County decisions come into focus on shotgun and rifle use for Minnesota’s deer season

St. Paul — Minnesota deer hunters may see different firearm rules this fall as counties decide whether to now allow rifles or still require shotguns for the 2026 deer season.

A 2025 law eliminated the state’s longtime “shotgun zone” and gives counties the authority to choose which firearms hunters may use. Many counties already have voted, while others are expected to decide in the coming weeks.

State officials originally created separate shotgun and rifle zones decades ago as a wildlife management measure. Lawmakers shifted that authority to counties after years of debate.

River Valley Arms and Ammo in Morton, Minn., has tracked county decisions across the state. As of April 13, over 30 counties have approved rifle use, while nine have opted to remain shotgun-only. Another five counties plan to vote by April 14, after Outdoor News’ weekly press time.

Douglas, Le Sueur, and Cottonwood counties held votes on April 7. Douglas and Le Sueur will allow rifles while Cottonwood remains shotgun.

Counties must submit their decisions by May 5 for inclusion in the state hunting regulations booklet. If a county misses the deadline, hunters will have to contact local officials to confirm which firearms are allowed. Although the initial deadline of May 5 is for inclusion in the regulation booklet, legislators didn’t give a hard due date for a decision. Counties will be able to vote on the issue up until the season opens.

“We do expect we’ll hear from everybody by May 5, and those will all be reflected in the hunting regulations book and also online on the DNR website,” said Joe Albert, DNR communications coordinator for the enforcement division. “I would urge people in whatever county you hunt in to get in touch with that county and ask what they decided.”

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DNR enforcement will focus heavily on education during the transition as hunters adjust to the new county-based rules.

Lt. Col. Robert Gorecki, DNR enforcement division assistant director, said although there will be an educational approach, officers will use discretion in the field and may still issue citations when necessary. Gorecki said violations could carry serious consequences. Hunters who use a rifle in a shotgun-only county may face a misdemeanor, along with possible forfeiture of the firearm and deer, fines, restitution and potential loss of hunting privileges.

“Some of these counties that are staying shotgun, there may be people who don’t necessarily agree it should be, but we need to follow the rules,” Gorecki said. “We wanted the counties to have local control so they can decide what’s best for their citizens.”

Local sheriff’s departments also will assist with enforcement, making sure people in their region know and understand the new ordinances pertaining to their area.

Hunters can find updated county decisions through the River Valley Arms website, or by contacting the DNR and local county boards.