Traverse County hearing shows public split over allowing rifles for deer hunting

The Traverse County Commission held a public hearing Jan. 12 to gather resident views on whether the county should retain its current firearm restrictions on deer hunting or allow rifles and other firearms. Commission Chair Jerrel Olson opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and noted the reason for the hearing: "The reason for the Public Hearing is for Commissioners to obtain public comments on the County’s consideration of whether to retain the existing firearm limitations in place for deer hunting in Traverse County, or whether to allow rifles and/or other firearms." The hearing included an overview from Senator Jordan Rasmusson on the State’s decision to give counties the authority to decide local hunting rules; the transcript does not cite a specific statute.

About 55 people attended the hearing in person and three written comments were filed with the county. Members of the public spoke both in favor of allowing rifles and in opposition, raising safety and wildlife-management concerns. Commissioners conducted a nonbinding straw poll of those present: 17 attendees indicated "shotgun only," and 31 indicated "shotgun and rifle." Olson said no final decision was made at the hearing and that the commission will take up a formal decision at a future regular board meeting; the transcript records that the decision must be made by March 1, 2026. The meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.