reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.551 — Possessing And Transporting Fish.

97A.551 POSSESSING AND TRANSPORTING FISH.
Subdivision 1.
[Repealed, 1987 c 149 art 1 s 54]
Subd. 2.
Fish transported through state.
A person may not transport game fish taken in another state or country through the state during the closed season or in excess of the possession limit unless the fish are:
(1) transported by common carrier; or
(2) tagged, sealed, or marked as prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 3.
Shipping fish.
A person that has a license to take fish may make three shipments of fish in a license year to any person within or out of the state after obtaining a permit for each shipment from the commissioner. A shipment may not contain more than a possession limit of one species of fish per licensee.
Subd. 4.
Walleye; northern pike.
Walleye and northern pike may be possessed, transported, or shipped in a dressed or undressed condition.
Subd. 5.
Preparing and packing fish for transporting.
The commissioner may adopt rules for the preparation and packing of fish for transportation.
Subd. 6.
Tagging and registration.
The commissioner may, by rule, require persons taking, possessing, and transporting certain species of fish to tag the fish with a special fish management tag and may require registration of tagged fish. A person may not possess or transport a fish species taken in the state for which a special fish-management tag is required unless a tag is attached to the fish in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner shall prescribe the manner of issuance and the type of tag as authorized under section 97C.087. The tag must be attached to the fish as prescribed by the commissioner immediately upon reducing the fish to possession and must remain attached to the fish until the fish is processed or consumed. Species for which a special fish management tag is required must be transported undressed, except as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 81; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 39; 1993 c 185 s 1; 1993 c 231 s 37; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 104; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 34
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.56 — Feral Swine.

97A.56 FERAL SWINE.
Subdivision 1.
Definition.
For purposes of this section, "feral swine" means a member of the genus and species
Sus scrofa
that lives in the wild.
Subd. 2.
Prohibited actions; penalty.
(a) A person may not possess or release feral swine or swine that were feral during any part of the swine's lifetime or allow feral swine to run at large.
(b) A person may not hunt or trap feral swine, except as authorized by the commissioner for feral swine control or eradication. It is not a violation of this section if a person shoots a feral swine and reports the taking to the commissioner within 24 hours. All swine taken in this manner must be surrendered to the commissioner.
(c) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 3.
Authorized removal of feral swine.
A person authorized under game and fish laws to take feral swine is not liable to the owner for the value of the animals.
History:
1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 18
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.002 — Civil Trespass.

97B.002 CIVIL TRESPASS.
Subdivision 1.
Authority to issue.
Conservation officers, sheriffs, and deputies may issue citations to a person who trespasses in violation of section 84.90 or 97B.001 or removes a sign posted to prevent trespass without permission of the owner of the property.
Subd. 2.
Penalty amount.
The citation must impose the following penalty amounts:
(1) $50 for the first violation;
(2) $200 for the second violation in a three-year period;
(3) for a third or subsequent violation in a three-year period, the penalty shall be $500 and loss of every license or registration being used; and
(4) $50 for removal of a sign posted pursuant to this section.
Subd. 3.
Appeals.
Citations may be appealed under the procedures in section 116.072, subdivision 6, if the person requests a hearing by notifying the commissioner in writing within 15 days after receipt of the citation. If a hearing is not requested within the 15-day period, the citation becomes a final order not subject to further review.
Subd. 4.
Enforcing field citations.
Field citations may be enforced under section 116.072, subdivisions 9 and 10.
Subd. 5.
Cumulative remedy.
The authority to issue field citations is in addition to other remedies available under statutory or common law, except that the state may not seek penalties under any other provision of law for the incident subject to the citation.
Subd. 6.
Paying penalty.
Penalty amounts shall be remitted within 30 days of issuance of the penalty citation to the issuer.
Subd. 7.
Allocating penalty amounts.
Penalty amounts are deposited to the county or the commissioner for deposit in the game and fish fund depending upon who issues the citation.
History:
1996 c 301 s 8; 2000 c 466 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.005 — Training Dogs.

97B.005 TRAINING DOGS.
Subdivision 1.
Field training.
A person may not train hunting dogs afield on public lands administered by the commissioner from April 16 to July 14 except as specifically authorized by permit or rule.
Subd. 2.
Restriction on ammunition while training.
A person training a dog afield and carrying a firearm may only have blank cartridges and shells in personal possession when the season is not open for any game bird, except as provided in subdivision 3.
Subd. 3.
Permits to use game birds and live ammunition.
(a) The commissioner may issue special permits, without a fee, to use firearms and live ammunition on domesticated birds or banded game birds from game farms.
(b) Permits for holding field trials may be issued to organizations. The permit shall specify the dates and locations of the field trial. The commissioner may limit the number of dates approved for any organization.
(c) Permits for training hunting dogs may be issued to an individual.
(d) Domesticated birds, other than pigeons, and game farm birds used for trials or training under this section must be clearly marked with dye or a streamer attached to a leg in a manner that makes them visually identifiable prior to being taken.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2005 c 146 s 52]
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 2; 1993 c 269 s 9,10; 2005 c 146 s 21,22; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 105
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.011 — Dogs Pursuing Big Game.

