County listening session addresses hunting change

A group of about 50 hunting enthusiasts shared their input regarding a change in Minnesota deer hunting regulations for the 2026 season during a “listening session” with county commissioners the evening of Feb. 5.

 

During the 2025 legislative session, an 84-year-old rule restricting deer hunters to using only shotguns in the southern half of the state was overridden. The law now allows “all legal shotguns and rifles” to be used anywhere in the state–unless an individual county chooses to retain the shotgun-only restriction. 

 

At the time the session was scheduled, commissioners had been told their decision was needed by March 1 if they wanted the county’s status listed in state publications summarizing deer hunting regulations for the 2026 deer season. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had let it be known its officers would only be enforcing regulations included in that publication.

 

Only shortly before the Feb. 5 meeting, the DNR extended that deadline to May 5.

 

An introductory slide show produced by county administrator Michael Johnson summarized an array of information regarding the long-standing regulation. Although many interpreted the shotgun-only practice to be related to safety because of the firearm’s shorter range, the DNR has released statements that it was related only to “herd management”--that because shotguns are somewhat less accurate, restricting hunting to their use would reduce the number of deer harvested. The DNR has stated it has no objection to the change, since deer populations across the state have reached levels which no longer require protection.

 

Johnson shared that the DNR did not initiate the new regulations, but that numerous lobbying organizations had approached legislators asking for the change. The DNR, he said, has taken a “neutral stance” when counties have asked for input regarding their local regulations. The department has requested, though, that counties provide “all or nothing” decisions–either the statewide standard or shotgun only–without any locally selected specifications.

 

Commissioners pointed out during the meeting that if they issue no local regulation, the county will automatically fall under the statewide rule, and thus “no decision is also a decision.”

 

During some introductory statements, board chair De Malterer told those in attendance, “We are here tonight to listen and to learn. We know there are many thoughts and feelings surrounding this issue, so we are here to listen to what you have to say.”

 

Thirteen people shared statements during the one-hour session: all but two indicated support for allowing rifles.

 

Tony Hanson of Waseca suggested that allowing rifles would be helpful when introducing young hunters to the sport, and in encouraging older hunters to continue since rifles do not have kickback and are not as loud as shotguns. Chad Groskreutz of Vivian Township commented he is in agreement with a change that will encourage youth.

 

A number of speakers observed that the deer population is apparently rising, leading to more vehicle accidents involving the animals and to related economic costs including repairs and insurance, so harvesting more animals would be beneficial.

 

One speaker seemed reassured that the statewide law continues to allow shotguns for those who prefer them. Another mentioned that, from the perspective of hunting as a sport, he prefers the extra challenges imposed by shotguns. In referring to the longer range offered by rifles, he stated those hunting on open fields can “sit in a deer stand and have a clear line of sight to any deer within 100 acres.”

 

Comments from board chair Malterer had made it clear no decision would be made during the meeting, and that “any decision is not based only on information from constituents.” She said the board would continue receiving information from numerous sources and work toward making its decision before the newly announced May 5 deadline.