reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.095 — Waterfowl Protected Areas.

97A.095 WATERFOWL PROTECTED AREAS.
Subdivision 1.
Migratory-waterfowl sanctuary.
The commissioner may designate by rule any part of a state game refuge or any part of a public water that is designated for management purposes under section 97A.101, subdivision 2, as a migratory-waterfowl sanctuary. The commissioner must consider an area for designation upon presentation of a petition signed by at least ten residents demonstrating that the area is primarily a migratory-waterfowl refuge. The commissioner shall post the area as a migratory-waterfowl sanctuary. A person may not enter a posted migratory-waterfowl sanctuary during the open migratory-waterfowl season or during other times prescribed by the commissioner unless accompanied by or under a permit issued by a conservation officer or wildlife manager. Upon a request from a private landowner within a migratory-waterfowl sanctuary, an annual permit must be issued to provide access to the property during the waterfowl season. The permit shall include conditions that allow no activity which would disturb waterfowl using the refuge during the waterfowl season.
Subd. 2.
Waterfowl feeding and resting areas.
The commissioner may, by rule, designate any part of a lake as a migratory feeding and resting area if there is adequate, free public access to the area. Before designation, the commissioner must describe the area in a public notice and receive public comments for 30 days. The commissioner must consider an area for designation upon presentation of a petition signed by at least ten residents demonstrating that the area is a substantial feeding or resting area for migratory waterfowl. The commissioner shall post the area as a migratory-waterfowl feeding and resting area. Except as authorized in rules adopted by the commissioner, a person may not enter a posted migratory-waterfowl feeding and resting area, during a period when hunting of migratory waterfowl is allowed, with watercraft or aircraft propelled by a motor, other than an electric motor with battery power of 12 volts or less. The commissioner may, by rule, further restrict the use of electric motors in migratory-waterfowl feeding and resting areas.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 2012 c 277 art 1 s 91]
Subd. 4.
Swan Lake Migratory-Waterfowl Sanctuary.
The land described in Laws 1999, chapter 81, section 2, is designated Swan Lake Migratory-Waterfowl Sanctuary under subdivision 1.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 18; 1987 c 119 s 1; 1991 c 259 s 23; 1993 c 231 s 11; 1999 c 81 s 1; 2000 c 495 s 30; 2004 c 215 s 5-7; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 14; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 25,26
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.098 — Trespass On Federal Lands.

97A.098 TRESPASS ON FEDERAL LANDS.
A person may not enter or use a national wildlife refuge or federal waterfowl production area in violation of federal law.
History:
1993 c 231 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.115 — Shooting Preserves.

97A.115 SHOOTING PRESERVES.
Subdivision 1.
Licenses; rules.
A person may not operate a shooting preserve without a license. The commissioner may issue licenses to operate commercial shooting preserves and private shooting preserves if the commissioner determines that it is in the public interest and that there will not be an adverse effect on wild game bird populations. Private shooting preserves may only be located outside of the pheasant range as determined by the commissioner. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement this section and section 97A.121.
Subd. 2.
Authorized species.
Species that may be released and hunted in a licensed shooting preserve must be specified in the license and are limited to unprotected birds, adult pheasant, and bobwhite quail for private shooting preserves and adult pheasant, bobwhite quail, turkey, mallard duck, black duck, and other species designated by the commissioner for commercial shooting preserves. These game birds must be pen hatched and raised.
Subd. 3.
Size of preserve.
A shooting preserve must be at least 40 but not more than 160 contiguous acres for private shooting preserves and at least 100 but not more than 1,000 contiguous acres, including any water area, for commercial shooting preserves.
Subd. 4.
Posting boundaries.
The boundaries of a shooting preserve must be clearly posted in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 5.
License revocation.
The commissioner may revoke a shooting preserve license if the licensee or persons authorized to hunt in the preserve have been convicted of a violation under this section or section 97A.121. After revocation, a new license may be issued in the discretion of the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 22; 1990 c 605 s 1; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 22; 1995 c 186 s 27
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.121 — Hunting In Private Shooting Preserves.