97B.011 DOGS PURSUING BIG GAME.
(a) A person who observes a dog wounding, killing, or pursuing in a manner that endangers big game may kill the dog:
(1) at any time, if the person is a peace officer or conservation officer; or
(2) between January 1 and July 14, if the person is not a peace officer or conservation officer and the discharge of firearms is allowed.
The officer or person is not liable for damages for killing the dog.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a dog used in compliance with section 97B.207.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 3; 1994 c 575 s 1; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 54
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.020 — Firearms Safety Certificate Required.

97B.020 FIREARMS SAFETY CERTIFICATE REQUIRED.
(a) Except as provided in this section and section 97A.451, subdivisions 3 and 3b, a person born after December 31, 1979, may not obtain an annual license to take wild animals by firearms unless the person has:
(1) a firearms safety certificate or equivalent certificate;
(2) a driver's license or identification card with a valid firearms safety qualification indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 13;
(3) a previous hunting license with a valid firearms safety qualification indicator;
(4) an apprentice-hunter validation issued under section 97B.022; or
(5) other evidence indicating that the person has completed in this state or in another state a hunter safety course recognized by the department under a reciprocity agreement or certified by the department as substantially similar.
(b) A person who is on active duty and has successfully completed basic training in the United States armed forces, reserve component, or National Guard may obtain a hunting license or approval authorizing hunting regardless of whether the person is issued a firearms safety certificate.
(c) A person born after December 31, 1979, may not use a lifetime license to take wild animals by firearms, unless the person meets the requirements for obtaining an annual license under paragraph (a) or (b).
History:
1991 c 63 s 1; 1999 c 231 s 125; 2000 c 341 s 9; 2002 c 323 s 6; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 14; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 107; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 34; 2012 c 277 art 2 s 29,38
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.021 — Possession Of Firearms By Persons Under Age 16.

97B.021 POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY PERSONS UNDER AGE 16.
Subdivision 1.
Restrictions.
(a) Except as provided in this subdivision, a person under the age of 16 may not possess a firearm, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
(b) A person under age 16 may possess a firearm without being accompanied by a parent or guardian:
(1) on land owned by, or occupied as the principal residence of, the person or the person's parent or guardian;
(2) while participating in an organized target shooting program with adult supervision;
(3) while the person is participating in a firearms safety program or traveling to and from class; or
(4) if the person is age 14 or 15 and has a firearms safety certificate.
Subd. 1a.
Parent or guardian duties.
A parent or guardian may not knowingly direct, allow, or permit a person under the age of 16 to possess a firearm in violation of this section.
Subd. 2.
Seizing unlawfully possessed firearms.
A law enforcement officer shall seize a firearm used in violation of this section. The officer must tag the seized firearm with the name and address of the person from whom it was taken and give the person a receipt. The firearm shall be placed in the custody of the conservation officer in charge of the area where the seizure was made.
Subd. 3.
Return or forfeiture of seized firearms.
A firearm seized under this section must be returned to the person from whom it was seized when the person presents a firearms safety certificate to the conservation officer. The person must present the certificate within 90 days after the beginning of the first firearms training course in the county after the firearm was seized. If the person does not present a certificate, the firearm is contraband and forfeited to the state, and shall be disposed of as prescribed by the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 5; 1996 c 410 s 38; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 35
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.0215 — Parent Or Guardian Responsibility; Violation.

97B.0215 PARENT OR GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY; VIOLATION.
A parent or guardian of a minor may not knowingly direct, allow, or permit the minor to hunt without the required license, permit, training, or certification, or in violation of the game and fish laws.
History:
1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 37; 2013 c 121 s 42
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.022 — Apprentice-hunter Validation.

