Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language
An act
relating to natural resources; modifying commissioner's authorities and duties; modifying definitions; modifying Minnesota Zoo provisions; modifying operating restrictions for all-terrain vehicles; modifying invasive species provisions; modifying watercraft provisions; providing for certain license seizures; modifying game and fish license provisions; modifying requirements for taking game and fish; providing for certain all-terrain vehicle registration and watercraft license exemptions; modifying nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass requirements; requiring rulemaking;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 84.027, subdivision 13, by adding subdivisions; 84.922, subdivision 1a, by adding a subdivision; 84.9256, subdivision 1; 84.9275, subdivision 1; 84.928, subdivision 1; 84D.01, subdivision 15a; 84D.03, subdivision 4; 84D.09; 84D.10, subdivisions 1, 4; 84D.105, subdivision 2; 84D.11, by adding subdivisions; 84D.13, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 85A.02, subdivision 10; 86B.005, subdivision 18, by adding subdivisions; 86B.13, by adding a subdivision; 86B.301, subdivision 2; 86B.501, subdivision 1; 86B.825, subdivision 2; 97A.135, subdivision 3; 97A.420, subdivision 1; 97A.441, subdivisions 6, 6a; 97A.445, subdivision 1; 97A.451, subdivisions 3, 3b, 4, 5, by adding a subdivision; 97A.475, subdivisions 2, 3, 8; 97A.485, subdivision 6; 97B.0215; 97B.022, subdivision 2; 97B.055, subdivision 2; 97B.112; 97C.341; 97C.345, subdivisions 1, 2; 97C.375; 97C.376, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 84D.01, subdivision 22; 97A.451, subdivision 4a; 97C.346; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 5, section 69.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
(a) The commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules under sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459 and this subdivision that are authorized under:
(1) chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C to set open seasons and areas, to close seasons and areas, to select hunters for areas, to provide for tagging and registration of game and fish, to prohibit or allow taking of wild animals to protect a species, to prevent or control wildlife disease, to open or close bodies of water or portions of bodies of water for night bow fishing, and to prohibit or allow importation, transportation, or possession of a wild animal;
(2) sections 84.093, 84.15, and 84.152 to set seasons for harvesting wild ginseng roots and wild rice and to restrict or prohibit harvesting in designated areas; and
(3) section 84D.12 to designate prohibited invasive species, regulated invasive species, unregulated nonnative species, and infested waters.
(b) If conditions exist that do not allow the commissioner to comply with sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459,new text begin including the need to adjust season variables on an annual basis based upon current biological and harvest data,new text end the commissioner may adopt a rule under this subdivision by submitting the rule to the attorney general for review under section 97A.0455, publishing a notice in the State Register and filing the rule with the secretary of state and the Legislative Coordinating Commission, and complying with section 97A.0459, and including a statement of the deleted text begin emergencydeleted text end conditions and a copy of the rule in the notice. The deleted text begin emergencydeleted text end conditions for opening a water body or portion of a water body for night bow fishing under this section may include the need to temporarily open the area to evaluate compatibility of the activity on that body of water prior to permanent rulemaking. The notice may be published after it is received from the attorney general or five business days after it is submitted to the attorney general, whichever is earlier.
(c) Rules adopted under paragraph (b) are effective upon publishing in the State Register and may be effective up to seven days before publishing and filing under paragraph (b), if:
(1) the commissioner of natural resources determines that an emergency exists;
(2) the attorney general approves the rule; and
(3) for a rule that affects more than three counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper published in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, or for a rule that affects three or fewer counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper in each of the affected counties.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e), a rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may not be effective earlier than seven days after publication.
(e) A rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may be effective the day the rule is published if the commissioner gives notice and holds a public hearing on the rule within 15 days before publication.
(f) The commissioner shall attempt to notify persons or groups of persons affected by rules adopted under paragraphs (b) and (c) by public announcements, posting, and other appropriate means as determined by the commissioner.
(g) Notwithstanding section 97A.0458, a rule adopted under this subdivision is effective for the period stated in the notice but not longer than 18 months after the rule is deleted text begin adopteddeleted text end new text begin effectivenew text end .
new text begin Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner may establish, by written order, policies for the use and operation of other power-driven mobility devices, as defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title 28, section 35.104, on lands and in facilities administered by the commissioner for the purposes of implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act, United States Code, title 42, section 12101 et seq. These policies are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. new text end
new text begin The commissioner may allow critically ill persons to purchase, once in a lifetime, hunting licenses otherwise limited by a lottery drawing, which licenses allow for taking game within established hunting seasons or season frameworks. The commissioner may provide the licenses to persons who are participating in a program for critically ill hunters sponsored by a nonprofit organization with expertise in providing hunting opportunities to hunters who are gravely ill or have physical disabilities. The commissioner may provide licenses or permits otherwise limited by drawings, including wild turkey, deer, bear, prairie chicken, and wolf. The commissioner may not allow the purchase of moose and elk licenses under this subdivision. Deer licenses authorized by the commissioner under this subdivision may be for deer of either sex. new text end
All-terrain vehicles exempt from registration are:
(1) vehicles owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, the state, another state, or a political subdivision;
(2) vehicles new text begin that are new text end registered in another state or country deleted text begin thatdeleted text end new text begin andnew text end have not been in this state for more than 30 consecutive daysnew text begin or that are registered by an Indian tribal government to a tribal member and have not been outside the tribal reservation boundary for more than 30 consecutive daysnew text end ;
(3) vehicles that:
(i) are owned by a resident of another state or country that does not require registration of all-terrain vehicles;
(ii) have not been in this state for more than 30 consecutive days; and
(iii) are operated on state and grant-in-aid trails by a nonresident possessing a nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass;
(4) vehicles used exclusively in organized track racing events; and
(5) vehicles that are 25 years old or older and were originally produced as a separate identifiable make by a manufacturer.
new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2014. new text end
new text begin The commissioner shall designate by written order published in the State Register one weekend each year when, notwithstanding subdivision 1, an all-terrain vehicle may be operated on state and grant-in-aid all-terrain vehicle trails without a registration issued under this section. Nonresidents may participate during the designated weekend without a state trail pass required under section 84.9275. new text end
new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end
(a) Except for operation on public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.928new text begin and as provided under paragraph (j)new text end , a driver's license issued by the state or another state is required to operate an all-terrain vehicle along or on a public road right-of-way.
