HF 2819

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/15/2016 09:42am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; allowing the use of night vision equipment when
hunting predators; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.086.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.086, is amended to read:

97B.086 POSSESSION OF 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 or thermal imaging equipment
possessed by peace officers or military personnel while exercising their duties.

new text begin (f) This section does not apply to a person legally taking a predator.
new text end