97B.022 APPRENTICE-HUNTER VALIDATION.
Subdivision 1.
Definition.
For the purpose of this section, "accompanied" means to stay within a distance of another person that permits uninterrupted visual contact and unaided verbal communication.
Subd. 2.
Requirements.
(a) A resident or nonresident born after December 31, 1979, who is age 12 or over and who does not possess a hunter education firearms safety certificate may be issued an apprentice-hunter validation. An apprentice-hunter validation may be purchased two license years in a lifetime and used to obtain hunting licenses during the same license year that the validation is purchased.
(b) An individual in possession of an apprentice-hunter validation may hunt small game, deer, and bear only when accompanied by an adult who has a valid license to hunt the same species of game in Minnesota and whose license was not obtained using an apprentice-hunter validation.
(c) When an individual in possession of an apprentice-hunter validation is hunting turkey or prairie chicken under paragraph (b), the accompanying adult may be licensed for another permit area or time period but must be licensed for the same season as the apprentice hunter. If the accompanying adult is not licensed for the same permit area or time period as the apprentice hunter, the accompanying adult may not shoot or possess a firearm or bow while accompanying the apprentice hunter under this paragraph.
(d) An apprentice-hunter-validation holder must obtain all required licenses and stamps.
Subd. 3.
Apprentice-hunter validation; fee.
The fee for an apprentice-hunter validation is $3.50. Fees collected must be deposited in the firearms safety training account, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, and issuing fees collected under section 97A.485, subdivision 6, and are appropriated annually to the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources for administering the firearm safety course program.
History:
2007 c 131 art 1 s 35; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 38; 2013 c 121 s 43; 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 63
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.025 — Hunter And Trapper Education.

97B.025 HUNTER AND TRAPPER EDUCATION.
(a) The commissioner may establish education courses for hunters. The commissioner shall collect a fee from each person attending a course. A fee, to include a $1 issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be collected for issuing a duplicate certificate. The commissioner shall establish the fees in a manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including overhead costs, involved in providing the services. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply. The commissioner may establish the fees notwithstanding section 16A.1283. The fees, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents under this subdivision, shall be deposited in the game and fish fund and the amount thereof, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, is appropriated annually to the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources for the administration of the program. In addition to the fee established by the commissioner for each course, instructors may charge each person up to the established fee amount for class materials and expenses. School districts may cooperate with the commissioner and volunteer instructors to provide space for the classroom portion of the training.
(b) The commissioner shall enter into an agreement with a statewide nonprofit trappers association to conduct a trapper education program. At a minimum, the program must include at least six hours of classroom, electronic, or correspondence instruction and in the field training. The program must include a review of state trapping laws and regulations, trapping ethics, the setting and tending of traps and snares, tagging and registration requirements, and the preparation of pelts. The association shall issue a certificate to persons who complete the program. The association shall be responsible for all costs of conducting the education program, and shall not charge any fee for attending the course.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 6; 1996 c 305 art 3 s 9; 1999 c 250 art 3 s 8; 2000 c 495 s 38; 2002 c 351 s 14; 2004 c 221 s 42; 2005 c 146 s 26; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 108
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.026 — Trapper Education Certificate; Requirement.

97B.026 TRAPPER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE; REQUIREMENT.
A person born after December 31, 1989, and who has not been issued a trapping license in a previous license year, may not obtain a trapping license unless the person has been issued a trapper education certificate under section 97B.025, paragraph (b).
History:
2005 c 146 s 27
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.031 — Use And Possession Of Firearms.

97B.031 USE AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS.
Subdivision 1.
Permissible firearms and ammunition; big game and wolves.
A person may take big game and wolves with a firearm only if:
(1) any rifle, shotgun, or handgun used is a caliber of at least .22 inches and has centerfire ignition;
(2) the firearm is loaded only with single projectile ammunition;
(3) a projectile used is a caliber of at least .22 inches and has a soft point or is an expanding bullet type;
(4) any muzzleloader used has the projectile loaded only at the muzzle;
(5) any smooth-bore muzzleloader used is a caliber of at least .45 inches; and
(6) any rifled muzzleloader used is a caliber of at least .40 inches.
Subd. 2.
Handguns for small game.
A person may take small game with a handgun of any caliber in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, except that wolves may only be taken by hunting with the calibers specified in subdivision 1.
Subd. 3.
Firearms larger than ten gauge prohibited.
A person may not use a firearm with a bore larger than a ten gauge to take a protected wild animal.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2015 c 65 art 3 s 38]
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 2017 c 93 art 2 s 166]
Subd. 6.
Scopes.
A person may use a muzzleloader with a scope to take deer during the muzzleloader season. The scope may have magnification capabilities.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 7; 1989 c 153 s 1; 1989 c 287 s 7; 2000 c 473 s 7; 2002 c 351 s 15; 2004 c 215 s 19; 2005 c 102 s 1; 2005 c 146 s 28,29; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 36; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 39; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 39; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 50,51; 2014 c 290 s 38; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 19,20; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 93; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 55
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.035 — Restrictions On Archery Equipment.

