September brings the beginning of bird hunting season in western Connecticut, but one popular spot in Norwalk will be off-limits this year.

State leaders announced a temporary hunting ban at Calf Pasture Beach Friday. At least for this hunting season, hunters will be asked to stay at least 250 feet off-shore.

The ban stems from the area being a popular spot for families.

"People walk along the water's edge over here. They get frightened when they hear the noise, they feel it's unsafe," says Mayor Harry Rilling.

The ban was approved back in May without public input, but state officials waited until Friday to announce it -- one week ahead of hunting season.

"It really is a public safety issue, and I hope the public feels safe to come down and enjoy our beaches," says state Rep. Lucy Dathan.

The temporary bans runs through next May. The ban could be hard to enforce because out on the water, only state wildlife police have jurisdiction.

An earlier effort to turn Calf Pasture into a wildlife sanctuary failed after hunters fought against it.

"People there who hunt there shoot toward Long Island Sound, so for folks who say it's a danger to the public, I'd challenge them," says Dave Lersch, a hunter.

But others who come for the beach disagree.

"I don't think the guns have a place at the beach," says Karl Caman, of Norwalk. "As a little kid, I didn't see guns on the beach. Now that I'm grown, I wouldn't like the next generation to see guns on the beach either."