(b) A person under 12 years of age shall not:
(1) make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;
(2) operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or
(3) operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters, except as provided in paragraph (f).
(c) Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person 12 years of age but less than 16 years may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate on public lands and waters or state or grant-in-aid trails, only if that person possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner and is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.
(d) To be issued an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate, a person at least 12 years old, but less than deleted text begin 16deleted text end new text begin 18new text end years old, must:
(1) successfully complete the safety education and training program under section 84.925, subdivision 1, including a riding component; and
(2) be able to properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.
(e) A person at least 11 years of age may take the safety education and training program and may receive an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate under paragraph (d), but the certificate is not valid until the person reaches age 12.
(f) A person at least ten years of age but under 12 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine capacity up to 90cc on public lands or waters if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
(g) A person under 15 years of age shall not operate a class 2 all-terrain vehicle.
(h) A person under the age of 16 may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters or on state or grant-in-aid trails if the person cannot properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.
(i) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), a nonresident at least 12 years old, but less than 16 years old, may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands and waters or state or grant-in-aid trails if:
(1) the nonresident youth has in possession evidence of completing an all-terrain safety course offered by the ATV Safety Institute or another state as provided in section 84.925, subdivision 3; and
(2) the nonresident youth is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.
new text begin (j) A person 12 years of age but less than 16 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle on the bank, slope, or ditch of a public road right-of-way as permitted under section 84.928 if the person: new text end
new text begin (1) possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner; and new text end
new text begin (2) is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on a separate all-terrain vehicle. new text end
(a) new text begin A tribal member exempt from registration under section 84.922, subdivision 1a, clause (2), or new text end a nonresident may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on a state or grant-in-aid all-terrain vehicle trail unless the operator carries a valid nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass in immediate possession. The pass must be available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.
(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment of a $20 fee. The pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid to counties and municipalities for all-terrain vehicle organizations to construct and maintain all-terrain vehicle trails and use areas.
(c) A nonresident all-terrain vehicle state trail pass is not required for:
(1) an all-terrain vehicle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.922, subdivision 1a;
(2) a person operating an all-terrain vehicle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or
(3) a nonresident operating an all-terrain vehicle that is registered according to section 84.922.
new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2014. new text end
(a) Unless otherwise allowed in sections 84.92 to 84.928, a person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle in this state along or on the roadway, shoulder, or inside bank or slope of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway.
(b) A person may operate a class 1 all-terrain vehicle in the ditch or the outside bank or slope of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway unless prohibited under paragraph (d) or (f).
(c) A person may operate a class 2 all-terrain vehiclenew text begin :new text end
new text begin (1) new text end within the public road right-of-way of a county state-aid or county highway on the extreme right-hand side of the road and left turns may be made from any part of the road if it is safe to do so under the prevailing conditions, unless prohibited under paragraph (d) or (f)deleted text begin . A person may operate a class 2 all-terrain vehicledeleted text end new text begin ;new text end
new text begin (2) on the bank, slope, or ditch of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway but only to access businesses or make trail connections, and left turns may be made from any part of the road if it is safe to do so under the prevailing conditions, unless prohibited under paragraph (d) or (f); and new text end
new text begin (3)new text end on the bank or ditch of a public road right-of-way on a designated class 2 all-terrain vehicle trail.
(d) A road authority as defined under section 160.02, subdivision 25, may after a public hearing restrict the use of all-terrain vehicles in the public road right-of-way under its jurisdiction.
(e) The restrictions in paragraphs (a), (d), (h), (i), and (j) do not apply to the operation of an all-terrain vehicle on the shoulder, inside bank or slope, ditch, or outside bank or slope of a trunk, interstate, county state-aid, or county highway:
(1) that is part of a funded grant-in-aid trail; or
(2) when the all-terrain vehicle is owned by or operated under contract with a publicly or privately owned utility or pipeline company and used for work on utilities or pipelines.
(f) The commissioner may limit the use of a right-of-way for a period of time if the commissioner determines that use of the right-of-way causes:
(1) degradation of vegetation on adjacent public property;
(2) siltation of waters of the state;
(3) impairment or enhancement to the act of taking game; or
(4) a threat to safety of the right-of-way users or to individuals on adjacent public property.
The commissioner must notify the road authority as soon as it is known that a closure will be ordered. The notice must state the reasons and duration of the closure.
(g) A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle registered for private use and used for agricultural purposes on a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway in this state if the all-terrain vehicle is operated on the extreme right-hand side of the road, and left turns may be made from any part of the road if it is safe to do so under the prevailing conditions.
(h) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle within the public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway from April 1 to August 1 in the agricultural zone unless the vehicle is being used exclusively as transportation to and from work on agricultural lands. This paragraph does not apply to an agent or employee of a road authority, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, or the Department of Natural Resources when performing or exercising official duties or powers.
(i) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle within the public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, except on the right-hand side of the right-of-way and in the same direction as the highway traffic on the nearest lane of the adjacent roadway.
(j) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle at any time within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or freeway within this state.
"Service provider" means an individual who or entity thatnew text begin :new text end
new text begin (1) decontaminates,new text end installsnew text begin ,new text end or removes water-related equipment or structures new text begin into or new text end from waters of the state for hire or as a service provided as a benefit of membership in a yacht club, boat club, marina, or similar organizationnew text begin ; ornew text end
new text begin (2) rents or leases water-related equipment that will be used in, placed into, or removed from waters of the statenew text end .
Service provider does not include a person working under the supervision of an individual with a valid service provider permit issued under section 84D.108.
