Support Statewide Rifle Use for Deer Hunting in Minnesota
County-level shotgun-only restrictions undermine safe, effective deer management and hunter choice.
RED: considering or have gone to shotgun only. GREEN: open to rifles. GRAY: undecided, unkwown, or already open to rifles. YELLOW: Meeting Scheduled. If you have updated information please share at info@mndeerhunters.com
What's The Issue?
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Minnesota has moved to statewide rifle legality beginning in 2026
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Some counties are considering local shotgun-only restrictions
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These local rules:
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Create confusion
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Reduce hunter participation
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Undermine statewide wildlife management goals
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County-level restrictions are unnecessary, confusing, and out of step with modern hunting practices.
Why Rifle Use Is the Right Choice
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Safety & Accuracy
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Modern rifles improve shot precision
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Reduce wounded deer
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Encourage ethical harvests
Effective Deer Management
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Helps meet DNR population goals
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Especially important in high-density areas
Hunter Participation & Retention
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More options = more participation
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Supports rural economies and hunting traditions
Statewide Consistency
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Same rules across Minnesota
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Less confusion for hunters and landowners
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MDHA’s Position
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MDHA supports the statewide rifle regulation
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Represents ~20,000 members and 60 chapters
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Focused on:
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Conservation
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Education
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Advocacy
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Long-term deer herd health
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“This policy reflects modern hunting practices while preserving Minnesota’s conservation values.”
Take Action
Protect Minnesota’s Hunting Future
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Supporting rifle use supports:
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Ethical harvest
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Hunter participation
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Healthy deer herds
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This is about conservation, not convenience
Minnesota Deer Hunters Association
460 Peterson Rd
Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744
