Deer Hunters in Southern Minnesota Can Now Use Rifles
Changes to hunting rules spark debate among hunters and lawmakers in Minnesota.
Deer hunters in southern Minnesota can now use rifles during the upcoming firearms deer season, ending the decades-old shotgun-only rule. State Sen. Steve Drazkowski highlighted that this rule, dating back to 1942, was initially implemented to help restore deer populations. However, with the current surge in deer numbers and the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), the rule has been repealed to allow for more effective deer management. While some hunters express safety concerns due to rifles' longer range, others argue that rifles are safer and more accurate, reducing the risk of injuring animals and causing stray shots. Studies suggest that rifles are more precise and result in fewer ricochets compared to shotguns. Despite the change, landowners retain the right to restrict firearm types on their property.