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Stearns County schedules April 7 public hearing on keeping county a shotgun-only deer zone
Summary
Facing a DNR rule deadline, the board voted to hold a public hearing on April 7 (evening meeting in Melrose) to consider adopting an ordinance that would retain Stearns County as a shotgun-only zone; staff noted the DNR wants the county’s decision by early May for inclusion in the deer-hunting rule book.
Stearns County administrators told the board on Feb. 17 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources removed the statewide shotgun zone last year and the Legislature authorized counties to adopt ordinances to preserve a shotgun-only zone. The board discussed options for scheduling and outreach and voted to set a public hearing for the April 7 evening meeting in Melrose to gather public comment.
Administrator Williams noted that if the county takes no action, rifles would be allowed; adopting an ordinance would keep the county restricted to shotgun-only deer hunting on public lands. Commissioners discussed outreach logistics for what is likely to be a well-attended rural meeting, the DNR’s request that counties indicate their intent by about May 5–6 to appear in the state’s hunting rule book, and options for presenters to provide evidence to the public (including data previously provided by Sen. Howe and Rep. Anderson).
The board’s vote directed staff to collect submitted correspondence for the record and to coordinate with neighboring counties and administrators tracking regional decisions. The hearing is intended to collect public comment; a final decision would occur at a later board meeting after the hearing record is compiled.