97B.035 RESTRICTIONS ON ARCHERY EQUIPMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Hunting with bows released by mechanical devices.
(a) A person may not hunt with a bow drawn, held, or released by a mechanical device, except with a disabled hunter permit issued under section 97B.106 or as provided in paragraph (b).
(b) A person may use a mechanical device attached to the bowstring if the person's own strength draws, holds, and releases the bowstring.
Subd. 1a.
Minimum draw weight.
A bow used to take big game, turkey, or wolves must have a pull that meets or exceeds 30 pounds at or before full draw.
Subd. 2.
Possession of crossbows.
A person may not possess a crossbow in a motor vehicle during the open season for any game, unless the crossbow is not armed with a bolt or arrow.
Subd. 3.
Poisoned and explosive arrows.
A person may not hunt with an arrow that is poisoned or has an explosive tip.
Subd. 4.
Authority of commissioner.
The commissioner may not impose restrictions on the possession, transportation, or use of archery equipment except as specifically authorized by law.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 8; 1987 c 170 s 1; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 28; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 37; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 40; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 38; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 52
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.036 — Crossbow Hunting During Firearms Season.

97B.036 CROSSBOW HUNTING DURING FIREARMS SEASON.
Notwithstanding section 97B.035, subdivisions 1 and 2, a person may take deer, bear, or turkey by crossbow during the respective firearms seasons. The transportation requirements of section 97B.051 apply to crossbows during the firearms deer, bear, or turkey season. Crossbows must meet the requirements of section 97B.106, subdivision 2. A person taking deer, bear, or turkey by crossbow under this section must have a valid license to take the respective game by firearm. This section does not allow the use of a crossbow by licensed muzzleloader hunters during the muzzleloader firearms deer season under section 97B.311.
History:
2007 c 131 art 1 s 38; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 41; 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 64
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.037 — Crossbow Hunting.

97B.037 CROSSBOW HUNTING.
(a) Notwithstanding section 97B.035, subdivisions 1 and 2, a person may take deer, bear, turkey, or rough fish by crossbow during the respective regular archery seasons. The transportation requirements of section 97B.051 apply to crossbows during the regular archery deer, bear, turkey, or rough fish season. Crossbows must meet the requirements of section 97B.106, subdivision 2. A person taking deer, bear, turkey, or rough fish by crossbow under this section must have a valid license to take the respective game.
(b) This section expires June 30, 2025.
History:
2014 c 290 s 39; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 56
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.041 — Possession Of Firearms And Ammunition Restricted In Deer Zones.

97B.041 POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION RESTRICTED IN DEER ZONES.
(a) A person may not possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors during the period beginning the fifth day before the open firearms season and ending the second day after the close of the season within an area where deer may be taken by a firearm, except:
(1) during the open season and in an area where big game may be taken, a firearm and ammunition authorized for taking big game in that area may be used to take big game in that area if the person has a valid big-game license in possession;
(2) an unloaded firearm that is in a case or in a closed trunk of a motor vehicle;
(3) a shotgun and shells containing No. 4 buckshot or smaller diameter lead shot or steel shot;
(4) a handgun or rifle capable of firing only rimfire cartridges of .17 and .22 caliber, including .22 magnum caliber cartridges;
(5) handguns possessed by a person authorized to carry a handgun under sections 624.714 and 624.715 for the purpose authorized; and
(6) on a target range operated under a permit from the commissioner.
(b) This section does not apply during an open firearms season in an area where deer may be taken only by muzzleloader, except that muzzle-loading firearms lawful for the taking of deer may be possessed only by persons with a valid license to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season. While muzzleloader hunting, a person with a valid license to take deer by muzzleloader may not possess a firearm other than:
(1) a muzzleloader that is legal for taking deer under section 97B.031, subdivision 1; and
(2) a firearm as described in paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (5).
(c) A first violation of paragraph (a) is punishable by a warning.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 9; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 43; 1993 c 269 s 11; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 29; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 42; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 40; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 21
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.045 — Transporting Firearms.

