The Ward 9 councillor said residents in the Richdale Drive area, near the regional reservoir, that borders the karst, told him two or three weeks ago they saw two men in what looked like hunting outfits, carrying cross bows walking in the long grass near residential homes.

Homeowners and Mr. Clark suspect the men were hunting for wild turkeys. Deer has also been found in the karst area.

“(The men) are very intimidating,” said Mr. Clark. “And these are very deadly firearms. One of those (ammunition from a cross bow) can go through a turkey and hit someone.”

Mr. Clark was concern that children are usually playing in the area and could easily get seriously hurt from a cross bow.

“It is extremely fortunate there hasn’t been an injury so far,” said Mr. Clark. “It’s just amazing in 100 acres, these guys can disappear.”

Prior to amalgamation Stoney Creek had a bylaw that banned the discharge of firearms, including bow and arrows and cross bows in the urban area, said Stoney Creek councillor Maria Pearson.

Under Hamilton’s bylaw the discharging of firearms are banned within the urban area.

Tim McCabe, general manager of economic development and planning, said the Ministry of Natural Resources has jurisdiction over Hamilton’s natural areas, including the karst.

But if there are firearms involved, the Hamilton Police Service does get involved, he said.

Mr. Clark said he has been frustrated that no government agency has stepped up to stop the possible hunting in the area.

“We need to do something,” he said. “Nobody is enforcing the rules of law.”

Hamilton Police Services Corporate Communicator Catherine Martin said police received a call about two men in camouflage gear in May.

But she said the incident occurred a few days earlier and police did not respond.

Tony Horvat, director of land management for the Hamilton Conservation Authority, said the organization received information about possible hunters in the karst area last week.

“This is the first time we are getting this information,” he said.

He confirmed the MNR has authority over the 180 acres. But the HCA has to find evidence of hunting before any enforcement procedures can take place.

“It takes a while to gather evidence,” he said. “We don’t have the manpower to cover the entire area. If we see evidence of hunting, such as blood, we will act.”

He said the HCA will work with the MNR. In addition, if firearms are involved, which are banned under the city’s bylaw, then the police would be called in.

A call to the area supervisor of the MNR was not returned.

Mr. Horvat said the HCA has had problems in the past with paintball shooters on their land, and have taken steps to prevent people from shooting the paint-filled pellets.

Ms. Martin said if residents see any firearms or possible hunters in the area, call the police.

“We need to know,” she said. “The discharging of firearms in an urban area is a violation of the city bylaw.”