(a) All nets, traps, buoys, anchors, stakes, and lines used for commercial fishing or turtle, frog, or crayfish harvesting in an infested water that is designated because it contains invasive fish, invertebrates, or certifiable diseases, as defined in section 17.4982, may not be used in any other waters. If a commercial licensee operates in an infested water designated because it contains invasive fish, invertebrates, or certifiable diseases, as defined in section 17.4982, all nets, traps, buoys, anchors, stakes, and lines used for commercial fishing or turtle, frog, or crayfish harvesting in waters designated as infested with invasive fish, invertebrates, or certifiable diseases, as defined in section 17.4982, must be tagged with tags provided by the commissioner, as specified in the commercial licensee's license or permit. This tagging requirement does not apply to commercial fishing equipment used in Lake Superior.
(b) All nets, traps, buoys, anchors, stakes, and lines used for commercial fishing or turtle, frog, or crayfish harvesting in an infested water that is designated solely because it contains Eurasian water milfoil must be dried for a minimum of ten days or frozen for a minimum of two days before they are used in any other waters, except as provided in this paragraph. Commercial licensees must notify the department's regional or area fisheries office or a conservation officer before removing nets or equipment from an infested water designated solely because it contains Eurasian water milfoil and before resetting those nets or equipment in any other waters. Upon notification, the commissioner may authorize a commercial licensee to move nets or equipment to another water without freezing or drying, if that water is designated as infested solely because it contains Eurasian water milfoil.
(c) A commercial licensee must remove all aquatic macrophytes from nets and other equipment deleted text begin when the nets and equipment are removed fromdeleted text end new text begin before placing the equipment intonew text end waters of the state.
(d) The commissioner shall provide a commercial licensee with a current listing of designated infested waters at the time that a license or permit is issued.
new text begin Unless specifically authorized under a license or permit issued by the commissioner, new text end a person may not transport aquatic macrophytes, except as provided in this section.
Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a person may transport aquatic macrophytes:
(1) that are duckweeds in the family Lemnaceae;
deleted text begin (2) for disposal as part of a harvest or control activity when specifically authorized under an aquatic plant management permit pursuant to section 103G.615, under permit pursuant to section 84D.11, or as specified by the commissioner; deleted text end
deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end for purposes of constructing shooting or observation blinds in amounts sufficient for that purpose, provided that the aquatic macrophytes are emergent and cut above the waterline;
deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end when legally purchased or traded by or from commercial or hobbyist sources for aquarium, wetland or lakeshore restoration, or ornamental purposes;
deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end when harvested for personal or commercial use if in a motor vehicle;
deleted text begin (6)deleted text end new text begin (5)new text end to the department, or another destination as the commissioner may direct, in a sealed container for purposes of identifying a species or reporting the presence of a species;
deleted text begin (7) when transporting commercial aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment to a suitable location for purposes of cleaning any remaining aquatic macrophytes; deleted text end
deleted text begin (8)deleted text end new text begin (6)new text end that are wild rice harvested under section 84.091;
deleted text begin (9)deleted text end new text begin (7)new text end in the form of fragments of emergent aquatic macrophytes incidentally transported in or on watercraft or decoys used for waterfowl hunting during the waterfowl season; or
deleted text begin (10)deleted text end new text begin (8)new text end when removing water-related equipment from waters of the state for purposes of cleaning off aquatic macrophytes before leaving a water access site.
A person may not place or attempt to place into waters of the state water-related equipment, including aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment that has aquatic macrophytesdeleted text begin , zebra mussels,deleted text end or prohibited invasive species attached except as provided in this section.
(a) When leaving waters of the state a person must drain water-related equipment holding water and live wells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the water-related equipment off the water access site or riparian property.
(b) Drain plugs, bailers, valves, or other devices used to control the draining of water from ballast tanks, bilges, and live wells must be removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment.
(c) Emergency response vehicles and equipment may be transported on a public road with the drain plug or other similar device replaced only after all water has been drained from the equipment upon leaving the water body.
(d) Portable bait containers used by licensed aquatic farms, portable bait containers when fishing through the ice except on waters designated infested for viral hemorrhagic septicemia, and marine sanitary systems are exempt from this subdivision.
(e) A person must not dispose of bait in waters of the state.
(f) A boat lift, dock, swim raft, or associated equipment that has been removed from any water body may not be placed in another water body until a minimum of 21 days have passed.
new text begin (g) A person who transports water that is appropriated from noninfested surface water bodies and that is transported by a commercial vehicle, excluding watercraft, or commercial trailer, which vehicle or trailer is specifically designed and used for water hauling, is exempt from paragraphs (a) and (b), provided that the person does not discharge the transported water to other surface waters or within 100 feet of a surface water body. new text end
new text begin (h) A person transporting water from noninfested surface water bodies for firefighting or emergencies that threaten human safety or property is exempt from paragraphs (a) and (b). new text end
(a) The commissioner shall train and authorize individuals to inspect water-related equipment for aquatic macrophytes, aquatic invasive species, and water. The commissioner may enter into a delegation agreement with a tribal or local government where inspection authority as provided under paragraphs (b), (g), and (h) is delegated to tribal and local governments that assume all legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for inspection programs on some or all public waters within their jurisdiction.
(b) Inspectors may visually and tactilely inspect watercraft and water-related equipment to determine whether aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present. If a person transporting watercraft or water-related equipment refuses to take required corrective actions or fails to comply with an order under section 84D.10, subdivision 3, an inspector who is not a licensed peace officer shall refer the violation to a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer.
(c) In addition to paragraph (b), a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may inspect any watercraft or water-related equipment that is stopped at a water access site, any other public location in the state, or a private location where the watercraft or water-related equipment is in plain view, if the officer determines there is reason to believe that aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present on the watercraft or water-related equipment.
(d) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may utilize check stations in locations, or in proximity to locations, where watercraft or other water-related equipment is placed into or removed from waters of the state. Any check stations shall be operated in a manner that minimizes delays to vehicles, equipment, and their occupants.
(e) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may order water-related equipment to be removed from a water body if the commissioner determines such action is needed to implement aquatic invasive species control measures.