97B.045 TRANSPORTING FIREARMS.
Subdivision 1.
Restrictions.
A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is:
(1) unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, and without any portion of the firearm exposed;
(2) unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or
(3) a handgun carried in compliance with sections 624.714 and 624.715.
Subd. 2.
Exception; disabled persons.
The restrictions in subdivision 1 do not apply to a disabled person if:
(1) the person possesses a permit under section 97B.055, subdivision 3; and
(2) the firearm is not loaded in the chamber until the vehicle is stationary, or is a hinge action firearm with the action open until the vehicle is stationary.
Subd. 3.
Exceptions; hunting and shooting ranges.
(a) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary under this chapter, a person may transport an unloaded, uncased firearm, excluding a pistol as defined in paragraph (b), in a motor vehicle while at a shooting range, as defined under section 87A.01, subdivision 3, where the person has received permission from the lawful owner or possessor to discharge firearms; lawfully hunting on private or public land; or traveling to or from a site the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day, unless:
(1) within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey County;
(2) within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more;
(3) on school grounds; or
(4) otherwise restricted under section 97A.091, 97B.081, or 97B.086.
(b) For the purposes of this section, a "pistol" includes a weapon designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and with an overall length less than 26 inches, or having a barrel or barrels of a length less than 18 inches in the case of a shotgun or having a barrel of a length less than 16 inches in the case of a rifle:
(1) from which may be fired or ejected one or more solid projectiles by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances; or
(2) for which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, air or other gas, or vapor.
Pistol does not include a device firing or ejecting a shot measuring .18 of an inch, or less, in diameter and commonly known as a "BB gun," a scuba gun, a stud gun or nail gun used in the construction industry, or children's pop guns or toys.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 10; 1993 c 269 s 12; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 39,40; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 41
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.051 — Transporting Archery Bows.

97B.051 TRANSPORTING ARCHERY BOWS.
Except as specified under section 97B.055, subdivision 2, a person may not transport an archery bow in a motor vehicle unless the bow is not armed with a bolt or arrow.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 11; 2000 c 428 s 1; 2000 c 473 s 8; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 41
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.063 — Hunter Satisfaction Survey.

97B.063 HUNTER SATISFACTION SURVEY.
The commissioner shall annually administer the collection of hunter information related to participation and satisfaction. This may include information on preferences, values, interests, participation rates and patterns, barriers to participation, or other factors. The data shall be collected using established social science methods. The commissioner shall annually submit a summary of the information gathered under this section to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources no later than January 1 for the preceding fiscal year. The commissioner shall also make the summary information available on the department's website.
History:
2012 c 277 art 1 s 53; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 22
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.071 — Clothing And Ground Blind Requirements; Blaze Orange Or Blaze Pink.

97B.071 CLOTHING AND GROUND BLIND REQUIREMENTS; BLAZE ORANGE OR BLAZE PINK.
(a) Except as provided in rules adopted under paragraph (d), a person may not hunt or trap during the open season where deer may be taken by firearms under applicable laws and ordinances, unless the visible portion of the person's cap and outer clothing above the waist, excluding sleeves and gloves, is blaze orange or blaze pink. Blaze orange or blaze pink includes a camouflage pattern of at least 50 percent blaze orange or blaze pink within each foot square. This section does not apply to migratory-waterfowl hunters on waters of this state or in a stationary shooting location or to trappers on waters of this state.
(b) Except as provided in rules adopted under paragraph (d), and in addition to the requirement in paragraph (a), a person may not take small game other than turkey, migratory birds, raccoons, and predators, except while trapping, unless a visible portion of at least one article of the person's clothing above the waist is blaze orange or blaze pink. This paragraph does not apply to a person when in a stationary location while hunting deer by archery or when hunting small game by falconry.
(c) A person in a fabric or synthetic ground blind on public land must have:
(1) a blaze orange safety covering on the top of the blind that is visible for 360 degrees around the blind; or
(2) at least 144 square inches of blaze orange material on each side of the blind.
(d) The commissioner may, by rule, prescribe an alternative color in cases where paragraph (a) or (b) would violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, Public Law 103-141.
(e) A violation of paragraph (b) does not result in a penalty, but is punishable only by a safety warning.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 15; 1993 c 196 s 1; 1993 c 269 s 13; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 30; 1994 c 632 art 2 s 26; 1996 c 410 s 39; 2000 c 473 s 9; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 43; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 54; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 94; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 57
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.075 — Hunting Restricted Between Evening And Morning.

97B.075 HUNTING RESTRICTED BETWEEN EVENING AND MORNING.
(a) A person may not take protected wild animals, except raccoon and fox, with a firearm between the evening and morning times established by commissioner's rule, except as provided in this section.
(b) Big game and wolves may be taken from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
(c) Except as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner on or before the Saturday nearest October 8, waterfowl may be taken from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset during the entire season prescribed by the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 16; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 31; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 29; 1997 c 226 s 29; 2004 c 215 s 20; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 39; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 43; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 55
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.085 — Using Radios To Take Animals.

