This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to eliminate the designated shotgun zone for deer hunting, allowing counties greater flexibility in regulating the types of firearms and ammunition that can be used for this purpose. Specifically, it adds a new subdivision to section 97B.031, which grants county boards the authority to adopt ordinances that limit the types of firearms used for deer hunting within their jurisdiction. These ordinances must follow a public notice and hearing process and are effective for a maximum of one year, with the possibility of renewal under the same conditions.

Additionally, the bill repeals section 97B.318, which previously defined the shotgun use area and the restrictions on firearms during the regular firearms season. This repeal removes the specific regulations that mandated the use of shotguns and certain types of firearms in designated areas, thereby allowing for a more localized approach to deer hunting regulations based on county decisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 97B.031, 97B.318