SF4941
Motorized waterfowl boats use authorization in wildlife management areas under certain conditions
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: HF4691
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
To allow certain hunters to use motorized waterfowl boats in wildlife management areas during the waterfowl hunting season, specifically for individuals aged 65 and over, and to seek alignment with federal rules for related areas.
Main Provisions
- Adds a new subdivision (Subd. 3a) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.133 permitting motorized waterfowl boats within wildlife management areas (WMAs) during the waterfowl hunting season.
- Eligibility and conditions:
- The boat user must be aged 65 or older.
- The user must comply with section 97B.805 (which generally covers required regulations for waterfowl hunting and boat use).
- The WMAs affected are those located south of U.S. Highway 10, from the state’s west boundary to its east boundary.
- Federal coordination:
- The commissioner of natural resources must notify the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of the ability to use motorized waterfowl boats in WMAs under this new subdivision and request that federal regulations for waterfowl production areas be modified to allow similar use of motorized waterfowl boats.
Geographic Scope
- Applies only to WMAs located south of U.S. Highway 10 and spanning from the west boundary of Minnesota to the east boundary, i.e., the southern portion of the state along this highway.
Compliance and How It Works
- Users must meet all existing requirements in 97B.805 (such as safety, licensing, or other hunting rules) to use a motorized waterfowl boat in these WMAs.
- The authorization is limited to the waterfowl hunting season and to the defined geographic area.
Changes to Law and Administration
- Creates a new Subd. 3a in 97A.133 to formalize the permission for motorized waterfowl boats in WMAs for eligible seniors.
- Introduces a process to engage with federal authorities to potentially adjust federal rules for related federal lands (waterfowl production areas) to permit the same use of motorized waterfowl boats.
Practical Implications
- Expands hunting opportunities for older hunters (65+) in designated southern WMAs.
- Requires ongoing coordination with federal agencies to harmonize state and federal regulations for waterfowl production areas.
Relevant Terms motorized waterfowl boat; wildlife management area (WMA); waterfowl hunting season; age 65 and over; Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.133; subdivision 3a; 97B.805; U.S. Highway 10; south of U.S. Highway 10; west boundary of the state; east boundary of the state; United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); waterfowl production areas; commissioner of natural resources; federal regulations; compliance.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 07, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| April 07, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subdivision 3a: Motorized waterfowl boats within wildlife management areas."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds Minnesota Statutes 97A.133, Subd. 3a, to authorize the use of motorized waterfowl boats in wildlife management areas during the waterfowl hunting season for persons age 65 and over, located south of U.S. Highway 10, in compliance with section 97B.805.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97A.133",
"subdivision": "Subd.3a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Referenced for compliance in relation to the new motorized waterfowl boat provision; no modification to 97B.805 is indicated.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97B.805",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee