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Watonwan County adopts shotgun-only ordinance for firearms deer hunting
Summary
The county board voted 4–1 on April 7, 2026 to adopt Ordinance No. 83.0028, limiting firearms for deer hunting to shotguns (single-slug), legal muzzle-loading long guns and handguns; the ordinance takes effect April 7, 2026 and violations are misdemeanors enforceable by law enforcement and DNR conservation officers.
WATONWAN COUNTY, Minn. — The Watonwan County Board of Commissioners on April 7 adopted Ordinance No. 83.0028, restricting the types of firearms that may be used to take deer within the county during the regular firearms deer hunting season. The motion to adopt the ordinance passed 4–1, with Commissioner Bill Miller opposing the measure. Commissioner Jim Pettersen moved the ordinance and Commissioner Dillon Melheim seconded.
The ordinance, enacted under Minnesota Statutes §97B.031, subdivision 7, specifies that only legal shotguns loaded with single-slug shotgun shells, legal muzzle-loading long guns and legal handguns may be used to take deer in Watonwan County; it also notes that legal shotguns may include rifled barrels. The adopted text cites the repeal of the former Minnesota Statutes §97B.318 and says the county may maintain the prior shotgun-use limitations after notice and public hearing. The board set the ordinance’s effective date as April 7, 2026 and states violations are misdemeanors enforceable by Minnesota peace officers and Minnesota DNR conservation officers.
Public comment at the hearing showed a mix of concerns. Harold Wolle supported rifle use and said, “Minnesota is one of four states that doesn’t allow rifles for hunting.” Todd Hanson raised the practical concern that shifting to shotgun-only rules could complicate cross-county hunting for people who travel to hunt where rules differ. Several residents, including Darrell Carlson and Mark Jocoby, expressed safety concerns about rifle use near homes and property.
The ordinance record includes the full statutory citations and a penalties section; the board’s vote and the ordinance language will be published as required by law. The county did not add a sunset date; the text states the ordinance shall continue in full force until amended or repealed by the board.
