HF1531

Purpose

• The bill would change Minnesota’s game and fish laws to allow crossbows to be used for taking certain animals during the regular archery seasons. It focuses on deer, bear, turkey, and also mentions common carp and native rough fish. It also sets conditions about how crossbows must be used and what licenses are required, and places a time limit on the new allowance.

Main Provisions

• Crossbow allowance during archery seasons:
  • Notwithstanding current rules (referenced as 97B.035, subdivisions 1 and 2), a person may take the following with a crossbow during the respective regular archery seasons: deer, bear, turkey, common carp, and native rough fish.
• Equipment and safety requirements:
  • Crossbows used under this provision must meet the requirements found in Minnesota Statutes section 97B.106, subdivision 2.
  • Transportation rules for crossbows from section 97B.051 apply during these archery seasons.
• Licensing:
  • A person taking any of the listed species with a crossbow under this provision must have a valid license for taking that specific game.
• Time limit:
  • This section includes an expiration date of June 30, 2025, meaning the allowance would end on that date unless further action is taken.

Significant Changes

• Expands crossbow use to take deer, bear, and turkey with crossbows during regular archery seasons, and also specifies crossbow use for certain fish (common carp and native rough fish).
• Requires crossbows to comply with existing equipment and transportation requirements and requires the appropriate licenses for the targeted species.
• Introduces a built-in expiration date for this allowance (June 30, 2025), creating a temporary change unless extended by future legislation. Note: the bill’s title suggests removing expiration, but the current text specifies an expiration date.

Practical Implications

• More opportunities for hunters who use crossbows to participate in archery-season hunting for the listed species.
• Administrative details (licensing and equipment) remain aligned with existing licensing and safety standards.
• The temporary nature of the provision means the change may be reviewed again after 2025.

Relevant Terms crossbow hunting and fishing; crossbows; archery seasons; deer; bear; turkey; common carp; native rough fish; transportation requirements; license; Minnesota Statutes 97B.037; 97B.035; 97B.051; 97B.106; expiration; June 30, 2025.