Shotgun zone for taking deer elimination provision

Minnesota Senate Bill 2524, introduced on March 13, 2025, seeks to eliminate the shotgun-only zones for deer hunting in the state. This change would allow hunters to use all legal firearms, including rifles, statewide during the regular firearms deer season. The bill also mandates that the Commissioner of Natural Resources assess the impact of this change on deer hunting and populations by December 1, 2028, and provide recommendations for any necessary legislative or policy adjustments. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/MN/bill/SF2524/2025?utm_source=openai))

While specific media coverage on this bill is limited, the proposed change has been discussed in the context of other similar legislative efforts. For instance, Minnesota House File 2245, which also aims to eliminate shotgun-only zones and grant counties the authority to regulate firearm types for deer hunting, has been analyzed. This bill allows county boards to pass ordinances limiting firearm types for deer hunting within their jurisdictions, subject to public notice and hearings, with restrictions lasting up to one year. Such measures are generally viewed as providing more local control over hunting regulations, which could be seen as a positive development for those advocating for localized decision-making. ([track.mn](https://track.mn/legislative_instruments/0942025-hf2245?utm_source=openai))

Specific media reactions to Senate Bill 2524 are not readily available. However, similar legislative proposals, like House File 2245, have faced concerns from some stakeholders. The introduction of local ordinances to regulate firearm types for deer hunting could lead to a patchwork of regulations across the state, potentially causing confusion among hunters and complicating enforcement. Additionally, the repeal of shotgun-only zones might raise safety concerns, especially in areas with higher human populations, as the use of high-powered rifles could increase the risk of accidents. These considerations suggest that while the bill aims to modernize hunting practices, it may also encounter resistance from those prioritizing safety and uniformity in hunting regulations. ([track.mn](https://track.mn/legislative_instruments/0942025-hf2245?utm_source=openai))