Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to change hunting regulations in Minnesota by eliminating the shotgun-only zone for deer hunting. This change would allow hunters to use all legal firearms across the entire state during the regular deer hunting season.

Main Provisions

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to permit the use of all legal firearms for deer hunting statewide during the regular firearms deer season.
• It requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to evaluate the impact of removing the shotgun zone on deer hunting and populations by December 1, 2028. The report should include possible recommendations for further legislative or policy adjustments.

Significant Changes

• Repeals the existing law (Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.318) that currently designates a shotgun use area during the deer hunting season. Under current regulations, only shotguns, muzzleloading long guns, and handguns could be used in certain areas of the state, described with specific boundary lines.
• By repealing these restrictions, the bill allows hunters to use a wider variety of firearms, such as rifles, within what was previously restricted to shotgun use only.

Relevant Terms

• Shotgun zone
• Deer hunting
• Regular firearms season
• Natural resources commissioner
• Legal firearms
• Muzzleloading long guns
• Hunting regulations
• Minnesota hunting laws