HF 3395

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; modifying restrictions on using lights to locate animals;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 97B.081, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 97B.081, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

With firearms and bows.

(a) A person may not cast the rays of a
spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light on a highway, or in a field, woodland, or forest,
to spot, locate, or take a wild animal, except while taking raccoons in accordance with
section 97B.621, subdivision 3, or tending traps in accordance with section 97B.931,
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 kill big game.

(b) This subdivision 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 subdivision 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 subdivision does not apply to persons taking raccoons under section
97B.621, subdivision 3.

(f) This subdivision does not apply to a person hunting raccoon, fox, or coyote from
January 1 to March 15 while using a hand-held artificial light, provided that the person:

(1) is on foot;

(2) is not within a public road right-of-way;

(3) is using a hand-held or electronic calling device; and

(4) is not within 200 feet of a motor vehicle.