The Omnibus Game and Fish bill addresses multiple game, fish, and natural resource management needs proposed by the Department of Natural Resources, and includes several initiatives, including:
- Minnesota Veterans home residents would be allowed to take antlerless deer without a permit during the firearm or muzzleloader season.
- Authorizes individuals age 60 or over to use a muzzleloader with a scope to take deer during the muzzleloader season.
- Prohibits the setting, placing or operating of a body-gripping trap, except as a waterset, within 50 feet on each side of the center line of a public road or public trail.
- Prohibits the setting or placing of a trap or snare on private property without written permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee of the property.
- Creates a pilot program in the Series 300 deer permit areas to issue five free antlerless deer licenses to residents or owners of agricultural land who have suffered crop damage from deer.
- Prohibits the placement of feed to attract bears. Hunters with permits would still be allowed to bait bears.
STATUS: The bill is in the Finance Committee. (S.F. 1303)
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