Meeker County declines local shotgun‑zone restriction after heated public hearing; board allows rifles
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Summary
After a two‑hour public hearing with more than two dozen speakers, the Meeker County Board voted to take no action on a draft shotgun‑zone ordinance, effectively allowing rifle use for deer hunting under state rules and DNR oversight.
The Meeker County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 17 to take no action on a draft ordinance that would have preserved shotgun‑only restrictions for deer hunting, leaving the county to follow the state Department of Natural Resources rules that now allow rifles.
The decision followed an evening public hearing that drew a full room and 18 written comments. Supporters of allowing rifles cited modern ammunition shortages for shotguns and data from other states showing no increase in hunting incidents after similar changes. "I'm a firearm safety instructor and I'm for the rifle," speaker Dan Brimseth said during the hearing, adding that rifles can make longer, cleaner shots in some landscapes.
Opponents raised safety concerns about longer‑range rifle ballistics and potential stray bullets near residences. "I don't want to see rifles out there with a clip of 40 shells — I know you're gonna have people die," a resident who identified himself from Forest City told commissioners, arguing that rifle bullets travel farther than shotgun slugs.
County staff described the legal framework: last year's state law repealed the historic shotgun zone and allows counties to adopt local limits; the county could have adopted an ordinance to preserve shotgun‑only restrictions or opted to take no action. After discussion, Commissioner Cheryl moved "to take no action on imposing firearm limitations, thereby allowing the use of rifles for deer hunting in Meeker County," a motion seconded and approved by the board.
County Administrator Andrew Lettson had told the board that if the county adopts restrictions it must notify the DNR by May 1 to be reflected in the annual guidebook; he also said any local ordinance could be appealed. Commissioners who voted to take no local action said they trust DNR management and noted most hunting injuries stem from accidental discharges rather than weapon type.
With the board’s vote, Meeker County will not enact a local shotgun‑only ordinance for the 2026 season; legal rifle use will be governed by state statute and DNR rules until the board chooses otherwise.
The board adjourned after the decision and no further action on the ordinance was scheduled.