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HF2391 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Annual open season for wolves required.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish an annual open season for wolf hunting in Minnesota, contingent on the wolf's status under the federal Endangered Species Act. This aims to manage the wolf population more effectively and address conflicts between wolves and human activities, such as agriculture.

Main Provisions

  • Annual Open Season Requirement: The bill mandates the Minnesota commissioner to set an annual open season for hunting wolves. This will only take effect once wolves are no longer listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.
  • Consultation Requirement: The commissioner is required to consult with the Minnesota commissioner of agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This consultation will help determine the specifics of the open season, such as restrictions and regulations.
  • Public Input: Before setting the open season, the commissioner must provide opportunities for public comment, ensuring that the public can participate in the decision-making process.
  • Data Review: Consultations should review existing data on wolves, particularly instances of wolves preying on livestock or creating other conflicts with human activities.

Significant Changes

  • This bill amends the current Minnesota Statute by requiring, rather than permitting, the establishment of an annual open season for wolves, once their federal endangered status is changed.
  • It introduces the requirement for specific consultations and data reviews to inform the season's regulations, which was not explicitly required before.

Relevant Terms

  • Open season
  • Hunting restrictions
  • Endangered Species Act
  • Wolf depredation
  • Wildlife management
  • Public comment
  • Agriculture consultation

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A mandate for the commissioner to annually consult with agriculture and USDA Animal and Plant Health before setting restrictions."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendment to section 97B.645 requires the commissioner to establish an annual open season for wolves.",
      "modified": [
        "Existing provision altering the condition for prescribing an open season from a delisted status to an annually prescribed season."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.645"
  }
]

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