To the Editor:

I’m writing this letter to address the issue of Haywood County residents being allowed to discharge their firearms at will with absolutely no regard for their neighbors close by.  

I am a lifelong gun owner and pro gun rights, except for the AK-47 rifle and similar weapons frequently used in mass shootings. I was raised in a hunting family and did so myself to put food in the freezer. I have lived in Haywood and now Jackson County for over 20 years.

But here in our very populated community of Balsam, I have never experienced the level and sheer volume of firearms going off in such close proximity to my home. And I am not the only one that suffers from this extreme disruption of the peace, as many of my neighbors do as well and are like me — senior, retired and pet owners. Most of us have to walk our dogs around here, and it’s becoming increasingly risky to do so, much less trying to enjoy sitting on the deck and visit in the afternoon.  

One neighbor right behind me shoots some weapon that literally sounds like a cannon going off. This past rainy Saturday when it finally stopped, I badly needed to take my little guy out for a break so he could do his business and as soon as we stepped outside all hell broke loose just below me on Chad Crawford Road. At first I thought it was kids with firecrackers, but then it ramped up into a rapid fire rifle and was extremely loud! My poor dog was again instantly traumatized and the shooting went on for approximately one hour.  

I recorded some of this episode and even called the sheriff’s department to complain about the noise, and the call-taker could hear it too. Of course nothing happened, and I didn’t expect a deputy to rapidly appear, as I was once a 911 dispatcher.  But I did finally have to put my dog in the car and drive him away from home so he could get relief. It takes hours for him to calm down.

My argument is that there is no reason for this to be allowed in a residential neighborhood, county or not. It’s also dangerous, as we have nothing but trees and rocks everywhere. Also,t o the guilty neighbors who are responsible for this almost daily ordeal — show some consideration and respect for your neighbors. It’s just rude and poor judgment. There’s more to being a responsible gun owner than just knowing how to fire it! Go somewhere far away or to a gun range! It would extremely well-appreciated by your neighbors and all the nervous pets.

Mylan Sessions
Balsam