HF4001

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