Shotgun zone for taking deer eliminated, and report required.
Summary
HF625 would eliminate Minnesota’s current “shotgun zone” for deer hunting during the regular firearms deer season and replace it with a statewide rule allowing all legal firearms to be used anywhere in the state. Under the bill, hunters would no longer be limited in the former shotgun-use area to shotguns loaded with single-slug shells, muzzle-loading long guns, and handguns; instead, the same firearms rules would apply statewide for the regular firearms deer season.
The bill also requires the commissioner of natural resources to submit a report by December 1, 2028, to the legislative committees overseeing environment and natural resources. That report must evaluate the effects of removing the shotgun zone on deer hunting and deer populations and may include recommendations for additional statutory or policy changes. The bill repeals the existing statute that defines the shotgun use area and the related firearms restrictions.
Impact
HF625 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 97B.031 to authorize all legal firearms statewide during the regular firearms deer season and repeal section 97B.318, which currently establishes the shotgun use area and its geographic boundaries. The practical effect would be to remove regional firearm restrictions for deer hunting, changing hunting regulations for hunters in the former shotgun zone and potentially affecting deer management, hunter access, and enforcement practices. It also creates a future reporting obligation for the Department of Natural Resources to assess biological and policy impacts.
Sentiment
The available record shows a straightforward policy proposal with no recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials. The bill caption and text suggest a reform-oriented approach favoring broader firearm choice for deer hunters, but there is no documented public debate here to indicate strong support or opposition. The inclusion of a delayed report requirement suggests an attempt to monitor outcomes and keep the legislature informed after implementation.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the removal of the shotgun zone itself, which could divide hunters, wildlife managers, and lawmakers between those favoring expanded firearm options and those concerned about safety, hunting pressure, or deer population impacts. The bill’s required report reflects anticipated concern about how statewide use of all legal firearms might affect deer hunting patterns and deer populations, and whether additional restrictions or policy adjustments may later be needed. No specific opposing or supporting stakeholders are identified in the provided materials.