Firearms for Deer Hunting Discussion Begins in Fillmore County

At the August 5 meeting of the county board, three residents addressed the board over a bill enacted by the Minnesota legislature. The bill allows the use of rifles for deer hunting; the new law goes into effect in 2026. It also gives a county board the authority to limit firearms for deer hunting by adopting an ordinance. Notice of a public hearing is required before an ordinance can be adopted to limit the type of firearms that may be used in the county.

During the citizens input part of the board meeting, Jim Vagts of Bloomfield Township said he has been hunting since 1957. He said the new law that would allow the use of rifles for deer hunting is unnecessary and dangerous. A rifle bullet can travel across an entire quarter section. He said he was worried about down range; the use of a rifle is dangerous when a bullet could go where a shooter can’t see. Vagts respectfully requested that Fillmore County pass an ordinance to opt out of the new law.

Steve Hartwig said he has been hunting for most of his life, and he concurred with Vagts. He requested a public hearing.

Bill McBride, Bill’s Gun Shop, explained he has been in business for 45 years. He spoke in favor of the use of a rifle for deer hunting; a rifle is more accurate and most have optics which allow for a better sight line. A rifle has less kick than a shotgun.

Later in the meeting the board continued the discussion. The DNR enforces the state law. If the county puts a more restrictive ordinance into effect, local law enforcement will be expected to enforce the law. Sheriff John DeGeorge suggested his staff did not have time to check to see if hunters are using illegal weapons, but they would investigate any complaint. He expects most hunters will comply with a county ordinance. DeGeorge added that some hunters already use these weapons in our area.

County Attorney Brett Corson said, if the DNR issues a ticket it would be odd if that was put on local law enforcement.

Commissioner Mitch Lentz said they have a year to talk to the legislators that passed this law. Commissioner Duane Bakke said the state legislature made this law, not the DNR. He added he has received calls from commissioners in other counties. The law states that a county ordinance would have to be reenacted every year. Bakke recommended discussing this at a district meeting. Hunters will not always know when they have crossed county lines.

The use of straight-walled cartridges was discussed which will reduce velocity and range.

Corson wondered if the DNR will issue a map each year showing where certain guns are restricted for deer hunting. Hartwig said there is one more legislative session before the law takes effect; the law could be amended. Lentz said the issue will be on the next District 9 agenda.

Other Business in Brief

• A resolution was adopted declaring a state of emergency as a result of the storms that started late on July 28. Emergency Manager Jason Harmening explained damages so far will cost $219,000. The cost is expected to increase. The high winds impacted cities, townships, park systems, public utilities, and electric cooperatives. The damage assessment will be presented to the state.
• A letter of support was approved for grant-in-aid DNR funding for a proposed 22-mile extension of the Chatfield ATV/UTV trail. The proposed trail extension goes into Winona County with the use of some township roads. A short section of one Fillmore County road is part of the proposed extension.
• Approval was granted to reinvest a $1 million matured CD at First Southeast Bank at an interest rate of 4.5% for 12 months. The interest on the last 12-month investment period at 5.4% was about $54,000.
• Approval was granted to enter into an agreement with the DNR for financial and technical assistance for construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails for 2025-2026.
• Terry Schultz, building maintenance supervisor, provided two quotes for an elevator contract for the courthouse and office buildings. A 60-month contract with Schumacher Elevator was approved. The cost will be $2 higher per month than the other quote.  After review, attorney Corson recommended it as the better choice as the other quote was from a business that had provided a lack of service or poor service.
• Payment of jail project Paybook # 29 in the total amount of $95,104 was approved.
• The resignation of Emily McCabe, RN, was approved after eight months of service, effective August 6. Approval was granted to advertise for a replacement RN.
• The resignation of Jason Baldner, highway maintenance specialist, was approved after two months of service, effective July 24.
• Brett Corson reviewed the county attorney’s office budget for 2026. Personnel costs contributed the most to increases.

Joel Kroening, solid waste administrator, reviewed the 2026 budget for the sanitation department. Raised rates will help substantially to offset increased costs. The board has discussed needed improvements in both building and equipment. Kroening admitted, “… the place is tired out there.” Funding currently set aside for needed improvements is $914,464.