Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to change the regulations concerning hunting deer in Minnesota. Specifically, it seeks to remove the shotgun-only zone for deer hunting and allow counties to have more control over the types of firearms used for this activity.

Main Provisions

• County Authority: The bill allows county boards in Minnesota to pass ordinances that limit the types of firearms that can be used for hunting deer within their jurisdictions. These ordinances are subject to public notice and a hearing, and any restrictions they impose can only last for one year. If needed, new ordinances can be enacted after further public notice and hearings, again lasting up to one year.

• Repeal of Shotgun Zone: The bill repeals the current statute that mandates a specific zone within the state where only shotguns with slug ammunition, muzzleloading long guns, and handguns can be used for deer hunting. This area is commonly referred to as the "shotgun zone."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill removes the restriction that requires the use of certain types of firearms (mainly shotguns) within a specified zone in Minnesota for deer hunting.
• It gives counties the power to regulate firearm use in their area for deer hunting, allowing for more localized management compared to the previous statewide shotgun zone regulations.

Relevant Terms

• Deer hunting
• Shotgun zone
• Firearm regulation
• County ordinance
• Minnesota Statute 97B.031
• Repeal