97B.085 USING RADIOS TO TAKE ANIMALS.
Subdivision 1.
Taking big and small game.
A person may not use radio equipment to take big game or small game.
Subd. 2.
Taking unprotected wild animals.
A person may use radio equipment to take unprotected wild animals.
Subd. 3.
Communication excepted.
This section does not prohibit the use of:
(1) radio communication between a handler and a dog;
(2) a remote-controlled animal noise caller for taking crows, fur-bearing animals, and unprotected animals; or
(3) a remote-controlled motorized decoy used for taking migratory waterfowl under section 97B.811, subdivision 4a, or for taking mourning doves.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 18; 1991 c 166 s 1; 1992 c 479 s 1; 2007 c 131 art 1 s 40; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 56; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 24
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.086 — Possessing Night Vision Or Thermal Imaging Equipment.

97B.086 POSSESSING NIGHT VISION OR THERMAL IMAGING EQUIPMENT.
(a) A person may not possess night vision or thermal imaging equipment while taking wild animals or while having in possession, either individually or as one of a group of persons, a firearm, bow, or other implement that could be used to take wild animals.
(b) This section does not apply to a firearm that is:
(1) unloaded;
(2) in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm that fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened without any portion of the firearm exposed; and
(3) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.
(c) This section does not apply to a bow that is:
(1) completely encased or unstrung; and
(2) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.
(d) If the motor vehicle under paragraph (b) or (c) does not have a trunk, the firearm or bow must be placed in the rearmost location of the vehicle.
(e) This section does not apply to night vision, night vision enhanced with an infrared illuminator, or thermal imaging equipment possessed by:
(1) peace officers or military personnel while exercising their duties; or
(2) a person taking coyote or fox as provided under section 97B.075 and rules adopted under section 97B.605, but the equipment must not be possessed during the regular firearms deer season.
History:
2007 c 131 art 1 s 41; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 44; 2014 c 290 s 41; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 57; 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 66
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.091 — Using Motor Vehicles To Chase Wild Animals Prohibited.

97B.091 USING MOTOR VEHICLES TO CHASE WILD ANIMALS PROHIBITED.
A person may not use a motor vehicle to intentionally drive, chase, run over, kill, or take a wild animal.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 19
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.095 — Disturbing And Taking From Burrows And Dens.

97B.095 DISTURBING AND TAKING FROM BURROWS AND DENS.
Subdivision 1.
Disturbing burrows or dens.
A person may not disturb the burrow or den of a wild animal between November 1 and April 1 without a permit.
Subd. 2.
Fox dens.
A person may not remove a fox from a den or trap fox within 300 feet of a fox den from April 1 to August 31.
Subd. 3.
Raccoon dens.
A person may not take a raccoon in a den or hollow tree.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 20; 2014 c 290 s 42
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.099 — Prohibited Hunting Methods.

97B.099 PROHIBITED HUNTING METHODS.
Subdivision 1.
Open fire or smoke.
A person may not take a protected wild animal with the aid of an open fire or smoke.
Subd. 2.
Cutting trees.
A person may not take a protected wild animal by cutting down a tree occupied by a protected wild animal.
History:
2014 c 290 s 43
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.1055 — Hunting By Persons With A Permanent Physical Or Developmental Disability.

97B.1055 HUNTING BY PERSONS WITH A PERMANENT PHYSICAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY.
Subdivision 1.
Definitions.
For purposes of this section and section 97B.015, subdivision 6:
(1) "developmental disability" means a diagnosis of having substantial limitations in present functioning, manifested as significantly subaverage intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with demonstrated deficits in adaptive behavior, when these conditions manifest before the person's 22nd birthday; and
(2) "permanent physical disability" means a physical disability that prevents a person from being able to navigate natural terrain or hold a firearm for a required field component for the firearms safety training program under section 97B.020.
Subd. 2.
Obtaining license.
(a) Notwithstanding section 97B.020, a person with a permanent physical disability or developmental disability may obtain a firearms hunting license with a provisional firearms safety certificate issued under section 97B.015, subdivision 6.
(b) Any person accompanying or assisting a person with a permanent physical disability or developmental disability under this section must possess a valid firearms safety certificate issued by the commissioner.
Subd. 3.
Assistance required.
A person who obtains a firearms hunting license under subdivision 2 must be accompanied and assisted by a parent, guardian, or other adult person designated by a parent or guardian when hunting. A person who is not hunting but is solely accompanying and assisting a person with a permanent physical disability or developmental disability need not obtain a hunting license.
Subd. 4.
Prohibited activities.
(a) This section does not entitle a person to possess a firearm if the person is otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law or a court order.
(b) No person shall knowingly authorize or permit a person who by reason of a permanent physical disability or developmental disability is incapable of safely possessing a firearm to possess a firearm to hunt in the state or on any boundary water of the state.
History:
2000 c 473 s 10; 2005 c 56 s 1; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 58
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.106 — Crossbow Permits For Hunting And Fishing.