97A.121 HUNTING IN PRIVATE SHOOTING PRESERVES.
Subdivision 1.
Hunter's license.
(a) A person hunting released birds in a private shooting preserve must have the licenses required by law for hunting pheasants.
(b) A license is not required to hunt authorized game birds on a commercial shooting preserve.
Subd. 2.
Season.
(a) The open season for hunting in commercial shooting preserves is continuous. Sanctioned registered field trials in commercial shooting preserves may be held from April 16 to July 14 after notification to the commissioner.
(b) The open season for hunting in a private shooting preserve is September 15 until December 31.
(c) The commissioner may restrict the open season after receiving a complaint, holding a public hearing, and finding that the population of wild game birds is in danger by hunting in the preserve.
Subd. 3.
Operator-established restrictions.
A shooting preserve licensee may determine who is allowed to hunt in the preserve. In each preserve the licensee may establish the charge for taking game, the shooting hours, the season, limitations, and restrictions on the age, sex, and number of each species that may be taken by a hunter. These provisions may not conflict with this section or section 97A.115 and may not be less restrictive than any rule.
Subd. 4.
Limits and identification.
Except as provided in subdivision 4a, the commissioner shall prescribe the minimum number of each authorized species that may be released and the percentage of each species that may be taken. The commissioner shall prescribe methods for identifying birds to be released.
Subd. 4a.
Pheasants.
(a) A private shooting preserve licensed to release pheasants may release no more than 300 adult pheasants on the licensed shooting preserve area during the private shooting preserve hunting season. The number of pheasants harvested may not exceed 95 percent of the number of pheasants released.
(b) A commercial shooting preserve must release at least 1,000 adult pheasants.
Subd. 5.
Marking harvested game.
Harvested game, except ducks that are marked in accordance with regulations of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, must be marked or identified by the shooting preserve in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may issue the tags or other markings at a cost of 15 cents each. The marking must remain attached on the bird while the bird is transported.
Subd. 6.
Record keeping.
A shooting preserve licensee must maintain a registration book listing the names, addresses, and hunting license numbers, if applicable, of all hunters, the date when they hunted, the amount and species of game taken, and the tag numbers or other markings affixed to each bird. A shooting preserve must keep records of the number of each species raised and purchased and the date and number of each species released. The records must be open to inspection by the commissioner at all reasonable times.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 23; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 14; 1988 c 588 s 2,3; 1990 c 605 s 2; 1991 c 259 s 23
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.125 — Wildlife Habitat On Private Land.

97A.125 WILDLIFE HABITAT ON PRIVATE LAND.
The commissioner may enter into agreements with landowners to develop or improve wildlife habitat on private land and provide financial, technical, and professional assistance and material.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 24
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.126 — Walk-in Access Program.

97A.126 WALK-IN ACCESS PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1.
Establishment.
A walk-in access program is established to provide public access to wildlife habitat on private land for hunting, bird-watching, nature photography, and similar compatible uses, excluding trapping, as provided under this section. The commissioner may enter into agreements with other units of government and landowners to provide private land hunting access.
Subd. 2.
Use of enrolled lands.
(a) From September 1 to May 31, a person must have a walk-in access validation in possession to hunt, photograph, and watch wildlife on private lands, including agricultural lands, that are posted as being enrolled in the walk-in access program.
(b) Hunting, bird-watching, nature photography, and similar compatible uses on private lands that are posted as enrolled in the walk-in access program is allowed from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
(c) Access on private lands that are posted as enrolled in the walk-in access program is restricted to nonmotorized use, except by persons with disabilities operating motor vehicles on established trails or field roads who possess a valid permit to shoot from a stationary vehicle under section 97B.055, subdivision 3.
(d) The general provisions for use of wildlife management areas adopted under sections 86A.06 and 97A.137, relating to overnight use, alcoholic beverages, use of motorboats, firearms and target shooting, hunting stands, abandonment of trash and property, destruction or removal of property, introduction of plants or animals, and animal trespass, apply to use of lands enrolled in the walk-in access program.
(e) Any use of enrolled lands other than use authorized under this section is prohibited, including:
(1) harvesting bait, including minnows, leeches, and other live bait;
(2) training dogs or using dogs for activities other than hunting; and
(3) constructing or maintaining any building, dock, fence, billboard, sign, hunting blind, or other structure, unless constructed or maintained by the landowner.
Subd. 3.
Walk-in-access validation; fee.
The fee for a walk-in-access validation is $3.
History:
2012 c 277 art 1 s 27; 1Sp2021 c 6 art 2 s 52; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 42
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.127 — Financing Waterfowl Development.

97A.127 FINANCING WATERFOWL DEVELOPMENT.
The commissioner may use funds appropriated for fish and wildlife programs for the purpose of developing, preserving, restoring, and maintaining waterfowl breeding grounds in Canada under agreement or contract with any nonprofit organization dedicated to the construction, maintenance, and repair of projects that are acceptable to the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the land and water affected by the projects. The commissioner may execute agreements and contracts if the commissioner determines that use of the funds will benefit the migration of waterfowl into the state.
History:
1993 c 269 s 7
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.131 — Hatcheries.