(f) The commissioner may require mandatory inspections of water-related equipment before a person places or removes water-related equipment into or out of a water body. Inspection stations may be located at or near public water accesses or in locations that allow for servicingnew text begin individual ornew text end multiple water bodies. The commissioner shall ensure that inspection stations:
(1) have adequate staffing to minimize delays to vehicles and their occupants;
(2) allow for reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations if inspection is required before placing water-related equipment into a water body;
(3) are located so as not to create traffic delays or public safety issues;
(4) have decontamination equipment available to bring water-related equipment into compliance; and
(5) do not reduce the capacity or hours of operation of public water accesses.
(g) The commissioner may authorize tribal and local governments that enter into a delegation agreement with the commissioner to conduct mandatory inspections of water-related equipment at specified locations within a defined area before a person places or removes water-related equipment into or out of a water body. Tribal and local governments that are authorized to conduct inspections under this paragraph must:
(1) assume all legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for implementing the mandatory inspections, alone or in agreement with other tribal or local governments;
(2) employ inspectors that have been trained and authorized by the commissioner;
(3) conduct inspections and decontamination measures in accordance with guidelines approved by the commissioner;
(4) have decontamination equipment available at inspection stations or identify alternative decontamination equipment locations within a reasonable distance of the inspection station that can bring water-related equipment into compliance;
(5) provide for inspection station locations that do not create traffic delays or public safety issues; and
(6) submit a plan approved by the commissioner according to paragraph (h).
(h) Plans required under paragraph (g) must address:
(1) no reduction in capacity or hours of operation of public accesses and fees that do not discourage or limit use;
(2) reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations;
(3) adequate staffing to minimize wait times and provide adequate hours of operation at inspection stations and public accesses;
(4) adequate enforcement capacity;
(5) measures to address inspections of water-related equipment at public water accesses for commercial entities and private riparian land owners; and
(6) other elements as required by the commissioner to ensure statewide consistency, appropriate inspection and decontamination protocols, and protection of the state's resources, public safety, and access to public waters.
(i) A government unit authorized to conduct inspections under this subdivision must submit an annual report to the commissioner summarizing the results and issues related to implementing the inspection program.
(j) The commissioner may waive the plan requirement in paragraph (g) for inspection programs where authorized inspectors are placed directly at one or more water access sites, with no requirement for a person to travel from the water access for inspection or decontamination, and no local ordinance or other regulation requiring a mandatory inspection before placing watercraft or water-related equipment into a water body or after watercraft or water-related equipment are removed from a water body.
new text begin The commissioner may issue a permit under this section or an authorization under other licenses or permits pursuant to sections 97C.801, 97C.811, and 103G.271 to allow the transport of water in containers or water-related equipment specifically designed and used for hauling water. new text end
new text begin The commissioner may issue a permit to allow the transport of aquatic macrophytes to locations specified in the permit for purposes of research, education, and decontaminating equipment. new text end
new text begin The commissioner may issue special permits for the activities in this section. A special permit may be issued in the form of a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more activities under a single permit. new text end
The authority of conservation officers new text begin and other licensed peace officers new text end to issue civil citations is in addition to other remedies available under law, except that the state may not seek penalties under any other provision of law for the incident subject to the citation.
new text begin A person who is convicted of or subject to a final order for a violation of this chapter involving water-related equipment must successfully complete a training course as provided in section 86B.13. new text end
new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2015. new text end
new text begin (a) new text end The board shall not be subject to the provisions of chapters 17, deleted text begin 19, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101deleted text end new text begin 35, 97A, 97B, and 97Cnew text end , and section 343.21, subdivision 8, relating to purchase, barter, sale, possession, breeding, or transporting wild animalsnew text begin , but must comply with paragraph (b)new text end .
new text begin (b) The board must request a permit from the Board of Animal Health for any exemption from the provisions of chapter 35 or rules adopted thereunder and from the Department of Natural Resources for any exemption from the provisions of chapters 97A, 97B, 97C, or rules adopted thereunder. new text end
new text begin "Rice boat" means a nonmotorized watercraft being used for harvesting wild rice. new text end
"Watercraft" means any contrivance used or designed for navigation on water, except:
(1) a deleted text begin duckdeleted text end new text begin waterfowl new text end boat during the deleted text begin duckdeleted text end new text begin waterfowl new text end hunting deleted text begin seasondeleted text end new text begin seasonsnew text end ;
(2) a rice boat during the harvest season; or
(3) a seaplane.
new text begin "Waterfowl boat" means a watercraft being used while hunting waterfowl. new text end
new text begin A person who is convicted of or subject to a final order for a violation of chapter 84D involving water-related equipment must successfully complete the training course in subdivision 1 before continuing operation or use of water-related equipment. new text end
new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2015. new text end
A watercraft license is not required for:
(1) a watercraft that is covered by a license or number in full force and effect under federal law or a federally approved licensing or numbering system of another state, and has not been within this state for more than 90 consecutive days, which does not include days that a watercraft is laid up at dock over winter or for repairs at a Lake Superior port or another port in the state;
(2) a watercraft from a country other than the United States that has not been within this state for more than 90 consecutive days, which does not include days that a watercraft is laid up at dock over winter or for repairs at a Lake Superior port or another port in the state;
(3) a watercraft owned by the United States, an Indian tribal government, a state, or a political subdivision of a state, except watercraft used for recreational purposes;
(4) a ship's lifeboat;
(5) a watercraft that has been issued a valid marine document by the United States government;
(6) a deleted text begin duckdeleted text end new text begin waterfowlnew text end boat during deleted text begin duckdeleted text end new text begin waterfowlnew text end hunting season;
(7) a rice boat during the harvest season;
(8) a seaplane; deleted text begin anddeleted text end
(9) a nonmotorized watercraft ten feet in length or lessnew text begin ; andnew text end
new text begin (10) a watercraft that is covered by a valid license or number issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in the state under a federally approved licensing or numbering system and that is owned by a member of that tribenew text end .
new text begin Clause (10) is effective January 1, 2015. new text end
(a) Watercraft and deleted text begin duckdeleted text end new text begin waterfowl new text end boats using the waters of this state must be equipped with the number and type of personal flotation or lifesaving devices prescribed by the commissioner.
(b) The commissioner may not:
(1) require sailboards to be equipped with personal flotation or lifesaving devices; or
(2) require persons on sailboards to wear personal flotation or lifesaving devices or have them readily available.
