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SF965 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Deer firearms season dates modification

Related bill: HF621

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

Explain how the bill changes when and where deer can be hunted in Minnesota, and who can set those rules.

Key Provisions

  • The commissioner (the state wildlife agency leader) can by rule:
    • set restrictions and designate areas where deer may be taken;
    • establish hunter selection criteria for special hunts (as allowed under another law section 97A.401(4)).
  • Open seasons for deer are defined by weapon type:
    • Firearms other than muzzleloading firearms: hunting is allowed between November 1 and December 15.
    • Muzzleloading firearms: hunting is allowed between September 1 and December 31.
    • Archery: hunting is allowed between September 1 and December 31.
  • The commissioner may create special seasons within designated areas at any time during the year.

Changes to Existing Law

  • Updates Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.311 (Deer Seasons and Restrictions), expanding who can set seasons (the commissioner) and clarifying the date ranges for different hunting methods.
  • Explicitly links to hunter selection criteria for special hunts under the related section 97A.401(4).

Potential Impacts

  • Increases flexibility for wildlife managers to adjust deer hunting timing and locations through rules.
  • Could allow more targeted or frequent special hunts within certain areas, including outside the standard season windows.
  • Hunters may experience changes in when and where they can hunt with different weapons, and in which areas special hunts may occur.

How It Could Affect People

  • Hunters: may have new opportunities or restrictions based on rules set by the commissioner.
  • Landowners and designated areas: may see more or different hunting activity inside their properties.
  • Wildlife managers: gain broader authority to tailor seasons and hunts to population management goals.

Implementation Considerations

  • Rules will be developed by the commissioner and could alter hunting opportunities, subject to statute and designation of areas.
  • Special hunts require hunter selection criteria under the referenced 97A.401(4) process.

Relevant Terms - deer seasons and restrictions - commissioner - rule - open seasons - firearms other than muzzleloading firearms - muzzleloading firearms - archery - designated areas - special seasons - hunter selection criteria - special hunts - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.311 - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.401 subdivision 4

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 03, 2025SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
February 03, 2025SenateActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill header indicates an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.311.1.4; the enacted text excerpt then discusses amending section 97B.311 to address deer seasons and restrictions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97B.311.1.4",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds authority for the commissioner to by rule prescribe restrictions and designate areas where deer may be taken, including hunter selection criteria for special hunts established under section 97A.401 subdivision 4."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.311 is amended to read DEER SEASONS AND RESTRICTIONS, altering how the deer seasons are structured and reviewed.",
      "modified": [
        "Opens the possibility for the commissioner to set deer seasons by rule across several categories: non-muzzleloading firearms (between November 1 and December 15), muzzleloading firearms (between September 1 and December 31), and archery (between September 1 and December 31).",
        "Adds a provision that, notwithstanding paragraph a, the commissioner may establish special seasons within designated areas at any time of year."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.311",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of hunter selection criteria for special hunts established under 97A.401 subdivision 4."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References to special hunts established under Minnesota Statutes 97A.401 subdivision 4; the bill integrates hunter selection criteria related to these hunts into the rulemaking framework for deer seasons.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97A.401",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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