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HF 623

Shotgun zone for taking deer eliminated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Isaac Schultz and 1 co-sponsor

Bill eliminates Minnesota's shotgun-only deer hunting zone, consolidating hunting regulations and changing available methods for regional hunters.

Author added Schultz
#firearmsanddangerousweapons
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Bill Summary · HF 623

Legislative bill overview

HF 623 eliminates Minnesota's designated shotgun zone for deer hunting, removing a specific geographic area where shotguns were the primary approved method for harvesting deer. The bill streamlines deer hunting regulations by consolidating weapon options across regions rather than maintaining separate equipment zones.

Why is this important

Shotgun zones were established to balance hunting access with safety in more densely populated areas, as shotguns have shorter effective ranges than rifles. Eliminating this zone will alter hunting opportunities and methods available to Minnesota deer hunters depending on where they hunt and may affect wildlife management flexibility in different regions of the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Hunter access and equity: Some hunters may lose preferred hunting methods in their region, particularly those who specialized in shotgun deer hunting or lack access to alternative weapon types
  • Safety considerations: Shotguns were restricted to certain zones partly due to shorter effective ranges; removing geographic limitations could raise questions about hunting safety in varied terrain and population density areas
  • Wildlife management flexibility: Eliminating a zone-based approach reduces Department of Natural Resources ability to tailor hunting methods to specific regional conditions, habitat types, and population management goals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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