97A.131 HATCHERIES.
The commissioner may acquire property by gift, lease, purchase, or condemnation and may construct, maintain, operate, and alter facilities for hatcheries.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 25; 2014 c 290 s 16
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.134 — Adopt-a-wma Program.

97A.134 ADOPT-A-WMA PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1.
Creation.
The Minnesota adopt-a-WMA (wildlife management area) program is established. The commissioner shall coordinate the program through the regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources.
Subd. 2.
Purpose.
The purpose of the program is to encourage sporting, outdoor, business, and civic groups or individuals to assist, on a volunteer basis, in improving and maintaining wildlife management areas.
Subd. 3.
Agreements.
(a) The commissioner shall enter into informal agreements with sporting, outdoor, business, and civic groups or individuals for volunteer services to maintain and make improvements to real property on state wildlife management areas in accordance with plans devised by the commissioner after consultation with the groups or individuals.
(b) The commissioner may erect appropriate signs to recognize and express appreciation to groups and individuals providing volunteer services under the adopt-a-WMA program.
(c) The commissioner may provide assistance to enhance the comfort and safety of volunteers and to facilitate the implementation and administration of the adopt-a-WMA program.
History:
2011 c 98 s 3; 2011 c 107 s 50
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.141 — Public-water Access Sites.

97A.141 PUBLIC-WATER ACCESS SITES.
Subdivision 1.
Acquisition; generally.
The commissioner shall acquire access sites adjacent to public waters and easements and rights-of-way necessary to connect the access sites with public highways. The land may be acquired by gift, lease, or purchase, or by condemnation with approval of the Executive Council.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 2008 c 357 s 40]
Subd. 3.
Maintenance.
The commissioner shall maintain the sites, easements, and rights-of-way acquired under this section. The commissioner may make an agreement for the maintenance of the site easements and rights-of-way with a county board if the connecting public highway is a county state-aid highway or county highway, or the town board if the connecting highway is a town road. The county board and town board may spend money from its road and bridge funds for maintenance under the agreement.
Subd. 4.
Cooperation with metropolitan governmental units.
Local units of government owning lands adjacent to public waters within the seven-county metropolitan area shall cooperate with the commissioner to use those lands for public access purposes when identified by the commissioner under subdivision 1. If cooperation does not occur, the commissioner may use condemnation authority under this section to acquire an interest in the local government lands for public access purposes.
Subd. 5.
Hunting generally prohibited.
A person may not hunt on water-access sites unless allowed by rule of the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 27; 1991 c 254 art 2 s 26; 1991 c 259 s 19; 2008 c 357 s 25
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.155 — Amendments To Leech Lake Indian Reservation Agreement.

97A.155 AMENDMENTS TO LEECH LAKE INDIAN RESERVATION AGREEMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Payment in lieu of special licenses.
The commissioner may enter into an agreement with authorized representatives of the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians to amend the settlement agreement adopted by section 97A.151 by providing that in lieu of the system of special licenses and license fees for persons who are not members of the Minnesota Chippewa tribe for the privilege of hunting, fishing, trapping, or taking minnows and other bait within the reservation, five percent of the proceeds from all licenses sold in the state for hunting, fishing, trapping, and taking minnows and other bait shall be credited to the special license account established by section 97A.151. The funds shall be remitted to the Leech Lake Band in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions that may be mutually agreed upon.
Subd. 2.
Payment in lieu of migratory-waterfowl stamp fee.
The commissioner may enter into an agreement with the Reservation Business Committee of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation to amend the settlement agreement adopted in section 97A.151 by providing that in lieu of collecting an additional fee in connection with the state migratory-waterfowl stamp for the privilege of hunting waterfowl on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation five percent of the proceeds from the sale of state migratory-waterfowl stamps shall be credited to the special license account established by section 97A.151. The funds shall be remitted to the Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions provided in section 97A.151.
Subd. 3.
Aquaculture allowed.
The commissioner shall not interpret commercial fishing in the settlement agreement in a manner that restricts aquaculture by the Leech Lake Band, or Leech Lake Band members, that is conducted consistent with state policies, laws, and regulations relating to aquaculture.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 30; 1990 c 502 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.157 — 1854 Treaty Area Agreement.

