Sighting in rifle this weekend

[fishinfey8]

Is it illegal to sight in your deer rifle within a week from opener? I remember this rule from last year, but the only time I have to do it is saturday. I know you can go to a range, but I have a nice gravel pit on the property up north...

[JacobMHD]

I read it was five days prior the the open of the season in the regs.

[DonBo]

This came up just the other day. Here's your answer:

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.

[candiru]

Can someone (preferably Lou), tell me exactly what an authorized target range is? The way I figure it is that if I am the land owner I can authorize a target range.