Kandiyohi County to hold public hearing after heated debate over rifle access

Kandiyohi County commissioners on March 17 directed staff to draft an ordinance and hold a public hearing to decide whether the county will retain a shotgun‑only deer season or allow rifles, a question that arose after the Minnesota Legislature removed the shotgun‑only zone for the southern half of the state in 2025.

The issue has drawn strong public engagement: commissioners said a recent county listening session was well attended and that the topic has generated the greatest volume of citizen contacts of any item in recent memory. During the board discussion, commissioners emphasized competing public‑safety and hunting‑access concerns.

Commissioner MDC said the listening session primarily drew hunters and urged the board to ensure residents whose homes border public hunting lands also have a chance to be heard. Commissioner Burton framed the issue largely as a public‑safety decision for residents and nonhunters, recalling an incident in which shots fired at a distance concerned nearby nonhunters. Several commissioners discussed possible middle grounds — bolt‑action or limited‑shell options — and the need for signage and neighbor notification where county public land abuts homes.

Commissioner Mck moved and the board voted to draft an ordinance and schedule a public hearing; staff set the hearing for April 14 at 5:30 p.m. in a larger meeting room to accommodate turnout and said the Department of Natural Resources must be notified of the county’s decision in early May. Commissioners said they expect more public comment before a final decision.