SF 242

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 02/08/2013 09:00am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; establishing moratorium on moose hunting;
requiring a report.

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

Section 1. new text begin MOOSE HUNTING MORATORIUM.
new text end

new text begin (a) The legislature finds that a temporary moratorium on hunting moose is necessary
to protect Minnesota's moose population. The commissioner of natural resources shall not
issue licenses to take moose and shall not prescribe an open season to take moose under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 97B.501 and 97B.505.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall conduct a study of the moose population in Minnesota,
to include moose numbers, health, mortality, and habitat and the effects of hunting on the
moose population. On the basis of the study, the commissioner shall determine whether
moose can be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental impact on the moose population.
new text end

new text begin (c) By January 1, 2015, the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having
jurisdiction over natural resources. The report must include the results of the study under
paragraph (b) and the determination of whether moose can be hunted in Minnesota without
a detrimental impact on the moose population. If the commissioner determines that moose
cannot be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental impact on the moose population, the
commissioner shall recommend extending the temporary moratorium under this section or
eliminating moose hunting in Minnesota. If the commissioner recommends extending the
temporary moratorium under this section, the commissioner shall thereafter submit reports
biannually regarding the health and numbers of the Minnesota moose population, with
a determination as to whether moose can be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental
impact on the moose population.
new text end

new text begin (d) This section expires upon a determination by the commissioner, submitted
according to paragraph (c), that moose can be hunted in Minnesota without a detrimental
impact on the moose population.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end