Bill > SF689

This bill amends Minnesota's existing game and fish regulations to allow young hunters to accumulate preference points for bear hunting before they are old enough to actually hunt bears. Specifically, the bill modifies section 97B.405 of Minnesota Statutes to enable the commissioner of natural resources to award preference points to individuals who are currently too young to obtain a bear hunting license. These accumulated points will help these young hunters have a better chance of being selected for bear hunting permits when they become old enough to hunt. The existing law already allows the commissioner to limit the number of bear hunters in an area and establish a selection method, with preference given to hunters who have previously applied and not been selected. The new provision will help young hunters build up their chances of obtaining a permit by allowing them to start accumulating preference points early, which could potentially improve their future hunting opportunities. This change aims to create a more equitable and youth-friendly approach to bear hunting permit allocation in Minnesota.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0689&ssn=0&y=2025