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HF 2858

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/26/2018 05:37pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Bill Text Versions

Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 03/26/2018

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; modifying restrictions for using artificial lights while
hunting; amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 97B.081, subdivision 3.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 97B.081, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Exceptions.

(a) It is not a violation of this section for a person to:

(1) cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light to take raccoons
according to section 97B.621, subdivision 3, or tend traps according to section 97B.931;

(2) hunt fox or coyote from January 1 to March 15 while using deleted text begin a handhelddeleted text end new text begin annew text end artificial
light, provided that the person is:

(i) on foot;

(ii) deleted text begin using a shotgun;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (iii)deleted text end not within a public road right-of-way;

deleted text begin (iv)deleted text end new text begin (iii)new text end using a handheld or electronic calling device; and

deleted text begin (v)deleted text end new text begin (iv)new text end not within 200 feet of a motor vehicle; or

(3) cast the rays of a handheld artificial light to retrieve wounded or dead big game
animals, provided that the person is:

(i) on foot; and

(ii) not in possession of a firearm or bow.

(b) It is not a violation of subdivision 2 for a person to cast the rays of a spotlight,
headlight, or other artificial light to:

(1) carry out any agricultural, safety, emergency response, normal vehicle operation, or
occupation-related activities that do not involve taking wild animals; or

(2) carry out outdoor recreation as defined in section 97B.001 that is not related to
spotting, locating, or taking a wild animal.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by the game and fish laws, it is not a violation of this
section for a person to use an electronic range finder device from one-half hour before
sunrise until one-half hour after sunset while lawfully hunting wild animals.

(d) It is not a violation of this section for a licensed bear hunter to cast the rays of a
handheld artificial light to track or retrieve a wounded or dead bear while possessing a
firearm, provided that the person:

(1) has the person's valid bear-hunting license in possession;

(2) is on foot; and

(3) is following the blood trail of a bear that was shot during legal shooting hours.