97A.157 1854 TREATY AREA AGREEMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to effectuate resolution of issues in dispute between the state of Minnesota and the Grand Portage, Bois Forte, and Fond du Lac Bands of Chippewa Indians that relate to hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering in the Ceded Area described in the September 30, 1854, treaty between the Lake Superior Chippewa and the government of the United States. This treaty was ratified by the United States Senate on January 10, 1855, and was recognized and affirmed in a subsequent treaty between the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians and the government of the United States dated April 7, 1866, and ratified by the United States Senate on April 26, 1866. The enforcement of certain rights claimed by Lake Superior Chippewas under these treaties has been sought in a civil action brought in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, Fourth Division, that is entitled
Grand Portage Band of Chippewas, et al. v. State of Minnesota, et al.
, Civ. No. 4-85-1090. The state of Minnesota desires to settle all outstanding matters relating to the above dispute.
Subd. 2.
Settlement agreement.
The parties to the above named civil action have negotiated a settlement of the dispute and have filed an executed copy of their "Memorandum of Agreement" with the court on February 16, 1988.
Subd. 3.
Ratification of settlement agreement.
The state of Minnesota, by the enactment of this section, ratifies and affirms the Memorandum of Agreement, provided the agreement is amended by July 1, 1988, by the addition of the following language: "Any party in the Memorandum of Agreement may cancel this agreement upon one year's written notice to the other parties."
Subd. 4.
Commissioner's powers and duties.
The commissioner of natural resources, on behalf of the state of Minnesota, shall take all actions, by rule or otherwise, necessary to carry out the duties and obligations of the state of Minnesota arising from the Memorandum of Agreement. Powers and duties provided by this subdivision apply to payment of money under the Memorandum of Agreement only to the extent and to the amount specifically appropriated by the legislature to carry out the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement.
History:
1988 c 525 s 1; 1991 c 259 s 23
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.161 — Agreement With White Earth Indians.

97A.161 AGREEMENT WITH WHITE EARTH INDIANS.
The commissioner may enter into an agreement with authorized representatives of the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians on substantially the same terms as the agreement adopted by section 97A.151 and amended under section 97A.155; except that the agreement shall provide that 2-1/2 percent of the proceeds from all licenses sold in the state for hunting, fishing, trapping, and taking of minnows and other bait shall be credited to the special license account established by section 97A.151. The funds shall be remitted to the White Earth Band in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions that may be mutually agreed upon. An agreement negotiated under this section shall be for a term of at least four years following the date of its execution.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 31
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.165 — Source Of Payments For Indian Agreement.

97A.165 SOURCE OF PAYMENTS FOR INDIAN AGREEMENT.
Money to make payments to the Leech Lake Band, the 1854 Treaty Area agreement, and White Earth Band special license account under sections 97A.151, subdivision 4, 97A.155, subdivision 2, and 97A.157, subdivision 4, is annually appropriated for that purpose from the general fund.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 32; 1989 c 335 art 1 s 86; 1994 c 561 s 15
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.201 — Enforcement.

97A.201 ENFORCEMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Enforcement by commissioner.
The commissioner shall execute and enforce the laws relating to wild animals. The commissioner may delegate execution and enforcement of the wild animal laws to the director and enforcement officers.
Subd. 2.
Duty of peace officers.
All peace officers must enforce the game and fish laws.
Subd. 3.
Prosecuting authority.
County attorneys are the primary prosecuting authority for violations under section 97A.205, paragraph (a), clause (5). Prosecution includes associated civil forfeiture actions provided by law.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 33; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 16; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 72,73
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.205 — Enforcement Officer; Powers.

97A.205 ENFORCEMENT OFFICER; POWERS.
(a) An enforcement officer is authorized to:
(1) execute and serve court issued warrants and processes relating to wild animals, wild rice, public waters, water pollution, conservation, and use of water, in the same manner as a sheriff;
(2) enter any land to carry out the duties and functions of the division;
(3) make investigations of violations of the game and fish laws;
(4) take an affidavit, if it aids an investigation;
(5) arrest, without a warrant, a person who is detected in the actual violation of the game and fish laws, a provision of chapters 84, 84A, 84D, 85, 86A, 88 to 97C, 103E, 103F, 103G, sections 86B.001 to 86B.815, 89.51 to 89.64; or 609.66, subdivision 1, clauses (1), (2), (5), and (7); and 609.68; and
(6) take an arrested person before a court in the county where the offense was committed and make a complaint.
(b) Nothing in this section grants an enforcement officer any greater powers than other licensed peace officers.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 34; 1987 c 109 s 12; 1987 c 384 art 1 s 6; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 1990 c 558 s 1; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 19; 1996 c 385 art 2 s 3; 2005 c 10 art 2 s 4; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 83
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.211 — Arrest Procedures.

