HF 3903

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/25/2024 04:20pm

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; requiring an open season for wolves; requiring
establishment of a Northeast Deer Management Task Force; requiring a report;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.645, subdivision 9.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.645, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Open season.

deleted text begin There shall be no deleted text end new text begin (a) The commissioner must prescribe an annual new text end
open season for wolves deleted text begin until after deleted text end new text begin unless new text end the wolf is deleted text begin delisted deleted text end new text begin currently listed new text end under the federal
Endangered Species Act of 1973. deleted text begin After that time, the commissioner may prescribe open
seasons and restrictions for taking wolves but must provide opportunity for public comment. deleted text end new text begin
The season, restrictions, and any other requirements must be consistent with the goals
identified in the wolf management plan adopted under section 97B.646.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must annually consult with the commissioner of agriculture and
the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
before determining the season, restrictions, and other requirements of the open season
required under this section. The consultation must include a review of available data on
wolf depredation on livestock and pets and other incidents of human conflict.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin NORTHEAST DEER MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin By October 1, 2024, the commissioner of natural resources
must establish a Northeast Deer Management Task Force to make recommendations to the
commissioner and the legislature for policy and law changes to increase deer populations
in the northeastern part of the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin Members of the task force must primarily reside or operate in
northeast Minnesota and must include hunters, wildlife managers, Tribal members, a
representative of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, and other interested parties as
determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties; report. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must work in collaboration with the task
force to develop effective and timely policies to increase deer populations in the northeastern
part of the state. The commissioner must meet at least three times per year with the task
force. The task force may at any time make recommendations to the commissioner and the
legislature for policy and law changes designed to increase deer populations in the
northeastern part of the state and must submit a final report to the commissioner and to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
environment and natural resources no later than August 1, 2026.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin The task force expires upon submission of the final report or
on August 1, 2026, whichever is earlier. The terms, compensation, and removal of members
are as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end