A watercraft is not required to have a certificate of title if the watercraft is:
(1) owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale;
(2) used by a manufacturer solely for testing;
(3) from a jurisdiction other than this state, temporarily using the waters of this state;
(4) owned by the United States, a state, this state, or a political subdivision;
(5) a deleted text begin duckdeleted text end new text begin waterfowl new text end boat used only during deleted text begin duckdeleted text end new text begin waterfowl new text end hunting season;
(6) a rice boat used only during the wild rice harvesting season;
(7) owned by a person, firm, or corporation operating a resort as defined in section 157.15 or a recreational camping area as defined in section 327.14, subdivision 8, except with respect to a previously titled watercraft; or
(8) watercraft manufactured prior to August 1, 1979.
On any public hunting, game refuge, wildlife management area, new text begin aquatic management area, new text end or scientific and natural area lands, the commissioner may enter into written cooperative farming agreements on a sharecrop basis, without competitive bidding, for the purpose of wildlife and plant management. Cooperative farming agreements may also be used to allow pasturing of livestock. The agreements may provide for the bartering of a share of any crop, produced from these lands, for services or products that will enhance or benefit the management of state lands for plant and animal species. Cooperative farming agreements pursuant to this section shall not be considered leases for tax purposes under section 272.01, subdivision 2, or 273.19.
(a) An enforcement officer shall immediately seize the license of a person who unlawfully takes, transports, or possesses wild animals when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds $500. Except as provided in subdivisions 2, 4, and 5, the person may not new text begin use or new text end obtain any license to take the same type of wild animals involved, including a duplicate license, until an action is taken under subdivision 6.new text begin If the license seized under this paragraph was for a big game animal, the license seizure applies to all licenses to take big game issued to the individual. If the license seized under this paragraph was for small game animals, the license seizure applies to all licenses to take small game issued to the individual.new text end
(b) In addition to the license seizure under paragraph (a), if the restitution value of the wild animals unlawfully taken, possessed, or transported is $5,000 or more, all other game and fish licenses held by the person shall be immediately seized. Except as provided in subdivision 2, 4, or 5, the person may not obtain any game or fish license or permit, including a duplicate license, until an action is taken under subdivision 6.
(c) A person may not take wild animals covered by a license seized under this subdivision until an action is taken under subdivision 6.
A person authorized to issue licenses must issue, without a fee, a license to take deer with firearms or by archery to a resident that is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, and that has a 100 percent service connected disability as defined by the United States Veterans Administration upon being furnished satisfactory evidence.new text begin The commissioner, upon request, must issue a permanent card documenting satisfactory evidence of 100 percent permanently disabled status. The card serves as satisfactory evidence to obtain a license under this subdivision at all agent locations.new text end
A person authorized to issue licenses must issue, without a fee, a license to take small game to a resident who is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, and who has a 100 percent service connected disability as defined by the United States Veterans Administration upon being furnished satisfactory evidence.new text begin The commissioner, upon request, must issue a permanent card documenting satisfactory evidence of 100 percent permanently disabled status. The card serves as satisfactory evidence to obtain a license under this subdivision at all agent locations.new text end
new text begin (a) new text end A resident age 16 years or older may take fish by angling without an angling deleted text begin ordeleted text end new text begin license and may take fish by spearing from a dark house without a spearing license and without a new text end fish house new text begin or dark house new text end license during one three-day consecutive period of the open water angling season and one three-day consecutive period of the ice angling season designated by deleted text begin rule ofdeleted text end the commissioner if new text begin the resident is new text end accompanied by a child who is under age 16. new text begin The commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, establish the three-day consecutive periods. The written order is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.new text end
new text begin (b) new text end The commissioner deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin may designate and new text end publicize the three-day periods as "Take a Kid Fishing Weekend" for the open water angling season and "Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend" for the ice angling season.new text begin The commissioner shall announce the date of each three-day weekend at least 30 days in advance of the date it occurs.new text end
new text begin Residents age 16 or over and under age 18 may take fish by spearing without a spearing license but must possess a fishing license under section 97A.475, subdivision 6, clause (7). new text end
(a) A resident new text begin or nonresident new text end under age 16 may not obtain a small game license but may take small game by firearms or bow and arrow without a license if the resident new text begin or nonresident new text end is:
(1) age 14 or 15 and possesses a firearms safety certificate;
(2) age 13, possesses a firearms safety certificate, and is accompanied by a parent or guardian;
(3) age 13, 14, or 15,new text begin andnew text end possesses an apprentice hunter validationdeleted text begin , and is accompanied by a parent or guardian who possesses a small game license that was not obtained using an apprentice hunter validationdeleted text end new text begin as provided under section 97B.022new text end ; or
(4) age 12 or under and is accompanied by a parent or guardian.
(b) A resident under age 16 may take small game, other than wolves, by trapping without a small game license, but a resident 13 years of age or older must have a trapping license. A resident under age 13 may trap small game, other than wolves, without a trapping license, but may not register fisher, otter, bobcat, or pine marten unless the resident is at least age five. Any fisher, otter, bobcat, or pine marten taken by a resident under age five must be included in the limit of the accompanying parent or guardian.
(c) A resident new text begin or nonresident new text end under age 13 must obtain a free turkey license to take turkey and may take a turkey without a firearms safety certificate if the resident new text begin or nonresident new text end is accompanied by an adult parent or guardian who has a firearms safety certificate.