97B.106 CROSSBOW PERMITS FOR HUNTING AND FISHING.
Subdivision 1.
Eligibility.
(a) The commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to take big game, small game, or rough fish with a crossbow to a person that is unable to hunt or take rough fish by archery because of a permanent or temporary physical disability. A crossbow permit issued under this section also allows the permittee to use a bow with a mechanical device that draws, releases, or holds the bow at full draw as provided in section 97B.035, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).
(b) To qualify for a crossbow permit under this section, a temporary disability must render the person unable to hunt or fish by archery for a minimum of two years after application for the permit is made. The permanent or temporary disability must be established by medical evidence, and the inability to hunt or fish by archery for the required period of time must be verified in writing by (1) a licensed physician, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed physician assistant; or (2) a licensed chiropractor. A person who has received a special permit under this section because of a permanent disability is eligible for subsequent special permits without providing medical evidence and verification of the disability.
(c) The person must obtain the appropriate license.
Subd. 2.
Equipment requirements.
(a) A crossbow used for hunting under the provisions of this section must:
(1) be fired from the shoulder;
(2) deliver at least 42 foot-pounds of energy at a distance of ten feet;
(3) have a working safety; and
(4) be used with arrows or bolts at least ten inches long.
(b) An arrow or bolt used to take big game or turkey under the provisions of this section must meet the legal arrowhead requirements in section 97B.211, subdivision 2.
(c) An arrow or bolt used to take rough fish with a crossbow under the provisions of this section must be tethered or controlled by an attached line.
History:
1988 c 588 s 6; 1991 c 241 s 8; 1993 c 69 s 1; 2000 c 428 s 3; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 44; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 44; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 59; 2022 c 58 s 22
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.111 — Special Firearm Hunting Seasons For Physically Disabled.

97B.111 SPECIAL FIREARM HUNTING SEASONS FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED.
Subdivision 1.
Establishment; requirements.
(a) The commissioner may establish criteria, special seasons, and limits for persons who have a physical disability to take big game and small game with firearms and by archery in designated areas. A person hunting under this section who has a physical disability must:
(1) have:
(i) a verified statement of the disability by a licensed physician; or
(ii) a driver's license or Minnesota identification card bearing the applicable designation under section 171.07, subdivision 17; and
(2) be participating in a program for physically disabled hunters sponsored by a nonprofit organization that is permitted under subdivision 2.
(b) Notwithstanding section 97B.055, subdivision 3, the commissioner may authorize hunt participants to shoot from a stationary motor vehicle. A license is not required for a person to assist a person with a physical disability who is hunting during a special season under this section.
Subd. 2.
Permit for organization; laser sights.
(a) The commissioner may issue a special permit without a fee to a nonprofit organization to provide an assisted hunting opportunity to physically disabled hunters. The assisted hunting opportunity may take place:
(1) in areas designated by the commissioner under subdivision 1; or
(2) on private property or a licensed shooting preserve.
(b) The sponsoring organization shall provide a physically capable person to assist each disabled hunter with safety-related aspects of hunting and, notwithstanding section 97B.081, a person with a physical disability who is totally blind may use laser sights.
(c) The commissioner may impose reasonable permit conditions.
History:
1991 c 72 s 1; 1993 c 269 s 14; 2005 c 146 s 30; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 45; 2014 c 290 s 44
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.1115 — Using Mechanical Or Electronic Assistance To Hold And Discharge Firearms Or Bows; Person With Physical Disability.

97B.1115 USING MECHANICAL OR ELECTRONIC ASSISTANCE TO HOLD AND DISCHARGE FIREARMS OR BOWS; PERSON WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITY.
(a) Notwithstanding sections 97B.035, subdivision 1, 97B.321, and 97B.701, subdivision 2, the commissioner may issue a special permit to take big game and small game, without a fee, to a person with a physical disability who has a verified statement of the disability from a licensed physician, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed physician assistant to use a swivel or otherwise mounted firearm or bow or any electronic or mechanical device to discharge a firearm or bow as long as the participant is physically present at the site.
(b) A person using mechanical or electronic assistance under this section may be assisted by another person. The person assisting may take a wounded animal shot by the person using mechanical or electronic assistance under this section if the person with the disability is physically incapable of doing so. The person assisting must be licensed to take the animal.
History:
2012 c 277 art 1 s 57; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 60; 2022 c 58 s 23
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.112 — Special Hunts.

