Simpler rules for deer hunters

Deer hunters might find their pastime easier to enjoy, if a proposal to simplify the state’s deer hunting rules and regulations becomes law.

“Over time, our regulations have really changed and gotten pretty complex with licenses and zones and what people can and can’t do,” said Lou Cornicelli, big game program coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources.

Last year, the DNR convened a group of hunters to evaluate the state’s deer hunting laws and propose changes that would make the system easier to understand. According to Cornicelli, the group came up with four main recommendations:

• consolidate the number and types of deer hunting licenses available to purchase;

• consolidate the number of deer hunting zones in the state from six to two;

• simplify the process for tagging deer; and

• simplify the rules on what calibers of ammunition can be used to hunt deer.

During a March 18 meeting of the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division, legislation reflecting those proposed changes was discussed as a possible amendment to HF3547, the omnibus game and fish bill, sponsored by Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake).

Dill said he supports the effort to simplify the rules, but also expressed concern about the associated cost. Under the current proposal, Dill said the department would lose approximately $2 million in revenue to the state’s game and fish fund.

Ed Boggess, DNR deputy director of fish and wildlife, confirmed that restructuring the license fee system would result in the loss of revenue, and said it was a difficult choice for the department.

“We don’t like to lose revenue that people are voluntarily contributing, but we think a simpler system that allows people to buy what they want and not buy what they don’t want makes some sense,” he said.

Dill offered and then withdrew the amendment containing the simplification provisions. He said that Sen. Satveer Chaudhary (DFL-Fridley) is expected to sponsor the measure in the Senate, and that he would negotiate with Chaudhary when the game and fish bill goes to conference committee later in the session. The bill currently has no Senate companion.