97A.211 ARREST PROCEDURES.
Subdivision 1.
Notice to appear in court.
(a) A person must be given notice to appear in court for a misdemeanor violation of the game and fish laws; chapter 84, 84D, 103E, or 103G; sections 103F.201 to 103F.221; or section 103F.601 or 609.68 if:
(1) the person is arrested and is released from custody prior to appearing before a court; or
(2) the person is subject to a lawful arrest and is not arrested because it reasonably appears to the enforcement officer that arrest is unnecessary to prevent further criminal conduct and that there is a substantial likelihood that the person will respond to a notice.
(b) The enforcement officer shall prepare a written or electronic notice to appear in court as provided by Rules of Criminal Procedure and section 169.99. The notice must be in the form and has the effect of a summons and complaint. The notice must contain the name and address of the person charged and the offense. The notice must contain the time and the place to appear in court or must direct the defendant to contact the court or violations bureau to schedule an appearance.
Subd. 2.
Release after arrest.
A person arrested for a misdemeanor violation of the game and fish laws; chapter 84, 84D, 103E, or 103G; sections 103F.201 to 103F.221; or section 103F.601 or 609.68 may obtain release by promising to appear in court. The officer shall deliver a notice to the person arrested. The officer must then release the person from custody.
Subd. 3.
Court appearance.
On or before the court appearance date, the enforcement officer must deliver the summons and complaint to the court. If the person summoned fails to appear in court on the day specified, the court shall issue a warrant for the person's arrest.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 35; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 17,18; 1990 c 391 art 8 s 24,25; 1996 c 385 art 2 s 4,5; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 12,13
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.215 — Inspections.

97A.215 INSPECTIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Storing wild animals.
(a) When an enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that wild animals possessed or stored in violation of the game and fish laws are present, the enforcement officer may enter and inspect any commercial cold storage warehouse, hotel, restaurant, ice house, locker plant, butcher shop, and other building used to store dressed meat, game, or fish, to determine whether wild animals are kept and stored in compliance with the game and fish laws.
(b) When an enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that wild animals taken or possessed in violation of the game and fish laws are present, the officer may:
(1) enter and inspect any place or vehicle; and
(2) open and inspect any package or container.
Subd. 2.
Records.
An enforcement officer may inspect the relevant records of any person that the officer has probable cause to believe has violated the game and fish laws.
Subd. 3.
Licensed activity.
An enforcement officer may, at reasonable times:
(1) enter and inspect the premises of an activity requiring a license under the game and fish laws; and
(2) stop and inspect a motor vehicle requiring a license under the game and fish laws.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 36; 1987 c 169 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.221 — Seizure And Confiscation Of Property.

97A.221 SEIZURE AND CONFISCATION OF PROPERTY.
Subdivision 1.
Property subject to seizure and confiscation.
(a) An enforcement officer may seize:
(1) wild animals, wild rice, and other aquatic vegetation taken, bought, sold, transported, or possessed in violation of the game and fish laws or chapter 84 or 84D; and
(2) firearms, bows and arrows, nets, boats, lines, poles, fishing rods and tackle, lights, lanterns, snares, traps, spears, dark houses, fish houses, and wild rice harvesting equipment that are used with the owner's knowledge to unlawfully take or transport wild animals, wild rice, or other aquatic vegetation and that have a value under $1,000 are subject to this section.
(b) An item described in paragraph (a), clause (2), that has a value of $1,000 or more is subject to the provisions of section 97A.225.
(c) An enforcement officer must seize nets and equipment unlawfully possessed within ten miles of Lake of the Woods or Rainy Lake.
Subd. 2.
Seizing commingled shipments.
A whole shipment or parcel is contraband if two or more wild animals are shipped or possessed in the same container, vehicle, or room, or in any way commingled, and any of the animals are contraband. Seizure of any part of a shipment includes the entire shipment.
Subd. 3.
Procedure for confiscating seized property.
The enforcement officer must hold the seized property. The property held may be confiscated when:
(1) the person from whom the property was seized is convicted, the conviction is not under appeal, and the time period for appeal of the conviction has expired; or
(2) the property seized is contraband consisting of a wild animal, wild rice, or other aquatic vegetation.
Subd. 4.
Disposal of confiscated property.
Confiscated property may be disposed of or retained for use by the commissioner, or sold at the highest price obtainable as prescribed by the commissioner. Upon acquittal or dismissal of the charged violation for which the property was seized:
(1) all property, other than contraband consisting of a wild animal, wild rice, or other aquatic vegetation, must be returned to the person from whom the property was seized; and
(2) the commissioner shall reimburse the person for any seized or confiscated property that is sold, lost, or damaged.
Subd. 5.
Reporting.
The appropriate agency and prosecuting authority shall report on forfeitures of firearms, bows, and motor vehicles occurring under this section as described in section 609.5315, subdivision 6.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 37; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 19; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 20; 1996 c 385 art 2 s 6; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 22,23; 2010 c 391 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.223 — Seizure And Administrative Forfeiture Of Certain Firearms And Abandoned Property.

