Purpose

• The bill links elk hunting seasons to moose hunting seasons. It requires that in any year with an open elk hunting season, there must also be an open moose hunting season. It amends Minnesota statutes to implement this connection.

Main provisions

• The commissioner may, by rule, set:
  • the open season for elk,
  • the geographic areas where elk may be hunted,
  • and the conditions for taking elk.
• This elk open season can be established only when the precalving elk population exceeds 20 animals.
• The bill prohibits opening an elk season in any year if the commissioner has not also opened a moose season under the existing moose law (section 97B505). In other words, elk seasons cannot exist unless moose seasons are open in the same year.

How this changes current law

• Establishes a mandatory link between elk seasons and moose seasons. Previously, elk seasons could be set under the commissioner’s rule by population and other conditions; now, they can exist only in years when a moose season is also open.
• Maintains the population threshold (precalving population exceeding 20) as a condition to allow elk seasons.

Implementation considerations

• The commissioner uses rulemaking to define open seasons, hunting areas, and any other conditions for elk hunting.
• This creates a regulatory check that may affect when elk seasons can occur, depending on the status of the moose season in the same year.

Effects and implications

• Hunters may face fewer elk hunting opportunities in years when there is no moose season.
• Wildlife management decisions for elk are tied to moose management decisions, potentially affecting season timing, locations, and harvest limits.

Relevant Terms - open season - elk - moose - precalving population - areas and conditions for the taking of elk - commissioner - rule - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - section 97B515 subdivision 2 - section 97B505