Bill > HF818

This bill modifies existing Minnesota hunting regulations by allowing youth to accumulate preference points for bear hunting permits before they are old enough to actually hunt bears. Specifically, the bill amends section 97B.405 of Minnesota Statutes to enable the commissioner of natural resources to award preference points to young people who are currently too young to obtain a bear hunting license. These accumulated points will give them an advantage in future bear hunting permit drawings once they become eligible to hunt. The existing law already allows the commissioner to limit bear hunting in certain areas and establish a method for selecting hunters, with preference given to those who have previously applied but not been selected. The new provision means that young hunters can build up their chances of obtaining a permit over time, even before they reach the minimum age for bear hunting. This change could help encourage youth participation in hunting and provide a more equitable system for permit allocation by allowing younger individuals to start building their preference status early.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0818&ssn=0&y=2025