Grant County board discusses state hunting rule change, warned March 1 opt-in deadline looms

Grant County commissioners spent an extended portion of a work session hearing from local conservation staff about a state hunting regulation that takes effect Jan. 1 and will default statewide to rifle hunting unless counties opt out.

Ryan Brown, the county’s local conservation officer, told the board, “By March 1, you guys gotta make a decision,” and explained counties that want to preserve shotgun-only zones must draft and notify the commissioner of natural resources of a local ordinance by that date. Brown said conservation officers can enforce a county ordinance only if the county adopts one; otherwise the state default applies.

Board members discussed safety and practicality. One commissioner summarized the historical rationale for limiting rifles in some areas — originally to reduce hunting accuracy with older weapons — and others noted advances in slug and rifle accuracy that have changed the trade-offs. Several commissioners cautioned that terrain affects projectile travel and urged caution in flatter, low-elevation areas.

Members suggested public education and cross-county coordination before any ordinance is drafted. A commissioner urged a forum to explain safety considerations and the practical effects of different choices at county lines, saying inconsistent rules across bordering counties could create enforcement confusion.

A staff member cited statutory language and implementation timing (Minnesota Statutes §97B.031, subdivision 7) and said the state’s packet to counties would outline the options and next steps; the March 1 deadline exists to give the state time to update regulation maps and materials. No formal county ordinance or vote on the policy was recorded at the meeting. The board did not adopt any ordinance during the session and left the option open for later consideration and public outreach.