Purpose of the Bill

This bill is intended to change hunting regulations in Minnesota by eliminating restrictions on firearm types that can be used for deer hunting in specific areas of the state.

Main Provisions

• Expanded Firearm Use: During the regular firearms deer season, hunters across Minnesota will be permitted to use any legal firearm for hunting. This includes shotguns, rifles, handguns, and muzzleloaders statewide without restriction to specific zones.

• Repeal of Shotgun Zone: The bill repeals the existing law that designates certain areas of the state as "shotgun-only" zones for deer hunting. Previously, hunters in these zones could only use shotguns with single-slug shells, certain muzzleloading long guns, and legal handguns. This restriction will be removed.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Currently, Minnesota law restricts the use of rifles in certain areas designated as shotgun zones during the deer hunting season. This bill removes those restrictions, allowing hunters the flexibility to use any legal firearm throughout the state during the regular season.

• The repeal of Minnesota Statutes section 97B.318 effectively removes the shotgun use area boundaries, therefore simplifying and streamlining the regulations for hunters.

Relevant Terms

firearms deer season, shotgun zone, hunting regulations, legal firearms, rifle use, muzzleloader, deer hunting.