SF 1177

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 07/03/2019 10:16am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; allowing use of leashed dogs to track big game under
certain conditions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2018, sections 97A.321,
subdivision 1; 97B.011; 97B.205.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 97A.321, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Owner responsibility; penalty amount.

new text begin Except as provided under section
97B.205, paragraph (b), new text end the owner of a dog that pursues but does not kill or mortally wound
a big game animal is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each violation. The owner of a
dog that kills or mortally wounds a big game animal is subject to a civil penalty of $500 for
each violation.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 97B.011, is amended to read:

97B.011 DOGS PURSUING BIG GAME.

new text begin (a) new text end A person who observes a dog wounding, killing, or pursuing in a manner that
endangers big game may kill the dog:

(1) at any time, if the person is a peace officer or conservation officer; or

(2) between January 1 and July 14, if the person is not a peace officer or conservation
officer and the discharge of firearms is allowed.

The officer or person is not liable for damages for killing the dog.

new text begin (b) This provision does not apply to a dog used in compliance with section 97B.205,
paragraph (b).
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 97B.205, is amended to read:

97B.205 USE OF DOGS AND HORSES TO TAKE BIG GAME PROHIBITED.

new text begin (a) Except as provided under paragraph (b), new text end a person may not use a dog or horse to take
big game.

new text begin (b) A person may use a dog on a leash not exceeding 30 feet in length to follow a blood
trail to retrieve a wounded or dead big-game animal provided that the person does not
possess a firearm, bow, or crossbow. A licensed bear hunter may possess a firearm provided
that the person:
new text end

new text begin (1) has the person's valid bear-hunting license in possession;
new text end

new text begin (2) is on foot; and
new text end

new text begin (3) is following the blood trail of a bear that was shot legally.
new text end