97A.223 SEIZURE AND ADMINISTRATIVE FORFEITURE OF CERTAIN FIREARMS AND ABANDONED PROPERTY.
Subdivision 1.
Property subject to seizure and forfeiture.
(a) An enforcement officer must seize:
(1) firearms possessed in violation of state or federal law or court order; and
(2) property described in section 97A.221, subdivision 1, where no owner can be determined.
(b) Property seized under this section is subject to administrative forfeiture.
Subd. 2.
Notice of seizure and intent to forfeit.
When property is seized under subdivision 1, the enforcement officer shall serve any known owner and person possessing the property with a notice of the seizure and intent to forfeit the property. The notice must be in writing, describing the property seized, the date of seizure, and notice of the right to appeal the seizure and forfeiture as described in subdivision 3.
Subd. 3.
Appeal; final order.
Seizure and administrative forfeiture of property under this section may be appealed under the procedures in section 116.072, subdivision 6, if the owner or other person from whom the property was seized requests a hearing by notifying the commissioner in writing within 45 days after seizure of the property. For purposes of this section, the terms "commissioner" and "agency" as used in section 116.072 mean the commissioner of natural resources. If a hearing is not requested within 45 days of seizure, the forfeiture becomes a final order and not subject to further review.
Subd. 4.
Other remedies.
The authority to forfeit firearms and other property under this section is in addition to other remedies available under state and federal law.
Subd. 5.
Disposal of forfeited property.
Forfeited property under this section may be disposed of as contraband according to section 97A.221, subdivision 4.
Subd. 6.
Reporting.
The appropriate agency and prosecuting authority shall report on forfeitures of firearms, bows, and motor vehicles occurring under this section as described in section 609.5315, subdivision 6.
History:
2000 c 466 s 1; 2010 c 391 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.231 — Search Warrants.

97A.231 SEARCH WARRANTS.
Upon complaint establishing that the complainant has probable cause to believe that a wild animal taken, bought, sold, transported, or possessed in violation of the game and fish laws, or contraband, is concealed or illegally kept in a place, a judge, authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases, may issue a search warrant. The judge may direct that the place be entered, broken open, and examined. Property seized under the warrant shall be safely kept under the direction of the court so long as necessary for the purpose of being used as evidence in a trial and subsequently disposed of as otherwise provided.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 39
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.235 — Jurisdiction Over Boundary Waters.

97A.235 JURISDICTION OVER BOUNDARY WATERS.
Courts in counties having jurisdiction adjacent to boundary waters and enforcement officers have jurisdiction over the entire boundary waters. The courts and enforcement officers of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan have concurrent jurisdiction over boundary waters.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 40
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.241 — Reciprocity With Other States In Appointing Officers.

97A.241 RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER STATES IN APPOINTING OFFICERS.
Subdivision 1.
Officers of other jurisdictions as special conservation officers.
With approval of the proper authority of another state or the United States, the commissioner may appoint any salaried and bonded officer of that jurisdiction authorized to enforce its wild animal laws a special conservation officer of this state. A special conservation officer is subject to the supervision and control of and serves at the pleasure of the commissioner, but may not be compensated by this state. A special conservation officer has powers of and is subject to the liabilities of conservation officers of this state, except as otherwise directed by the commissioner.
Subd. 2.
Officers of this state as officers of other jurisdictions.
An enforcement officer or peace officer of this state may enforce wild animal laws of another state, or the United States, under conditions prescribed by the commissioner. The officer may serve under the laws of another jurisdiction to the extent they are compatible with the duties of an officer of this state.
Subd. 3.
Reciprocal effect.
This section is effective with respect to another state or the United States to the extent that there is a similar provision in effect in that jurisdiction with respect to this state.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 41
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.245 — Rewards.

97A.245 REWARDS.
The commissioner may pay rewards for information leading to the conviction of a person that has violated a provision of laws relating to wild animals or threatened or endangered species of wildlife. A reward may not exceed $500, except a reward for information relating to big game or threatened or endangered species of wildlife, may be up to $1,000 and a reward for information relating to wolves may be up to $2,500. The rewards may only be paid from funds donated to the commissioner for these purposes and may not be paid to salaried conservation officers or peace officers.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 42; 1998 c 401 s 34; 2000 c 463 s 22; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 90
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.251 — Obstructing Officers.

