1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to game and fish; allowing additional firearms to be used during the 
1.3 	muzzleloader deer season;amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 97A.015, 
1.4 	subdivision 32a; 97B.311.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.015, subdivision 32a, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subd. 32a.Muzzleloader season. "Muzzleloader season" means the deer season open 
1.8 	only for legal muzzle-loading firearms and single-shot firearms made using a flintlock or 
1.9 	percussion-cap ignition system designed before 1865, as prescribed by the commissioner.

1.10 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.311, is amended to read:
1.11 	97B.311 DEER SEASONS AND RESTRICTIONS.
1.12 	(a) The commissioner may, by rule, prescribe restrictions and designate areas where 
1.13 	deer may be taken, including hunter selection criteria for special hunts established under 
1.14 	section 97A.401, subdivision 4. The commissioner may, by rule, prescribe the open seasons 
1.15 	for deer within the following periods:
1.16 	(1) taking with firearms, other than muzzle-loading firearms, between November 1 and 
1.17 	December 15;
1.18 	(2) taking with muzzle-loading firearms or single-shot firearms made using a flintlock 
1.19 	or percussion-cap ignition system designed before 1865 between September 1 and December 
1.20 	31; and
1.21 	(3) taking by archery between September 1 and December 31.
2.1 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner may establish special seasons 
2.2 	within designated areas at any time of year.