DEPARTMENT: Sheriff
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update And Consideration Regarding Potential Deer Hunting Firearm Regulations - Repeal Of Minn. Stat. § 97B.318
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Provide information to the committee for consideration regarding potential regulation of firearms used to take deer.
SUMMARY
The repeal of Minn. Stat. § 97B.318, which previously designated Dakota County as a shotgun-only zone for deer hunting, has significant implications for any local ordinance seeking to restrict the types of firearms used to take deer. Effective January 1, 2026, any firearm that is otherwise legal under state law may be used to harvest deer in Dakota County.
Dakota County is part of Deer Hunting Zone 605, which also includes Goodhue, Rice, Le Sueur, and Scott Counties. During the 2024 hunting season, Zone 605 recorded 4,821 firearm hunters and a total harvest of 1,616 deer.
If Dakota County were to adopt an ordinance imposing firearm restrictions for deer hunting, state law requires that a public hearing be held prior to adoption. Additionally, notice of any adopted ordinance must be provided to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) no later than May 5, 2026, for the restriction to be published in the DNR’s annual hunting regulations handbook.
Enforcement of any adopted ordinance would fall jointly to the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and the DNR.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The Sheriff’s Office neither supports nor opposes a proposed ordinance restricting firearms for deer hunting.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The fiscal impact of enforcement is unknown.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Joe Leko
Author: Dan Bianconi