(d) A resident under age 13 may apply for a prairie chicken license and may take a prairie chicken without a firearms safety certificate if the resident is accompanied by an adult parent or guardian who has a firearms safety certificate.
deleted text begin (a)deleted text end A nonresident age 16 or over and under age 18 may take small game by firearms or archery and may obtain a small game license at the youth fee under section 97A.475, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (14), if the nonresident possesses a firearms safety certificatenew text begin or an apprentice hunter validation as provided under section 97B.022new text end .
deleted text begin (b) A nonresident under age 16 may take small game by firearms or archery and may obtain a small game license without paying the applicable fees under section 97A.475, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5, if the nonresident is: deleted text end
deleted text begin (1) age 14 or 15 and possesses a firearms safety certificate; deleted text end
deleted text begin (2) age 13, possesses a firearms safety certificate, and is accompanied by a parent or guardian; or deleted text end
deleted text begin (3) age 12 or under and is accompanied by a parent or guardian. deleted text end
new text begin (a) A resident or nonresident age 12, 13, 14, or 15 may not obtain a license to take big game unless the person possesses a firearms safety certificate or an apprentice hunter validation as provided under section 97B.022. A nonresident age 12 or 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to hunt big game. new text end
new text begin (b)new text end A resident new text begin or nonresident new text end age ten or deleted text begin over and under age 13deleted text end new text begin 11 must obtain a license under paragraph (c) andnew text end may take big game, provided the person is under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian where the parent or guardian is within immediate reach.
new text begin (c)new text end A resident new text begin or nonresident new text end age ten deleted text begin or over and under age 13deleted text end new text begin , 11, or 12new text end must obtain a license to take big game deleted text begin and may obtain the license without paying the fee requireddeleted text end under section 97A.475, subdivision 2new text begin or 3new text end .
(a) A nonresident under age 16 may:
(1) take fish by angling without a license if a parent or guardian has a fishing license. Fish taken by a nonresident under age 16 without a license must be included in the limit of the parent or guardian;
(2) purchase a youth fishing license under section 97A.475, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), clause (8), and possess a limit of fish; or
(3) be included under a nonresident family angling license and possess a limit of fish.
(b) A nonresident age 16 or over and under age 18 must purchase a youth license to angle under section 97A.475, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), clause (8).
new text begin (c) Nonresidents age 16 or over and under age 18 may take fish by spearing without a spearing license but must possess a fishing license under section 97A.475, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), clause (8). new text end
new text begin (d) Nonresidents under age 16 may take fish by spearing without a spearing or angling license. new text end
new text begin (e) Limits for fish taken by spearing must comply with one of the options listed under paragraph (a). new text end
Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to residents only, are:
(1) for persons age 18 or over and under age 65 to take small game, $15.50;
(2) for persons age 65 or over, $7 to take small game;
(3) for persons age 18 or over to take turkey, $26;
(4) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take turkey, $5;
(5) for persons age 18 or over to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season, $30;
(6) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by archery, $30;
(7) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, $30;
(8) to take moose, for a party of not more than six persons, $356;
(9) to take bear, $44;
(10) to take elk, for a party of not more than two persons, $287;
(11) to take Canada geese during a special season, $4;
(12) to take prairie chickens, $23;
(13) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season, $5;
(14) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer by archery, $5;
(15) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, $5;
(16) for persons age 18 or over to take small game for a consecutive 72-hour period selected by the licensee, $19, of which an amount equal to: one-half of the fee for the migratory waterfowl stamp under subdivision 5, clause (1), shall be deposited in the waterfowl habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 2; one-half of the fee for the pheasant stamp under subdivision 5, clause (2), shall be deposited in the pheasant habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 4; and one-half of the small game surcharge under subdivision 4, shall be deposited in the wildlife acquisition account;
(17) for persons age 16 or over and under age 18 to take small game, $5; deleted text begin anddeleted text end
(18) to take wolf, $30deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ;new text end
new text begin (19) for persons age 12 and under to take turkey, no fee; new text end
new text begin (20) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by firearm, no fee; new text end
new text begin (21) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by archery, no fee; and new text end
new text begin (22) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, no fee. new text end
(a) Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to nonresidents, are:
(1) for persons age 18 or over to take small game, $90.50;
(2) for persons age 18 or over to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season, $160;
(3) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by archery, $160;
(4) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, $160;
(5) to take bear, $225;
(6) for persons age 18 or over to take turkey, $91;
(7) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take turkey, deleted text begin $13deleted text end new text begin $5new text end ;
(8) to take raccoon or bobcat, $178;
(9) to take Canada geese during a special season, $4;
(10) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season in any open season option or time period, deleted text begin $15deleted text end new text begin $5new text end ;
(11) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer by archery, deleted text begin $15deleted text end new text begin $5new text end ;
(12) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer during the muzzleloader season, deleted text begin $15deleted text end new text begin $5new text end ;
(13) for persons age 18 or over to take small game for a consecutive 72-hour period selected by the licensee, $75, of which an amount equal to: one-half of the fee for the migratory waterfowl stamp under subdivision 5, clause (1), shall be deposited in the waterfowl habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 2; one-half of the fee for the pheasant stamp under subdivision 5, clause (2), shall be deposited in the pheasant habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 4; and one-half of the small game surcharge under subdivision 4, shall be deposited into the wildlife acquisition account;
(14) for persons age 16 deleted text begin and over and under age 18deleted text end new text begin or 17new text end to take small game, deleted text begin $15deleted text end new text begin $5new text end ; deleted text begin anddeleted text end
(15) to take wolf, $250deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ;new text end
new text begin (16) for persons age 12 and under to take turkey, no fee; new text end
new text begin (17) for persons age ten, 11, or 12 to take deer by firearm, no fee; new text end
new text begin (18) for persons age ten, 11, or 12 to take deer by archery, no fee; and new text end
new text begin (19) for persons age ten, 11, or 12 to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, no fee. new text end
(b) A $5 surcharge shall be added to nonresident hunting licenses issued under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (6) and (8). An additional commission may not be assessed on this surcharge.
(a) The commissioner shall issue Minnesota sporting licenses to residents only. The licensee may take fish by angling and small game. The fee for the license is:
(1) for an individual, $31.50; and
(2) for a combined license for a married couple to take fish and for one spouse to take small game, $45.50.
(b) The commissioner shall issue Minnesota super sports licenses to residents only. The licensee may take fish by angling, including trout; small game, including pheasant and waterfowl; and deer by firearms or muzzleloader or by archery. The fee for the super sports license, including all required stamp validations is:
(1) for an individual age 18 or over, deleted text begin $92.50deleted text end new text begin $86.50new text end ; and
(2) for a combined license for a married couple to take fish, including the trout and salmon stamp validation, and for one spouse to take small game, including pheasant and waterfowl, and deer, deleted text begin $118.50deleted text end new text begin $110.50new text end .
