Minn. R., Part 6232.1600 [Effective Until 1/31/2024] Special Hunt Procedures

• Library: Minnesota Administrative Rules
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 26, December 26, 2023
• Citation: Minn. R., Part 6232.1600
• Year: 2023

Subpart 1. Deer license and permit required for special hunt permit area.

Before applying to hunt in a special hunt permit area, a person must purchase a deer hunting license. A firearms deer license validated for the proper season option and a permit valid for that area is required to hunt deer in firearms special hunt areas. Special hunt permit applications must be made at an electronic license system agent or the Department of Natural Resources License Center.

Subp. 2. Application process.

Applications for all firearms special hunt permits must be made according to this subpart and according to application instructions provided by the commissioner.

A. Each person must apply at an electronic license system agent or the Department of Natural Resources License Center. A person may not apply more than once for a hunt, whether as an individual or as a member of a group.

B. Up to four persons desiring to hunt as a group may apply together. Group applications will either all be selected or none selected.

C. The preference rating of applicants who apply as a group will be based on the individual in the group with the lowest preference.

D. The application deadline is the first Thursday following Labor Day.

E. If the number of applications for permits in any area exceeds the quota determined by the commissioner, a preference drawing will be held to determine who will be issued permits as provided by part undefinedundefined6232.1800.

Subp. 3. Notification of drawing results.

Only successful applicants will be notified.

Subp. 4. Second choice for unsuccessful applicants.

Unsuccessful applicants for special hunt areas may, at the discretion of the commissioner, be given a second choice for undersubscribed special hunt areas.

Subp. 5. Undersubscribed areas.

For those special hunt areas that are undersubscribed after provisions of subpart undefinedundefined4 are implemented, the commissioner may issue remaining permits over-the-counter on a first-come first-serve basis to individuals possessing a firearms license validated for the proper season option.

Subp. 6. Firearms special hunt area quota adjustments.

The commissioner may reduce the permit quota for the St Croix and Wild River State Parks firearms special hunts at the time the computerized drawing is conducted to accommodate tribal declarations for antlerless deer harvest in the 1837 Ceded Territory in compliance with Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa v. Minnesota, 119 S. Ct. 1187 (1999).

Subp. 7. Nontoxic ammunition required.

A. Individuals may possess only nontoxic ammunition on their person while taking wild animals, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section undefinedundefined97A.015, subdivision 47, while participating in a special hunt in a scientific and natural area or in a state park, including a disease management hunt under subpart undefinedundefined9.

B. For purposes of this subpart, "nontoxic ammunition" means: (1) steel shot or projectile; (2) copper-plated nickel-plated, or zinc-plated steel shot or projectile; or (3) shot or projectile made of other nontoxic material approved by the director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 50, section undefinedundefined20.21(j).

C. A person who carries a pistol and possesses a valid permit under Minnesota Statutes, section undefinedundefined624.714, may possess ammunition that does not meet the requirement of items A and B, but the ammunition may not be used for taking wild animals while participating in a special hunt in a scientific and natural area or in a state park.

Subp. 8. 2023 firearms special hunt areas.

In addition to complying with the requirements of this part hunters who are hunting under a firearms special hunt permit must meet any requirements of the municipality, park, or area in which the special hunt occurs and those of any sponsoring organization. Hunt participants must stay within any boundaries prescribed by the sponsoring organization, by maps provided during a prehunt orientation, or by posting. Unless otherwise specified, hunters must possess a valid permit for the following firearms special hunt areas authorized for the 2023 season:

A. portions of Cascade River State Park in Cook County are open November 4 to 19 for taking antlerless deer and legal bucks. No more than 75 permits shall be issued only to individuals authorized to hunt the statewide A 100 season. The bag limit is one deer. This is special hunt 900;

B. portions of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Aitkin County are open November 11 to 19 for taking antlerless deer and legal bucks. No more than 40 permits shall be issued only to individuals authorized to hunt the statewide A 100 season. The bag limit is one deer. This is special hunt 901;

C. portions of St. Croix State Park in Pine County are open November 16 to 19 for taking antlerless deer and legal bucks No more than 300 permits shall be issued only to individuals authorized to hunt the statewide A 100 season. The bag limit is one deer. This is special hunt 902;

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