firearm regulations

[Hallsie]

I'm new to the area -- live on the NW side of Lake Ida. I've tried calling the DNR, county, and township but no one has been able to help me. What regulations exist on discharging a firearm outside, especially related to distance from housing? I'm looking to hunt on the open water, or target shoot on my property.

Thanks for any help.

[Stratosman]

I believe it's 500 feet from any occupied dwelling or livestock building, unless you have prior permission...

[Tom7227]

From Minnesota Statute §97.01

Subd. 7(a) A person may not take a wild animal with a firearm within 500 feet of a building occupied by a human or livestock without the written permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee:

(1) on another person's private land; or

(2) on a public right-of-way.

( A person may not take a wild animal with a firearm without the permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee, within 500 feet of a stockade or corral containing livestock.

[Ufatz]

I believe the Law of Common Sense will apply in the case of your shooting on private land you own. The 500' and quarter-mile rules apply if you are hunting. For target shooting I would suggest, if you are close to neighbors, that you might let them know. And of course you will want to establish a SOLID back stop.

If you want to shoot a deer at your barn, then the "permission" clause would be in effect i.e. you, as owner, are giving yourself permission to shoot. The season must be open of course.

Mainly, use your head.

[Jameson]

...quarter-mile rules ...

What is this quarter-mile rules?

[BoxMN]

If your city/twnshp has any distance ordinances (i.e. Hugo has 500', Lino Lakes has 750', etc.) then that applies first. If it does not, then you go by the DNR/State rules.

For open water waterfowl hunting, the more limiting ordinance like the Hugo and Lino Lakes examples above dictate, but if your city has none, then you can hunt ANYWHERE on that body of water provided you are hunting waterfowl, and either on your own land or partially concealed by vegetation (and trees overhanging count). You will find that to be true, but please find your CO in the area and ask him/her. Then you know it from the source, not some internet joker like us

Good luck!

[Ufatz]

[What is this quarter-mile rules?

[TooTallTom]

[Thou] shalt not fire on or across any roadway or within 1/4 mile of a roadway.

That may not be the case in smaller, less civilized states.

Nope, just gotta be out of the ROW when hunting big game in MN. YEE-HAW!