97A.251 OBSTRUCTING OFFICERS.
Subdivision 1.
Unlawful conduct.
A person may not:
(1) intentionally hinder, resist, or obstruct an enforcement officer, agent, or employee of the division in the performance of official duties;
(2) refuse to submit to inspection of equipment used to take wild animals while in the field, licenses, or wild animals; or
(3) refuse to allow inspection of a motor vehicle, boat, or other conveyance used while taking or transporting wild animals.
Subd. 2.
Civil actions.
In addition to criminal prosecution, the state may bring a civil action to recover damages resulting from and enjoin the continuance of a violation of this section. The civil actions may be brought by the attorney general on the request of the commissioner.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 43; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 26
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.255 — Prosecutions.

97A.255 PROSECUTIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Statute of limitations.
A prosecution under the game and fish laws may not be brought more than three years after commission of the offense.
Subd. 2.
Burden of proof.
(a) In a prosecution that alleges animals have been taken, bought, sold, transported, or possessed in violation of the game and fish laws, the burden of establishing that the animals were domesticated, reared in a private preserve, raised in a private fish hatchery or aquatic farm, taken for scientific purposes, lawfully taken, or received as a gift, is on the defendant.
(b) The commissioner may by rule prescribe the documentation or other evidence sufficient to demonstrate lawful possession of:
(1) a wild animal received as a gift; and
(2) a wild animal taken on an Indian reservation or in another state, province, or country.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1987 c 149 art 1 s 54]
Subd. 4.
Separate offenses; prosecution of aggregated offenses.
(a) Except as allowed in paragraph (b), each wild animal unlawfully taken, bought, sold, transported, or possessed is a separate offense. If acquitted, a person may not be prosecuted for a similar offense involving another animal in the same incident.
(b) In any prosecution that involves two or more offenses committed by the same person within six months in two or more counties, the accused may be prosecuted in any county in which one of the offenses was committed for all of the offenses in aggregate.
Subd. 5.
Joint and several liability.
When two or more people intentionally aid, advise, counsel, conspire with, or act in concert with each other to unlawfully take, transport, or possess wild animals when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds $500, each person is jointly and severally liable for the wild animals for purposes of:
(1) license seizure and revocation under sections 97A.420 and 97A.421;
(2) equipment and property seizure under section 97A.221;
(3) boat, motor, and trailer seizure under section 97A.225; and
(4) restitution under section 97A.341.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 44; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 20; 1993 c 231 s 16; 2002 c 270 s 3; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 14
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.301 — General Penalty Provisions.

97A.301 GENERAL PENALTY PROVISIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Misdemeanor.
Unless a different penalty is prescribed, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if that person:
(1) violates the game and fish laws;
(2) aids or assists in committing the violation;
(3) knowingly shares in the proceeds of the violation;
(4) fails to perform a duty or comply with a requirement of the game and fish laws;
(5) knowingly makes a false statement related to an affidavit regarding a violation or requirement of the game and fish laws; or
(6) violates or attempts to violate a rule under the game and fish laws.
Subd. 2.
Gross misdemeanor.
Unless a different penalty is prescribed, a person convicted of violating a provision of the game and fish laws that is defined as a gross misdemeanor is subject to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $3,000 and imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 90 days or more than 364 days.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 45; 1991 c 259 s 23; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 75; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.305 — Impersonating Enforcement Officer.

97A.305 IMPERSONATING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
A person that purports to be acting in an official capacity and causes another to be injured or defrauded while falsely impersonating an enforcement officer or other officer acting under authority of the game and fish laws, or falsely claiming to have special authority under those laws, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 46
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.311 — Licenses.