97B.112 SPECIAL HUNTS.
The commissioner may by rule establish criteria, special seasons, and limits for youth and adult hunters to take big game and small game by firearms or archery in designated areas or times as part of the agency's overall effort in hunter recruitment and retention. The criteria may also include provisions for an unlicensed adult to assist a hunter during a special season or special hunt established under this section.
History:
1997 c 226 s 30; 2013 c 121 s 45
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.115 — Computer-assisted Remote Hunting Prohibited.

97B.115 COMPUTER-ASSISTED REMOTE HUNTING PROHIBITED.
(a) No person shall operate, provide, sell, use or offer to operate, provide, sell or use any computer software or service that allows a person, not physically present at the site, to remotely control a weapon that could be used to take any wild animal by remote operation, including, but not limited to, weapons or devices set up to fire through the use of the Internet or through a remote control device.
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
History:
2005 c 146 s 31
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.201 — No Open Season For Caribou Or Antelope.

97B.201 NO OPEN SEASON FOR CARIBOU OR ANTELOPE.
There may not be an open season on caribou or antelope.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 23; 1987 c 373 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.205 — Using Dogs And Horses To Take Big Game Prohibited.

97B.205 USING DOGS AND HORSES TO TAKE BIG GAME PROHIBITED.
A person may not use a dog or horse to take big game, except as provided under section 97B.207.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 24; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 61
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.207 — Using Dogs To Locate Wounded Deer Or Bear.

97B.207 USING DOGS TO LOCATE WOUNDED DEER OR BEAR.
Subdivision 1.
Using dogs allowed.
A person may use a dog to locate and retrieve a wounded deer or bear only as provided in this section.
Subd. 2.
Requirements for hunters and handlers.
(a) A person attempting to locate and retrieve a wounded deer or bear using a dog must have a valid license to take the deer or bear and have the license in possession. If the person is a dog handler that does not have a valid hunting license, the person must be accompanied by a licensed hunter with the license in possession.
(b) The licensed hunter, and any accompanying dog handler, must be on foot and must wear blaze orange or blaze pink as provided in section 97B.071, paragraph (a).
(c) Any light used must be a handheld artificial light, as defined under section 97B.081, subdivision 3, paragraph (f).
Subd. 3.
Requirements for dogs.
(a) A dog used to locate a wounded deer or bear must be accompanied by a licensed hunter and any dog handler until the wounded deer or bear is located. The dog must be leashed and the licensed hunter or dog handler must be in physical control of the leash at all times. The leash must not exceed 30 feet in length.
(b) The dog owner's information, including the owner's name and telephone number, must be on the dog while the dog is used to locate a wounded deer or bear under this section.
(c) The licensed hunter and any accompanying dog handler are jointly and severally responsible for a dog under this section. A violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor under section 97A.301, subdivision 1, and section 97A.421 applies.
Subd. 4.
Additional requirements.
(a) The trespass provisions in section 97B.001 apply to activities under this section, including all requirements to gain permission to enter private or public property.
(b) Activities under this section may occur during legal shooting hours or outside legal shooting hours of the open season for the location and species. Any activity occurring under this section outside the open season for the location and species must be reported to the local conservation officer before locating or retrieving the wounded deer or bear.
History:
1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 62
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.211 — Hunting Big Game By Archery.

97B.211 HUNTING BIG GAME BY ARCHERY.
Subdivision 1.
Possession of firearms prohibited.
(a) A person may not take deer by archery while in possession of a firearm.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a person carrying a handgun in compliance with section 624.714.
Subd. 2.
Arrowhead requirements.
Arrowheads used for taking big game must be sharp, have a minimum of two metal cutting edges, be of a barbless broadhead design, and must have a diameter of at least seven-eighths inch. The commissioner may allow retractable broadhead arrowheads that meet the other requirements of this subdivision.
History:
1986 c 386 art 2 s 25; 1987 c 183 s 1; 1993 c 269 s 15; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 32; 1997 c 226 s 31; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 45; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 45
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97B — Hunting › Section 97B.22 — Collecting Antler Sheds.

97B.22 COLLECTING ANTLER SHEDS.
(a) A person may take and possess naturally shed antlers without a license.
(b) A person may not place, arrange, or set equipment in a manner that is likely to artificially pull, sever, or otherwise cause antlers of live deer, moose, elk, or caribou to be shed or removed.
History:
2006 c 281 art 2 s 37