Trapping without permission prohibited on private lands.
Impact
The introduction of HB 945 aims to enhance the protection of private property rights, as it adheres to the principle that landowners should have control over activities conducted on their land. By establishing a clear requirement for obtaining permission before trapping, the bill intends to foster better relations between trappers and landowners, ultimately leading to responsible wildlife management. This measure is believed to curb instances of trespass and illegal trapping, providing a safeguard for property owners and encouraging ethical usage of land resources.
Summary
House Bill 945 addresses the regulation of trapping on private property in Minnesota by prohibiting individuals from setting traps or snares without obtaining permission from the landowner, occupant, or lessee. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, specifically by adding a new subdivision to section 97B.001. This legislation seeks to strengthen the rights of property owners concerning wildlife management and mitigate conflicts that arise from unauthorized trapping activities on private lands.
Contention
While proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step for protecting landowners' rights and ensuring responsible wildlife management, there may be contention surrounding the implementation and enforcement of such regulations. Critics could raise concerns about the potential overreach of governmental regulations impacting traditional trapping practices, which some community members rely upon for livelihoods or recreation. Balancing the interests of those engaged in trapping while safeguarding private property rights may spark debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the game and fish sectors.
In hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; and imposing penalties.