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Murray County board declines motion to stay shotgun-only; rifles permitted for deer hunting
Summary
After public comment and discussion, the Murray County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 against a motion to remain shotgun-only for deer hunting, meaning rifles will be allowed under state rules; the DNR told the county it would support enforcement if rifles are adopted.
MURRAY COUNTY, Minn. — The Murray County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on Jan. 27 to reject a motion to remain shotgun-only for deer hunting, clearing the way for rifles to be allowed under state regulations for the coming season.
Commissioner Mark Carlson, acting as board chair, moved to retain a shotgun-only rule for deer hunting; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Loy Woelber. After public comments and commissioners’ reports on constituent feedback, the roll-call vote was Woelber — yes; Jackie Meier — no; Carlson — yes; Dennis Welgraven — no; Roger Zins — no, and the motion failed.
The decision followed public comment from local residents, including Brandon Lolkus and Jason Wenzel, who presented information and a petition supporting a move to allow rifles. The petition submitted at the meeting had 87 signatures, according to the material presented to the board.
Heath Landsman relayed information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, saying the DNR “will support enforcement” if Murray County allows rifles but cautioned that any additional local restrictions on rifle use might limit the DNR’s enforcement capability.
County staff and commissioners noted that each county in the DNR’s District 8 may change its decision in future seasons and that a formal ordinance would be required only if the board moves to remain shotgun-only. The county must submit its decision prior to the publication of the deer-hunting regulations, which staff said is around March 1.
The board thanked members of the public for their comments and adjourned at approximately 9:53 a.m.
What happens next: With the motion to remain shotgun-only defeated, Murray County will be listed with rifles allowed for deer hunting under the state’s rules unless the board takes other binding local action in a future meeting.
