This bill proposes significant changes to deer hunting regulations in Minnesota by eliminating the designated shotgun zone for taking deer. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.031, by adding a new subdivision that grants county boards the authority to adopt ordinances limiting the types of firearms and ammunition that can be used for deer hunting within their jurisdictions. These ordinances would require public notice and hearings, and would be effective for a maximum of one year, with the possibility of renewal under the same conditions.

Additionally, the bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, 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 more flexibility in hunting regulations at the county level.

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