HF 559

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:39am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; modifying provisions for using artificial lights to locate
animals; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.081, subdivision 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.081, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Without firearms.

(a) deleted text begin Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. deleted text end
From September 1 to December 31, a person may not cast the rays of a spotlight,
headlight, or other artificial light in a field, woodland, or forest to spot, locate, or take a
wild animal except to take raccoons under section 97B.621, subdivision 3, or to tend traps
under section 97B.931.

(b) Between one-half hour after sunset until sunrise, a person may not cast the rays
of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light to spot, locate, or take a wild animal on
fenced, agricultural land containing livestock, as defined in section 17A.03, subdivision 5,
or poultry that is marked with signs prohibiting the shining of lights. The signs must:

(1) display reflectorized letters that are at least two inches in height and state "no
shining" or similar terms; and

(2) be placed at intervals of 1,000 feet or less along the boundary of the area.

(c) It is not a violation of paragraph (a) or (b) for a person to carry out any
agricultural, occupational, or recreational practice, including snowmobiling that is not
related to spotting, locating, or taking a wild animal.

(d) Between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., a person may not project a
spotlight or handheld light onto residential property or building sites from a moving motor
vehicle being operated on land, except for the following purposes:

(1) safety;

(2) emergency response;

(3) normal vehicle operations; or

(4) performing an occupational duty.