FREELAND – Island County commissioners postponed a decision Monday night on creating a 230-yard no-shoot zone around Deer Lagoon.

The move came after a public hearing in Freeland Hall that stretched for more than two hours. It was filled with testimony from residents who live in neighborhoods near the lagoon, and outdoorsmen wanting to preserve their access to the only public waterfowl hunting area on the South End.

The commissioners unanimously approved adding another week to the public comment period on the shooting ordinance. Two commissioners – Angie Homola of North Whidbey and John Dean of Camano Island – initially supported a moratorium on hunting at Deer Lagoon.

Commissioner Helen Price Johnson said the county lacked authority for such a move, however.

County officials said keeping the comment period open would give time for an opinion from the prosecutor’s office on a such a ban.