans the use of high powered rifles within one-half mile of the city but that is not sufficient, say several councillors.

Conservation officer Lindsey Leko told the RM a wider ban might end the harvesting of deer in the city, creating a larger problem with the deer population. In his letter to the municipality, he said a larger deer population soon would be in the cattle feed, eating trees, and "taking up residence" in Weyburn if they are not harvested regularly.

RM councillors acknowledged the need for harvesting and also want the ban on high-powered rifles around the whole city. Some councillors would prefer the Saskatchewan Environment department designate a wildlife management zone around the city. Failing that, the ban on the use of high powered rifles would still leave hunting open for those with shotguns, muzzle loaders and bow hunters, with the possibility of special hunts for deer.

Sidloski said the ban would be most effective if local provincial conservation officers were given the authority to enforce it. .