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HF4001 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Sunset on authority to use a crossbow to take deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish during archery seasons repealed.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill would allow the use of a crossbow to take certain animals during the regular archery seasons and would remove (repeal) the sunset on that authority. Specifically, it authorizes crossbow hunting for deer, bear, turkey, common carp, and native rough fish during the respective archery seasons, and sets related licensing and equipment rules. The section includes a sunset date, meaning the authorization would expire on June 30, 2026 unless extended.

Main Provisions

  • During the respective regular archery seasons, a person may take:
    • Deer
    • Bear
    • Turkey
    • Common carp
    • Native rough fish by crossbow.
  • Crossbows used for these takings must comply with transportation requirements found in section 97B.051.
  • Crossbows must meet the requirements specified in section 97B.106, subdivision 2.
  • A person taking any of these species by crossbow must hold a valid license to take the respective game.
  • This specific authorization expires on June 30, 2026.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Repeals the sunset on the authority to use a crossbow to take the listed species during archery seasons, expanding the window for crossbow use beyond any previously-set sunset.
  • Codifies crossbow hunting for deer, bear, turkey, common carp, and native rough fish during archery seasons, with existing crossbow-related rules (transportation and equipment) applying.
  • Places a clear expiration date on this authorization (June 30, 2026), creating a temporary extension unless further action is taken.

Effective Date and Sunset

  • The crossbow authorization is in effect until June 30, 2026, at which point it would expire unless extended by further legislative action.

Additional Notes

  • The bill references existing statutory sections for crossbow transportation (97B.051) and crossbow equipment requirements (97B.106, subdivision 2) and requires possession of a valid license to take the respective game.

Relevant Terms

crossbow; crossbow hunting; archery seasons; deer; bear; turkey; common carp; native rough fish; transportation requirements; 97B.051; equipment requirements; 97B.106; license; Minnesota Statutes; expiration; 97B.037; sunset; repeal; regular archery seasons

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 05, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Crossbow hunting authority for the listed species during regular archery seasons.",
        "Repeals the sunset on crossbow authority (i.e., crossbow use allowed without sunset).",
        "Implements expiration date for this authorization: June 30, 2026."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement section 97B.037 to authorize crossbow use for taking deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish during regular archery seasons and to apply crossbow-specific requirements; includes an expiration date of June 30, 2026.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97B.037",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Crossbow hunting authority for deer, bear, turkey, common carp, and native rough fish during archery seasons (via not-withstanding reference)."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill provides that, notwithstanding 97B.035 subdivisions 1 and 2, a person may take certain species by crossbow during the respective regular archery seasons.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97B.035",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 1 and 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Crossbow transportation requirements apply to crossbows during archery seasons."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill makes the transportation requirements of section 97B.051 apply to crossbows during the regular archery seasons for the listed species.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97B.051",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Crossbows must comply with 97B.106, subd. 2."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill requires crossbows to meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes 97B.106, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97B.106",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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