1882 Ga. Laws 131, An Act to Prevent the Discharge of Fire-arms on the Public Highways of this State and within Fifty Yards of the Same; to make such an act a Misdemeanor, and Prescribe a Punishment Therefor, § 1.

. . . it shall be unlawful for any person between dark and daylight willfully and wantonly to fire off or discharge any loaded gun or pistol on any of the public highways in this State, and within fifty yards of any such public highway, except in defense of person or property or on his own premises.