1.1 A bill for an act 1.2 relating to game and fish; modifying deer firearms season dates; amending 1.3 Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.311. 1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.5 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.311, is amended to read: 1.6 97B.311 DEER SEASONS AND RESTRICTIONS. 1.7 (a) The commissioner may, by rule, prescribe restrictions and designate areas where 1.8deer may be taken, including hunter selection criteria for special hunts established under 1.9section 97A.401, subdivision 4. The commissioner may, by rule, prescribe the open seasons 1.10for deer within the following periods: 1.11 (1) taking with firearms, other than muzzle-loading firearms, between November 1 the 1.12first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and December 15; 1.13 (2) taking with muzzle-loading firearms between September 1 and December 31; and 1.14 (3) taking by archery between September 1 and December 31. 1.15 (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner may establish special seasons 1.16within designated areas at any time of year. 1Section 1. 25-02525 as introduced01/22/25 REVISOR CKM/AC SENATE STATE OF MINNESOTA S.F. No. 965NINETY-FOURTH SESSION (SENATE AUTHORS: HOWE) OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE Introduction and first reading02/03/2025 Referred to Environment, Climate, and Legacy