Commissioners Strike Down Rifle Ban for Deer Hunting in Olmsted County

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Deer hunters will be allowed to use rifles during this year’s firearm deer season in Olmsted County. 

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State lawmakers put an end to a rifle ban for deer hunting in the southern part of Minnesota last year. 

The new law, which took effect on the first of the year, gave local governments the authority to decide whether or not to continue the ban on hunting with rifles during the firearm deer season. 

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Supporters of the legislation called the rifle ban “antiquated” and have cited multiple studies indicating that banning rifles did not pose an enhanced safety risk. 

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The bill passed out of the House 105-26 vote and won Senate approval on a 38-29 vote. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill into law in June. 

Winona, Wabasha, Goodhue, Fillmore and Mower are among the counties in southeast Minnesota to have already voted to scrap rifle bans. 

Olmsted County Board Rejects Banning Rifles for Firearm Deer Hunting Season

On Tuesday the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners voted on whether or not to keep the rifle ban in place. 

After receiving a presentation from staff, board members discussed the issue and voted to allow rifle use for deer hunting on a 4-3 vote. 

Commissioners Laurel Podulke-Smith, Brian Mueller, Michelle Rossman and Bob Hopkins voted to reject the rifle ban. Commissioners Gregg Wright, David Senjem and Mark Thein voted for a rifle ban. 

“Although I was on the losing side of the vote, I appreciate the consideration provided by my colleagues and the passion provided on both sides of the issue by the dozens that testified in front of us,” Thein wrote on social media.