(c) Revenue for the stamp endorsements under paragraph (b) shall be deposited according to section 97A.075, subdivisions 2, 3, and 4.
(d) Revenue for the deer license endorsement under paragraph (b) shall be deposited according to section 97A.075, subdivision 1.
(a) Persons authorized to sell licenses under this section must issue the following licenses for the license fee and the following issuing fees:
(1) to take deer or bear with firearms and by archery, the issuing fee is $1;
(2) Minnesota sporting, the issuing fee is $1;
(3) to take small game, to take fish by angling or by spearing, and to trap fur-bearing animals, the issuing fee is $1;
new text begin (4) to apply for a limited hunt drawing, the issuing fee is $1 unless the application requires a license purchase at the time of application and the license purchase requires an application fee; new text end
new text begin (5) for a prairie chicken license, the issuing fee is $1; new text end
new text begin (6) for a turkey license, the issuing fee is $1; new text end
new text begin (7) for an elk license, the issuing fee is $1; new text end
new text begin (8) for a moose license, the issuing fee is $1; new text end
new text begin (9) for a wolf license, the issuing fee is $1; new text end
deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (10)new text end for a stamp validation that is not issued simultaneously with a license, an issuing fee of 50 cents may be charged at the discretion of the authorized seller;
deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (11)new text end for stamp validations issued simultaneously with a license, there is no fee;
deleted text begin (6)deleted text end new text begin (12)new text end for licenses, seals, tags, or coupons issued without a fee under section 97A.441 or 97A.465, deleted text begin andeleted text end new text begin the new text end issuing fee deleted text begin of 50 cents may be charged at the discretion of the authorized sellerdeleted text end new text begin is $1new text end ;
deleted text begin (7)deleted text end new text begin (13)new text end for lifetime licenses, there is no fee; and
deleted text begin (8)deleted text end new text begin (14)new text end for all other licenses, permits, renewals, or applications or any other transaction through the electronic licensing system under this chapter or any other chapter when an issuing fee is not specified, an issuing fee of deleted text begin 50 centsdeleted text end new text begin $1 new text end may be charged at the discretion of the authorized seller.
(b) Only one issuing fee may be collected when selling more than one stamp in the same transaction after the end of the season for which the stamp was issued.
(c) The agent shall keep the issuing fee as a commission for selling the licenses.
(d) The commissioner shall collect the issuing fee on licenses sold by the commissioner.
(e) A license, except stamps, must state the amount of the issuing fee and that the issuing fee is kept by the seller as a commission for selling the licenses.
(f) For duplicate licenses, including licenses issued without a fee, the issuing fees are:
(1) for licenses to take big game, 75 cents; and
(2) for other licenses, 50 cents.
(g) The commissioner may issue one-day angling licenses in books of ten licenses each to fishing guides operating charter boats upon receipt of payment of all license fees, excluding the issuing fee required under this section. Copies of sold and unsold licenses shall be returned to the commissioner. The commissioner shall refund the charter boat captain for the license fees of all unsold licenses. Copies of sold licenses shall be maintained by the commissioner for one year.
A parent or deleted text begin legaldeleted text end guardian of a minor may not knowingly direct, allow, or permit the minor to hunt without the required license, permit, training, or certification, or in violation of the game and fish laws.
new text begin (a) new text end A resident new text begin or nonresident new text end born after December 31, 1979, who is age 12 or over and who does not possess a hunter education firearms safety certificate may be issued an apprentice hunter validation. An apprentice hunter validation may be purchased two license years in a lifetime and used to obtain hunting licenses during the same license year that the validation is purchased.
new text begin (b)new text end An individual in possession of an apprentice hunter validation may hunt small game, deer, and bear only when accompanied by an adult deleted text begin licensed to huntdeleted text end new text begin who has a valid license to hunt the same species of game new text end in Minnesota new text begin and new text end whose license was not obtained using an apprentice hunter validation.
new text begin (c) When an individual in possession of an apprentice hunter validation is hunting turkey or prairie chicken under paragraph (b), the accompanying adult may be licensed for another permit area or time period but must be licensed for the same season as the apprentice hunter. If the accompanying adult is not licensed for the same permit area or time period as the apprentice hunter, the accompanying adult may not shoot or possess a firearm or bow while accompanying the apprentice hunter under this paragraph. new text end
new text begin (d)new text end An apprentice hunter validation holder must obtain all required licenses and stamps.
A person may not take a wild animal with a firearm or by archery from a motor vehicle except as permitted in this section. Notwithstanding section 97B.091, a person may transport a bow uncased while in deleted text begin an electric motor-powered boatdeleted text end new text begin a motorized watercraftnew text end and may take rough fish while in the boatnew text begin as provided in section 97C.376, subdivision 3new text end .
The commissioner may by rule establish criteria, special seasons, and limits for youth new text begin and adult new text end hunters to take big game and small game by firearms or archery in designated areas or timesnew text begin as part of the agency's overall effort in hunter recruitment and retentionnew text end . The criteria may also include provisions for an unlicensed adult to assist a deleted text begin youthdeleted text end hunter during a special season or special hunt established under this section.
(a) A person may not use live minnows imported from outside of the state, game fish, goldfish, or carp for bait.new text begin Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (d),new text end the commissioner maydeleted text begin , by written order published in the State Register,deleted text end new text begin adopt rules tonew text end authorize new text begin the new text end use of game fish eggs as bait new text begin in Lake Superior and its tributaries below the posted boundaries new text end and prescribe restrictions on their use. deleted text begin The order is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.deleted text end
(b) A person may not import or possess live, frozen, or processed bait from known waters where viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been identified as being present: (1) unless the bait has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner; or (2) except as provided in paragraph (c). For purposes of this paragraph, "bait" includes fish, aquatic worms, amphibians, invertebrates, and insects used for taking wild animals in waters of the state.
(c) Cisco and rainbow smelt taken under rules adopted by the commissioner may be used as:
(1) fresh or frozen bait only on Lake Superior; or
(2) bait that has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner.
