Notice is hereby given that Houston County, Minnesota, will hold public hearings to receive input regarding the potential use of rifles for deer hunting within Houston County beginning with the 2026 deer hunting season. These hearings are intended to assist the County Board of Commissioners in determining whether to adopt a local ordinance limiting the use of rifles during the deer season.
Background
During the 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation repealing the state’s longstanding shotgun-only zone and authorizing the use of rifles for deer hunting statewide beginning with the 2026 deer season. Under the new law, hunters generally will be allowed to use legal rifles or shotguns wherever deer hunting is permitted in Minnesota, unless a county formally adopts an ordinance restricting the use of rifles within its boundaries.
Minnesota Statutes § 97B.031, Subd. 7 authorizes a county board located in the former shotgun zone to adopt an ordinance after notice and public hearing to limit the type of firearms that may be used to hunt deer within the county.
At this time, Houston County has not adopted any ordinance or resolution regarding the use of rifles for deer hunting.
Purpose of the Public Hearings
The purpose of these public hearings is to provide an opportunity for residents, landowners, hunters, and other interested parties to comment on the new law, share perspectives on whether Houston County should adopt an ordinance limiting the use of rifles for deer hunting.
Public Hearing Information
Public hearings will be held as follows:
- February 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
- March 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Both hearings will take place in the basement of the Houston County Criminal Justice Center, 304 South Marshall Street, Caledonia, Minnesota.
All interested persons are encouraged to attend and provide comment. Following the public hearings, the Houston County Board of Commissioners may consider the matter at a future regular board meeting.
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