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Waseca County schedules Feb. 17 public hearing on Ordinance 1-64 after state hunting-rule change
Summary
Following a state change that eliminated shotgun-only zones in southern Minnesota, Waseca County scheduled a Feb. 17 public hearing on draft Ordinance 1-64 to decide whether to retain local shotgun-only restrictions or allow rifle hunting; DNR requested county rules be provided by March 1 for manual updates.
Waseca County commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing for Feb. 17 to consider Ordinance 1-64, which addresses local rules for shotgun-only and rifle hunting following a statewide statutory change effective January 2026.
Staff explained the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asked counties to provide county-specific rules by March 1 so the agency’s deer-hunting manual can be updated prior to publication. Staff said scheduling the public hearing preserves the county’s option to adopt an ordinance before the DNR’s print deadline but does not obligate the board to implement an ordinance; the board may hold the hearing and later decide whether to adopt a local rule.
Commissioners and members of the public discussed safety, local posting and that opinions in public sessions typically polarize. One commissioner noted DNR staff have been uncommitted in guidance, while another emphasized residents’ responsibility for safe hunting practices. The chair said the listening session scheduled for the next day was intended for public input and education, not immediate decision-making; the Feb. 17 public hearing will allow the board to consider ordinances after hearing input.
The board approved scheduling the Feb. 17 hearing (motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote).
Why it matters: Counties must decide whether to adopt local hunting rules in the wake of statewide regulatory changes; the choice affects how residents hunt and how neighboring counties coordinate land postings.
Next steps: The board will hold a public listening session and the Feb. 17 public hearing; staff said a draft ordinance would be available for that meeting.
