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Nobles County public hearing on deer‑hunting firearm options draws mixed public testimony; decision set for Feb. 17
Summary
At a Feb. 12 public hearing, Nobles County residents gave competing testimony on whether to lift a shotgun‑only restriction for deer hunting. Commissioners opened and closed the hearing; board discussion and a decision were scheduled for the Feb. 17 meeting.
The Board of Commissioners of Nobles County opened a public hearing Feb. 12, 2026, to consider changing county rules that currently limit deer hunting to shotguns. A motion by Commissioner Justin Ahlers, seconded by Commissioner Gene Metz, "was duly passed" to open the hearing, and Chairperson Chris Dybevick summarized county options for the board to consider.
Residents gave contrasting accounts of safety risks and hunting access. Adam Middagh said he was "in support of getting rid of restriction, allowing people to shoot what they want to shoot," citing multi‑state data he said show limited rifle incidents. Opponents including Gordon (Gordy) Heitkamp argued the change raises safety concerns: "why are we even talking about this," Heitkamp said, noting long personal experience hunting and worries for youth in stands. The hearing closed on a motion by Commissioner Ahlers, seconded by Commissioner Bob Paplow, that "was duly passed," and the board listed the Feb. 17, 2026 meeting to take up formal discussion and a goal of making a decision then.
The hearing record includes a range of evidence and anecdotes — from references to published studies to a local incident reported by a gun‑club board member — that commissioners said they will consider when debating options. The transcript does not include a roll‑call or individual vote breakdown for the procedural motions reported as "duly passed."