(d) To ensure that frozen or dead fish being brought into the state are not in violation of paragraph (b), the following paperwork must accompany the shipment. Documents must be open for inspection by the commissioner at any reasonable time. All documents must be available to purchasers of these bait items. Each container or package of frozen or dead fish must have the following information:
(1) water body source;
(2) lot number;
(3) company contact including name, phone, and address;
(4) date of packaging and labeling; and
(5) valid negative fish health certification from the source water body.
Except as specifically authorized, a person may not take fish new text begin with a spear new text end from the third Monday in February to deleted text begin April 30 with a spear,deleted text end new text begin the Friday before the last Saturday in April and may not take fish with anew text end fish trap, net, dip net, seine, or other device capable of taking fishnew text begin from the third Monday in February to April 30new text end .
(a) Except as specifically authorized, a person may not possess a spear, fish trap, net, dip net, seine, or other device capable of taking fish on or near any waters. Possession includes personal possession and in a vehicle.
(b) A person may possess deleted text begin spears,deleted text end dip netsdeleted text begin ,deleted text end and spear guns allowed under section 97C.381 on or near waters between sunrise and sunset from May 1 to the last Sunday in February, or as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.new text begin A person may possess a spear on or near waters between sunrise and sunset from the last Saturday in April to the last Sunday in February, or as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.new text end
new text begin (a) new text end A resident or nonresident may take rough fish by spearing new text begin according to paragraph (b) and new text end during the times, in waters, and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.
new text begin (b) Suckers may be taken by spearing from the last Saturday in April through the last Sunday in February. new text end
new text begin (a) new text end The new text begin regular new text end bow fishing season for residents and nonresidents is from deleted text begin May 1deleted text end new text begin the last Saturday in Aprilnew text end to the last Sunday in February at any time of the day.
new text begin (b) The early bow fishing season for residents and nonresidents is open only south of State Highway 210 from the Monday after the last Sunday in February to the Friday before the last Saturday in April at any time of the day. During the early season, a person may bow fish: new text end
new text begin (1) only from a boat; and new text end
new text begin (2) only while on a lake or on the Mississippi, Minnesota, or St. Croix River. new text end
A person may possess bows and arrows for the purposes of bow fishing on or within 100 feet of waters at any time from deleted text begin May 1deleted text end new text begin the last Saturday in Aprilnew text end to the last Sunday in Februarynew text begin and at other times on lakes and rivers south of State Highway 210 as specified in subdivision 1, paragraph (b)new text end , subject to local ordinances. A person must take reasonable measures to retrieve arrows and wounded fish.
new text begin (a) new text end From sunset to sunrise, deleted text begin a person bow fishing with the assistance of a gasoline-powered motor must use a four-stroke engine powered generator.deleted text end the noise limits for total noise while bow fishing deleted text begin from sunset to sunrise shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end not exceed a noise level of 65 decibels on the A scale measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorboat or equivalent noise levels at other distances as specified by the commissioner in a pass-by test deleted text begin or 67 decibels on the A scale measured at idle in a stationary test at least four feet above the water and at least four feet behind the transom of the motorboat being testeddeleted text end .
new text begin (b) The noise limits under paragraph (a) shall be determined under a test procedure approved by the commissioner under section 86B.321, subdivision 2. new text end
new text begin (c) The noise limits in paragraph (a) do not preclude enforcement of other laws relating to motorboat noise. new text end
new text begin (d)new text end The noise levels under section 86B.321 apply to persons traveling to and from bow fishing sites from sunset to sunrise.
new text begin The commissioner of natural resources may not impose an antler point restriction in areas outside the Series 300 deer permit areas, other than that imposed under Minnesota Rules, part 6232.0200, subpart 6, unless the legislature approves the antler point restriction. new text end
new text begin (a) The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 6262.0100, by adding a subpart to read: new text end
new text begin "Spawn bags may be bought or sold only if the bags are made with: new text end
new text begin A. fish eggs from a licensed aquaculture facility; or new text end
new text begin B. fish eggs that are: new text end
new text begin (1) legally taken from a source outside Minnesota that has been certified disease-free; and new text end
new text begin (2) preserved and labeled as required under a bait preservation permit. Records must be maintained as required for bait preservation permits." new text end
new text begin (b) The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 6262.0300, subpart 5, to read: new text end
new text begin "A. Except as provided in this subpart, the taking of fish for bait purposes from all Minnesota waters of Lake Superior and all waters of the St. Louis River downstream of the Fond du Lac Dam in St. Louis and Carlton Counties, including any and all outflows, estuaries, streams, creeks, or waters adjacent to or flowing into these waters is prohibited. new text end
new text begin B. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 84D.03, subdivision 3, and 97C.341, paragraph (b), eggs from legally taken and possessed trout harvested from Lake Superior or its tributaries below the posted boundaries may be used to make spawn bags for bait as provided in this item and as authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 97C.341, paragraph (a). Spawn bags may be used only in Lake Superior and its tributaries below the posted boundaries and may be transported to and from Lake Superior or its tributaries below the posted boundaries." new text end
new text begin (c) The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388. new text end
new text begin (a) The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 6133.0030, by adding a new item establishing the wildlife restitution value of $200 for a sandhill crane. new text end
new text begin (b) The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388. new text end
new text begin The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 6262.0600, to make seasons for spearing rough fish consistent with the date changes in sections 47 to 49. The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388. new text end
new text begin The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 6264.0400, subparts 8, 27, 74, 75, and 76, to remove restrictions on taking fish by spearing for the following lakes: Big Mantrap, Lobster, Beers, West Battle, Deer, Cross, Sugar, Eagle, Owasso, North Star, Moose, and Spider. The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply, except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388. new text end
new text begin The revisor of statutes shall replace the term "duck boat" with the term "waterfowl boat" where the term appears in Minnesota Rules, part 6110.1200, subpart 3. new text end
new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 84D.01, subdivision 22; 97A.451, subdivision 4a; and 97C.346, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end
new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 5, section 69, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end
new text begin Paragraph (b) is effective retroactively from July 1, 2012. new text end
Presented to the governor May 22, 2013
Signed by the governor May 24, 2013, 2:56 p.m.
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes