SF965

Purpose

Explain how the bill changes when and where deer can be hunted in Minnesota, and who can set those rules.

Key Provisions

• The commissioner (the state wildlife agency leader) can by rule:
  • set restrictions and designate areas where deer may be taken;
  • establish hunter selection criteria for special hunts (as allowed under another law section 97A.401(4)).
• Open seasons for deer are defined by weapon type:
  • Firearms other than muzzleloading firearms: hunting is allowed between November 1 and December 15.
  • Muzzleloading firearms: hunting is allowed between September 1 and December 31.
  • Archery: hunting is allowed between September 1 and December 31.
• The commissioner may create special seasons within designated areas at any time during the year.

Changes to Existing Law

• Updates Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.311 (Deer Seasons and Restrictions), expanding who can set seasons (the commissioner) and clarifying the date ranges for different hunting methods.
• Explicitly links to hunter selection criteria for special hunts under the related section 97A.401(4).

Potential Impacts

• Increases flexibility for wildlife managers to adjust deer hunting timing and locations through rules.
• Could allow more targeted or frequent special hunts within certain areas, including outside the standard season windows.
• Hunters may experience changes in when and where they can hunt with different weapons, and in which areas special hunts may occur.

How It Could Affect People

• Hunters: may have new opportunities or restrictions based on rules set by the commissioner.
• Landowners and designated areas: may see more or different hunting activity inside their properties.
• Wildlife managers: gain broader authority to tailor seasons and hunts to population management goals.

Implementation Considerations

• Rules will be developed by the commissioner and could alter hunting opportunities, subject to statute and designation of areas.
• Special hunts require hunter selection criteria under the referenced 97A.401(4) process.

Relevant Terms - deer seasons and restrictions - commissioner - rule - open seasons - firearms other than muzzleloading firearms - muzzleloading firearms - archery - designated areas - special seasons - hunter selection criteria - special hunts - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.311 - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.401 subdivision 4