1997 Minnesota Code
Chapters 97 - 102 Game and Fish
Chapter 97B Hunting
Section 97B.031 Use and possession of firearms.

97B.031 Use and possession of firearms.

Subdivision 1. Firearms and ammunition that may be used to take big game. (a) A person may take big game with a firearm only if:

(1) the rifle, shotgun, and handgun used is a caliber of at least .23 inches;

(2) the firearm is loaded only with single projectile ammunition;

(3) a projectile used is a caliber of at least .23 inches and has a soft point or is an expanding bullet type;

(4) the ammunition has a case length of at least 1.285 inches;

(5) the muzzle-loader used is incapable of being loaded at the breech;

(6) the smooth-bore muzzle-loader used is a caliber of at least .45 inches; and

(7) the rifled muzzle-loader used is a caliber of at least .40 inches.

(b) A person may not take big game with a .30 caliber M-1 carbine cartridge.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), clause (4), a person may take big game with a ten millimeter cartridge that is at least 0.95 inches in length.

Subd. 2. Handguns for small game. A person may take small game with a handgun of any caliber in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 3. Firearms larger than ten gauge prohibited. A person may not use a firearm with a bore larger than a ten gauge to take a protected wild animal.

Subd. 4. Silencers prohibited. A person may not own or possess a silencer for a firearm or a firearm equipped to have a silencer attached.

HIST: 1986 c 386 art 2 s 7; 1989 c 153 s 1; 1989 c 287 s 7