Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Morrison County Expands Deer Hunting Options by Allowing Rifle Use
Morrison County allows rifle use in previously shotgun-only deer hunting zone
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Morrison County, Minnesota
Following multiple rounds of discussion and a public hearing, the Morrison County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to continue allowing rifle use for deer hunting in a previously shotgun-only zone. This decision marks a significant shift in the region's hunting regulations, responding to both legislative changes and public demand.
Prior to 2026, the area of Morrison County south of Highway 27 and west of the Mississippi River was designated solely for shotgun hunting during deer season. This restriction significantly limited the type of firearms that could be used in that zone, potentially impacting a large portion of the hunting community.
Recently passed state legislation took effect on January 1, 2026, allowing rifles for deer hunting throughout Minnesota. This posed a challenge for individual counties, which have the authority to impose their own restrictions, including reverting to shotgun-only zones. During a meeting held on February 10, County Administrator Matt LeBlanc presented the Board with three options. The board had the chance to either maintain the current regulation allowing rifle hunting, acknowledge the change while continuing to allow rifles, or pass an ordinance to return to the shotgun-only rule in that portion of Morrison County.
The public showed strong support for continuing the use of rifles, reflected in the packed room during the public hearing on March 12, where hunters voiced their opinions. Many studies were cited, highlighting the effectiveness and safety of rifle hunting, as well as accessibility for hunters of varying ages and skill levels. The hunting community's feedback seemed overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining the current designation, with nearly every attendee in support of continued rifle use, compared to just a single hand raised in favor of returning to the shotgun-only rule.
Responding to the public sentiment, the Board members met again on March 17 during a planning session. Although no official decisions can be made during such sessions, the board expressed a clear inclination toward supporting the continued allowance of rifles and planned to include the discussion for a vote in their next regular meeting. On March 24, the resolution passed decisively, with all five members voting in favor of maintaining the rifle use in the deer hunting zone.
For many in the community, this decision is poised to reshape the hunting landscape in Morrison County. The official deer hunting season, which runs for most adults with firearms between November 8 and November 16, will now also be the first period where hunters can legally use rifles in the southwestern portion of Morrison County.
As hunting continues to evolve, the dynamics around firearm regulation not only influence hunting practices but can also affect local economies and property values. As hunters often associate land accessibility with property interest, being able to use rifles could potentially elevate interest in the area, in turn affecting real estate values and local tourism, especially as deer hunting draws crowds to the region.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has noted the importance of counties responding to legislative changes, and it seems Morrison County has taken steps to be in alignment with state policies while also reflecting the preferences of its local stakeholders. This dual approach illustrates the ongoing negotiation between state-directed legislation and local governance in matters of firearms and hunting regulations, paving the way for adaptations that suit local communities better.
For hunters in the region, this change could signal a more versatile approach to the sport, allowing for a range of firearm options previously restricted. As people gear up for the upcoming hunting season, Morrison County's decision will likely be a focal point of not just local discussions, but may resonate throughout Minnesota and other states facing similar regulatory decisions.
Morrison County's unanimous decision to permit rifle use in a zone previously limited to shotguns illustrates a significant cultural shift among hunters, indicative of increasing calls for more flexible hunting regulations. While it's clear that local sentiment favors broader options, it's essential to monitor how this may impact hunter safety and community artistically. Early signs from community discussions indicate more residents are engaging with these changes, which could suggest a growing trend toward advocating for similar legislative adaptations statewide. This not only reflects on community interests but may also influence broader discussions about firearm regulations and accessibility in hunting across Minnesota. What remains uncertain is how this will affect demographic shifts among hunters, property values, and whether other counties will follow suit with similar provisions in the near future.