another question for Lou

[vister]

maybe some of you guys can answer this one. but, everyone always talks about how it is illegal to sight in a rifle 2 weeks before rifle opener. however, i've never read the law myself. is there such a law. if so, how about muzzleloaders. keep in mind, we dont use public ranges, or ranges at sportsmans clubs. we just go out into the pasture. and if it is illegal, how come i've never once read of a case, or seen it in the cuffs and collars in outdoor news of people being fined for it.

[lcornice]

It's actually a state law dating back to 1986 (or perhaps earlier). It was originally written as 10 days before/2 days after the firearm season. In 1993, it was amended to 5B/2A and that's what it is today. Here's the language:

97B.041 POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION RESTRICTED IN DEER ZONES.

A person may not possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors during the period beginning the fifth day before the open firearms season and ending the second day after the close of the season within an area where deer may be taken by a firearm, except:

(1) during the open season and in an area where big game may be taken, a firearm and ammunition authorized for taking big game in that area may be used to take big game in that area if the person has a valid big game license in possession;

... 5 more not pasted ...

This section does not apply during an open firearms season in an area where deer may be taken only by muzzleloader, except that muzzleloading firearms lawful for the taking of deer may be possessed only by persons with a valid license to take deer by muzzleloader during that season.

Hopefully that answers the question. Heer's the direct statutory reference:

Minnesota Statute 97B.041

As a reminder, Statutes are enacted by the Legislature, not the DNR. They can only be amended or deleted by the Legislature.

[96trigger]

Quote:

Possession of Firearms Before, During, and After the

Firearms Deer Season

(Note: This section does not apply to the Muzzleloader Season, seepage 90, except that muzzleloaders legal for deer may be possessed only by persons with a muzzleloader or firearms deer license during that season.)

No person may possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors during

the period beginning the fifth day before the open firearms season and ending the second day after the close of the season within an area where deer may be legally taken by firearms (see page 29), except:

• A person who has a valid firearms big game license in possession may hunt big game during the open season with a firearm and ammunition authorized for big game.

• Possession is also legal under these conditions:

a) An unloaded firearm that is cased or in a closed trunk of a

motor vehicle.

A shotgun and shells containing No. 4 buckshot or smaller

diameter lead shot or nontoxic shot.

c) A .22 caliber rimfire handgun or rifle with .22 caliber short,long, or long rifle cartridges, .22 magnum or .17 caliber.

d) Handguns possessed by a person with a carry permit.

e) On an authorized target range.

Basically, you need to get your gun sighted in on the farm this weekend. I don't think the DNR would go on your private property, but according to the regs, I believe they could. Also, its only 5 days, not ten.

[vister]

thanx fellas, thats all i needed to know!