What is the rule about?
The proposed rule continues a nontoxic ammunition requirement at the Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in northern Washington County.
What will this rulemaking do?
This rule makes permanent a requirement for hunters to use nontoxic ammunition when taking game at Keystone Woods WMA. The requirement has been in place as a temporary, expedited emergency rule since the property opened to public hunting in the fall of 2024.
Who might be affected by these rule changes?
Groups most likely to be affected by continuing the nontoxic ammunition requirement at Keystone Woods WMA include upland bird hunters, big game hunters, and muzzleloader hunters who would otherwise use lead ammunition and are required to transition to nontoxic alternatives. Falconers whose birds may be exposed to spent lead ammunition from harvested game also may be affected. Small game hunters who rely on .22 caliber rimfire ammunition may be disproportionately affected due to the limited availability of nontoxic options. This group includes hunters from cultural groups with distinct hunting practices, such as Hmong and Karen communities.
Where do I send my comments?
You have until 4:30pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026 to submit your comments. Your comment must be submitted and received by the DNR contact person by the due date. The agency accepts written and oral comments. Your submission should identify the portion of the proposed rules addressed and the reason for the comment. If the proposed rules affect you in any way, the agency encourages you to participate in the rulemaking process.
Email comments must be submitted to [email protected]. Please mention “Keystone WMA” in the subject line or body of your correspondence. Comments provided in writing by mail may be submitted to the DNR contact person below.
All public comments received by the DNR and all information within the comments are public data under Minnesota Statues, section 13.03, subdivision 1. Public comments, including names and addresses, become part of the public record upon receipt by the DNR.
Where can I get more information?
Below are links to the draft rule language, the request for comments document, additional information about the rule revision process and current wildlife management area rules.
How can I sign up for rulemaking notices?
To receive DNR rulemaking notices on all topics, subscribe to the DNR rules notification lists.
DNR contact person
Sarah Middleton
Wildlife Rules and Regulations Coordinator - Fish and Wildlife Division
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
Telephone: (651) 259-5185
Email: [email protected]