97A.311 LICENSES.
Subdivision 1.
Altering license.
A person that alters a license in a material manner is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 2.
False statement.
A person that knowingly makes a false statement related to an application for a license, a license, or certificate, required by or issued under the game and fish laws, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 3.
License agent violations.
A license agent that knowingly issues a license to an ineligible person or predates a license is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 4.
License agent suspension.
In addition to other penalties, a license agent that violates a law or rule of the commissioner relating to license sales, handling, or accounting forfeits the right to sell and handle licenses for a period of one year.
Subd. 5.
Refunds.
(a) The commissioner may issue a refund on a license, not including any issuing fees paid under section 97A.485, subdivision 6, if the request is received within 90 days of the original license purchase and:
(1) the licensee dies before the opening of the licensed season. The original license and a copy of the death certificate must be provided to the commissioner;
(2) the licensee is unable to participate in the licensed activity because the licensee is called to active military duty or military leave is canceled during the entire open season of the licensed activity. The original license and a copy of the military orders or notice of cancellation of leave must be provided to the commissioner;
(3) the licensee purchased two licenses for the same license season in error;
(4) the licensee was not legally required to purchase the license to participate in the activity; or
(5) evidence is provided to the commissioner that demonstrates the license was issued incorrectly by the department or license agent.
(b) This subdivision does not apply to lifetime licenses.
Subd. 6.
License corrections.
The commissioner may correct a license or license type and refund the difference or charge the difference of the corrected license fee if:
(1) the licensee provides evidence that the license was issued incorrectly by the department or license agent;
(2) the request is made within 30 days of the original license purchase;
(3) the season or license activities for the original license have not yet started at the time of the request; and
(4) the licensee is entitled to the corrected license.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 47; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 21; 1991 c 259 s 23; 2004 c 255 s 28; 2008 c 368 art 2 s 19; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 23; 2014 c 290 s 19,20
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.315 — Trespass.

97A.315 TRESPASS.
Subdivision 1.
Criminal penalties.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person that violates a provision of section 97B.001, relating to trespass is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person:
(1) knowingly disregards signs prohibiting trespass;
(2) trespasses after personally being notified by the landowner or lessee not to trespass; or
(3) is convicted of violating this section more than once in a three-year period.
(c) Notwithstanding section 609.101, subdivision 4, clause (2), for a misdemeanor violation, the minimum fine for a person who operates an off-highway motorcycle, off-road vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or snowmobile in violation of this section must not be less than the amount set forth in section 84.775.
Subd. 2.
License revocations.
(a) If a person is convicted of trespassing under subdivision 1 while exercising or attempting to exercise an activity licensed under the game and fish laws or requiring snowmobile registration under section 84.82, the applicable license and registration are null and void.
(b) A person convicted of a gross misdemeanor under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), may not be issued a license to take game for two years after the conviction.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 48; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 22; 2023 c 60 art 4 s 45
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.321 — Dogs Pursuing, Wounding, Or Killing Big Game.

97A.321 DOGS PURSUING, WOUNDING, OR KILLING BIG GAME.
Subdivision 1.
Owner responsibility; penalty amount.
(a) The owner of a dog that pursues but does not kill or mortally wound a big game animal is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each violation. The owner of a dog that kills or mortally wounds a big game animal is subject to a civil penalty of $500 for each violation.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a person using a dog in compliance with section 97B.207.
Subd. 2.
Appeals.
Civil penalties under this section may be appealed according to 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 civil penalty becomes a final order not subject to further review.
Subd. 3.
Enforcement.
Civil penalties under this section may be enforced according to section 116.072, subdivisions 9 and 10.
Subd. 4.
Paying penalty.
Penalty amounts shall be remitted to the commissioner within 30 days of issuance of the penalty notice and shall be deposited in the game and fish fund.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 49; 2006 c 281 art 2 s 27; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 21; 1Sp2011 c 2 art 5 s 24; 1Sp2019 c 4 art 3 s 49
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 97 - 102 — Game And Fish › Chapter 97A — Game And Fish › Section 97A.325 — Penalties For Unlawfully Buying Or Selling Wild Animals.

97A.325 PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFULLY BUYING OR SELLING WILD ANIMALS.
Subdivision 1.
Gross misdemeanor for sales of $300 or more.
(a) A person that buys or sells protected wild animals in violation of the game and fish laws where the sales total $300 or more is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. The person is subject to the penalty in section 97A.301, subdivision 2, except that the fine may not be less than $3,000 or more than $10,000.
(b) Licenses possessed by a person convicted under this subdivision are null and void and the person may not take wild animals for three years after the conviction.
Subd. 2.
Deer; bear; moose; elk; caribou.
Except as provided in subdivision 1, a person that violates a provision of the game and fish laws relating to buying or selling deer, bear, moose, elk, or caribou is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Subd. 3.
Small game and game fish.
Except as provided in subdivision 1, a person that buys or sells small game or game fish in violation of the game and fish laws where the sales total $50 or more is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Subd. 4.
Fur-bearing animals.
Except as provided in subdivision 1, a person that buys fur-bearing animals in violation of the game and fish laws is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
History:
1986 c 386 art 1 s 50; 1987 c 149 art 1 s 23; 1991 c 254 art 2 s 27