Wildlife Rules
Relating to state game refuges and taking big and small game
The Minnesota Department of natural Resources (DNR) is accepting requests for a public hearing and written comments through May 21 on a number of hunting regulations related to state game refuges, big game and small game.
Most of the proposed rule changes received public support at statewide input meetings. The proposals cover a variety of topics including hunting on the Lac qui Parle Game Refuge, Bear outfitters and master bear outfitters, muzzleloader deer hunting, bear hunting, trapping, falconry, small game hunting, taking mourning doves and early season goose hunting.
A request for comments, the first formal step in the rulemaking process was published in the state register on August 31, 2009. The DNR received comments from 18 groups and individuals during the 60-day comment period, which ended on Oct. 29. As a result of these comments, the DNR withdrew a proposal to modify provisions on the harvest of ginseng on wildlife management areas.
Until 4:30 p.m. on May 21, interested parties may comment in support of or in opposition to the rules proposals. Interested parties may also request a public hearing related to the rules in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
Instructions for making a written comment or a formal request for a hearing can be found in the Dual Notice. This document also contains the date, time and location of the hearings, if required.
The statement of need and reasonableness contains a summary of the justification for the proposed rules, including a description of who will be affected by the proposed rules and an estimate of the probable cost of the proposed rules.
New language in the proposed rules is underlined. Language to be deleted is in strike through.
The DNR encourages anyone with an interest in the wildlife subjects listed above to carefully review the proposed rules and supporting documents and make a written comment or request for a public hearing.
Agency contact person
Jason Abraham
500 Lafayette Road Box 20
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 259-5197
Jason.abraham@state.mn.us
