Bill > SF2525

This bill eliminates the existing "shotgun zone" restriction for deer hunting in Minnesota, which previously limited certain firearms in a specific geographic area during regular firearms deer season. Specifically, the bill adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes that allows all legal firearms to be used statewide during the regular firearms deer season, and it repeals section 97B.318, which previously defined a specific "shotgun use area" covering a large portion of central and northern Minnesota. The repealed section had restricted hunters in that zone to using only shotguns with slug shells, muzzle-loading long guns, and legal handguns, while defining precise boundary lines for this restricted area. By removing these restrictions, the bill effectively standardizes firearm use for deer hunting across the entire state, giving hunters more flexibility in their choice of hunting weapon during the regular firearms deer season.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2525&ssn=0&y=2025