After a long public hearing at the March 3 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a motion was approved unanimously to take no action, which will put the county under state statute allowing the use of rifles for deer hunting. The establishment of the shotgun zone was repealed by the legislature last year, effective January 1, 2026. County boards of a county located in the shotgun zone were allowed by the state to adopt an ordinance after a public hearing to limit the type of firearms used for deer hunting.
Fourteen residents spoke at the public hearing most giving their support for allowing rifles and against an ordinance limiting firearm types in former shotgun only counties. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery read about 28 letters on the issue. According to her tally, 10 supported an ordinance limiting firearm types and 18 were against limiting firearm types.
Those in support of the use of rifles said rifles are more accurate and have significantly less recoil. They noted that the law requiring the use of shotguns was put into effect in the early 1940s, during a time when the deer population was low, and that the restriction was intended to help manage that population. Supporters also said the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has indicated there are no major safety risks with the use of rifles.
Additional comments included that the greater accuracy of rifles may result in fewer shots being taken by hunters and that rifles are already used for coyote hunting without reported accidents. Supporters also pointed to Wisconsin, saying the state has experienced fewer hunting accidents with the use of rifles.
Some also said the lower recoil of rifles could make it easier for younger hunters and women to learn to hunt. Others noted that deer can be harvested more efficiently and humanely with rifles, that limiting their use would not necessarily make hunting safer, and that rifle ammunition is generally less expensive.
Those in favor of the ordinance limiting firearm types expressed safety concerns. Some said rifle bullets can travel farther and stay in the air longer, which they believe could increase the risk of accidents involving people or livestock. Others said Fillmore County is too populated to allow rifles and raised concerns about hunting in close proximity to cities. Some also stated that allowing rifles could create safety issues.
Commissioner Mitch Lentz said arguments favor rifles two to one. Chairman Randy Dahl said there is an over population of deer; there has to be a reason to limit hunting to the use of a shotgun. Commissioner Marc Prestby said most hunt deer from stands or blinds; I am not in favor of the ordinance. Commissioner Duane Bakke explained people have spoken to him over the last month or so against allowing rifles, adding statistics have been presented today; I will not vote against no action on the ordinance. The result of the no action vote means the county will follow the state law as written which allows rifles.
Citizens Input/Additional Trout Stream Designation
Doug Ristau, Carimona Township, spoke regarding a DNR proposed trout stream designation, saying, “It goes through the land my dad purchased in the 1960s. No fish have been caught there; it is often dry. We don’t want our livelihood affected. It’s foolish to take away land; it is a smaller stream every year.”
Brady Ristau, Doug’s son, said, “There is a lack of communication and knowledge that frustrates us. My dad reached out to the DNR.”
Bill McBride lives south of the Ristau farm. He stated, “That creek flows half of the year. We are against this Trout Stream designation, too.”
Land Use Director Blake Lea said they are opposed to the proposed expansion beyond the existing trout streams. He also has been disappointed with the information received; “I have asked for more information with no response. I want to look at actual data that shows streams that support trout. We have reached out asking for better maps. Many of the areas are dry and run through corn fields; they are not capable of supporting fish.” He added, “We are in favor of protecting actual trout streams.”
The county put together a resolution; Bakke said they are going to the legislature on Wednesday, March 4 and are looking for a delay of the March 16 deadline for the comment period. The DNR is proposing the expansion of designated trout streams, which is almost 63 miles upland from existing buffers. The Buffer Law was enacted in 2018.
County employees, commissioners, and landowners have contacted the DNR and have either not received replies or replies received were not understandable.
A resolution was adopted unanimously, stating Fillmore County Commissioners are opposed to the proposed expansion beyond trout streams already designated unless proper documentation can show the necessity for the expansion.
Other Business in Brief
- Craig Popenhagen, Clifton Larson Allen LLP, reviewed the 2024 audit. The county received an unmodified “clean” opinion. Hillery noted they don’t have the ability to do the separation of duties in all areas, but we do have two people sign off on everything. Popenhagen said the fund balance is sufficient for 3.27 months; ideally this should be for four to six months. The audit will be submitted to the federal government in March and to the state auditor’s office.
- Finance Director Christy Smith reported the actual interest income in 2025 was $829,189. The budged interest income was $250,000. The interest income over budget was $579,188. A motion was approved to earmark $500,000 to a fund for Solid Waste for a needed building upgrade to be done in a few years.
- Emergency Manager Jason Harmening received approval for a contract with Ancom Communications costing $2,112 for parts for radio tower antenna service and a contract with Trillium Tower Development costing $2,800 for equipment to complete radio tower service. The two businesses have to do the work together on the same day to repair tower damage caused by freezing/thawing.
- Gasoline and diesel fuel bids totaling $11,050 from Consolidated Energy Company for 2026 were approved.
- Tara Kraling, accounting technician, was moved to Paralegal, effective April 1, as requested by the County Attorney.
- A Deputy Human Services Director position description was added. Advertisement for the position internally only was approved. Hillery explained this will not be opening a new position, but only adding additional responsibilities to a position. This is, in part, succession planning for Human Services Director Wanda Berg.
- A request to hire an additional shared accounting technician was approved. The employee will be shared by administration, land use, and community corrections.
- The hires of Bodey Wright and Beau Grindland, part-time jailers, effective March 13 were approved.
- The promotion of Deputy Bryan Gruber to patrol sergeant was approved, effective March 6.
- The promotion of Deputy Isabelle Bale, part-time deputy to full-time deputy was approved, effective March 3.
- Paybook #36 for the Jail Project in the total amount of $98,398 was approved.
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