1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; authorizing the
1.3 	commissioner of natural resources to extend the
1.4 	firearms deer season within designated areas; amending
1.5 	Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 97B.311.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 97B.311, is
1.8 	amended to read:
1.9 	97B.311 DEER SEASONS AND RESTRICTIONS.
1.10 	(a) The commissioner may, by rule, prescribe restrictions
1.11 	and designate areas where deer may be taken, including hunter
1.12 	selection criteria for special hunts established under section
1.13 	97A.401, subdivision 4.  The commissioner may, by rule,
1.14 	prescribe the open seasons for deer within the following periods:
1.15 	(1) taking with firearms, other than muzzle-loading
1.16 	firearms, between November 1 and December 15;
1.17 	(2) taking with muzzle-loading firearms between September 1
1.18 	and December 31; and
1.19 	(3) taking by archery between September 1 and December 31.
1.20 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner may
1.21 	establish special seasons within designated areas at any time of
1.22 	year.
1.23 	(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner may
1.24 	extend the firearms deer season within designated areas between
1.25 	December 15 and December 31.