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Senate file would restore ability to consume beaver removed in 2024 change; trappers association backs reversal
Summary
Senate File 811 would reverse a 2024 change that made it illegal to consume beaver; the Minnesota Trappers Association and the bill sponsor said the change was inadvertent and should be corrected so nuisance beavers and their harvest can be consumed. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
Senate File 811, presented by Senator Hochschild, proposes to reverse a provision enacted in the 2024 environment omnibus bill that had made it illegal to consume beaver. The sponsor said the earlier change was slipped into the omnibus process without committee vetting and should be corrected.
Why it matters: The bill affects people who trap beaver for nuisance control or harvest and who previously could legally use beaver for food. The sponsor and the Minnesota Trappers Association said the earlier change inadvertently criminalized consumption and that the bill would restore prior practice.
Testimony: Tim Spreck of the Minnesota Trappers Association told the committee the 2024 language had been inserted during conference committee without discussion and that the association supports restoring the prior rule so nuisance beaver harvesters may consume beaver. Senate counsel confirmed the prior statutory provision affected only beaver and that the earlier amendment applied specifically to beaver (Minnesota Statute section cited in the hearing as 97B.0667 in the transcript).
Outcome: The committee laid Senate File 811 over for possible inclusion. No vote was recorded in the hearing transcript.
What’s next: The bill sponsor said she would proceed with the laid‑over bill; interested parties and counsel can advise on any drafting clarifications before the bill returns for further consideration.
