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Kandiyohi County adopts shotgun‑only deer hunting ordinance after divided vote
Summary
After two public hearings and a lengthy board debate about safety and enforceability, Kandiyohi County commissioners voted 3–2 to adopt an ordinance maintaining shotgun‑only restrictions for deer hunting; commissioners asked for a three‑year review of the ordinance.
Kandiyohi County commissioners voted 3–2 on April 21 to adopt an ordinance keeping the county a shotgun‑only zone for deer hunting, reversing the statewide trend that allows full rifle use unless a county opts to remain shotgun‑only.
The ordinance decision followed two earlier public sessions and a listening session. Commissioners described receiving substantial public input on both sides of the issue and said the board had been weighing safety concerns, enforcement practicality and property‑owner rights.
Commissioner Emdeck (speaking at the meeting) criticized the legislature for placing the decision on counties and said the local choice should be informed by safety concerns: "It was a chicken **** move on their part," he said, adding personal experience hunting crowded woodlots with family and describing concerns about high‑velocity rifle rounds traveling longer distances than shotgun slugs.
Opponents on the dais argued that many local residents prefer rifle use and that technological or legal workarounds could render the ordinance difficult to enforce. One commissioner noted that two public hearings showed a significant number of speakers and that email opinions were roughly split.
Supporters cited local population density in parts of the county, proximity of residences and small wildlife management areas as factors that make shotgun‑only regulation a safer choice locally. Several commissioners urged that the ordinance be reviewed in three years to assess impacts and consider rescinding it if data indicate the restriction is not warranted.
A roll call was requested before the vote. The clerk recorded three ayes and two nays; the ordinance passed. The chair thanked residents on both sides of the debate and said the board expects to revisit the ordinance in the future if needed.
What the ordinance means: county law will continue to restrict deer hunting to shotguns (and firearms explicitly allowed by earlier statewide statute exceptions remain governed by state law); property owners retain the right to limit firearms on private land.
