This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.031, by adding a new subdivision that allows the use of all legal firearms for taking deer during the regular firearms deer season statewide. This change effectively eliminates the previous restrictions that limited deer hunting in designated shotgun zones to only shotguns, muzzle-loading long guns, and handguns.

Additionally, the bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.318, which outlined the shotgun use area and the specific regulations regarding firearms that could be used in that area. The repeal of this section signifies a shift towards a more inclusive approach to deer hunting regulations, allowing hunters greater flexibility in their choice of firearms across the state.

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