AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to adjust how deer hunting seasons are set in Minnesota by giving the wildlife commissioner broader authority to create rules about when and where deer can be taken, including criteria for special hunts. It also outlines the specific time windows for deer hunting by different methods and allows special seasons to occur year-round in designated areas.
Main provisions
- Rulemaking authority for restrictions and designated deer-taking areas
- The commissioner may by rule prescribe restrictions and designate areas where deer may be taken.
- This includes establishing hunter selection criteria for special hunts described under another statute (section 97A.401 subdivision 4).
- Open seasons by hunting method
- Firearms (excluding muzzleloading firearms): open from the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November through December 15.
- Muzzleloading firearms: open from September 1 through December 31.
- Archery: open from September 1 through December 31.
- Special seasons in designated areas
- Even if a general rule exists, the commissioner may establish special seasons within designated areas at any time of year.
Significant changes to existing law
- Expands the commissioner’s rulemaking powers to set or modify open seasons and designate deer-taking areas, rather than being limited to fixed statutory seasons.
- Introduces flexibility to create year-round special seasons in specific, designated areas, potentially altering when and how deer can be hunted in those zones.
- Explicitly ties hunter selection criteria for special hunts to provisions in related statutes (97A.401 subdivision 4).
Terminology (key terms included from the bill)
- commissioner, rule, restrictions, designate areas, deer may be taken, hunter selection criteria, special hunts, designated areas, open seasons
- firearms (excluding muzzleloading), muzzleloading firearms, archery
- September 1, first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, December 15, September 1 to December 31
- special seasons, Minnesota Statutes, 97B.311, 97A.401 subdivision 4
Practical implications
- Hunting season dates and areas could be more flexible and tailored to wildlife management goals.
- Designated areas could offer targeted or additional hunting opportunities outside the standard season framework.
- Hunters and wildlife managers may need to follow new rules or criteria established by the commissioner to participate in special hunts.
Relevant Terms commissioner; rule; restrictions; designate areas; deer may be taken; hunter selection criteria; special hunts; designated areas; open seasons; firearms; muzzleloading firearms; archery; September 1; first Tuesday after the first Monday in November; December 15; September 1 to December 31; special seasons; Minnesota Statutes; 97B.311; 97A.401 subdivision 4
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 13, 2025 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.311 (Deer Seasons and Restrictions) to modify open seasons for deer.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97B.311",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill references Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.311.1.4 concerning current provisions for deer seasons and dates.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97B.311.1.4",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill references Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.401 subdivision 4, which pertains to hunter selection criteria for special hunts.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97A.401",
"subdivision": "4"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee