SF 1825

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/25/2025 09:50 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; authorizing the taking of elk causing damage without a
permit; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.655, subdivisions 1, 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.655, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Owners and occupants may take certain animals.

(a) A person or the
person's agent may take bats, snakes, salamanders, lizards, weasel, mink, squirrel, rabbit,
hare, raccoon, bobcat, fox, opossum, muskrat, new text begin elk, new text end or beaver on land owned or occupied by
the person where the animal is causing damage. The person or the person's agent may take
the animal without a license and in any manner except by artificial lights in the closed season
or by poison. Raccoons may be taken under this subdivision with artificial lights during
open season.

(b) Any traps used under this subdivision must be tagged as required under section
97B.928 if placed by an agent of the landowner or occupant.

(c) A person or the person's agent who kills mink, raccoon, bobcat, fox, opossum,
muskrat, new text begin elk, new text end or beaver under this subdivision must notify a conservation officer or employee
of the Fish and Wildlife Division within 24 hours after the animal is killed.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.655, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Special permit for taking protected wild animals.

(a) The commissioner may
issue special permits under section 97A.401, subdivision 5, to take protected wild animals
that are damaging property or to remove or destroy their dens, nests, or houses. new text begin
Notwithstanding section 97A.401, a permit is not required to take elk under subdivision 1.
new text end

(b) Removing or destroying a beaver dam associated with beavers causing damage must
be according to section 97B.665.