HF 2290

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/22/2021 05:24pm

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; modifying restrictions on hunting with artificial lights
and night vision; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 97B.081, subdivision
3; 97B.086.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, 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 deleted text begin from January 1 to March 15 deleted text end while using a handheld artificial
light, provided that the person is:

(i) on foot;

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

deleted text begin (iii) deleted text end new text begin (ii) new 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:

(1) if the person:

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

(ii) is on foot; and

(iii) is following the blood trail of a bear that was shot during legal shooting hours; or

(2) as provided in section 97B.207.

(e) It is not a violation of this section for a licensed deer hunter to cast the rays of a
handheld artificial light to track or retrieve a wounded deer as provided in section 97B.207.

(f) For purposes of this subdivision, "handheld artificial light" means an artificial light
that is carried in the hand or attached to the person.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97B.086, is amended to read:

97B.086 POSSESSING NIGHT VISION OR THERMAL IMAGING EQUIPMENT.

(a) A person may not possess night vision or thermal imaging equipment while taking
wild animals or while having in possession, either individually or as one of a group of
persons, a firearm, bow, or other implement that could be used to take wild animals.

(b) This section does not apply to a firearm that is:

(1) unloaded;

(2) in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm that fully encloses the firearm by
being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened without any portion of the
firearm exposed; and

(3) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.

(c) This section does not apply to a bow that is:

(1) completely encased or unstrung; and

(2) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.

(d) If the motor vehicle under paragraph (b) or (c) does not have a trunk, the firearm or
bow must be placed in the rearmost location of the vehicle.

(e) This section does not apply to night vision new text begin , night vision enhanced with an infrared
illuminator, new text end or thermal imaging equipment possessed by:

(1) peace officers or military personnel while exercising their duties; or

(2) a person taking coyote or fox as provided under section 97B.075 and rules adopted
under section 97B.605.