Chapter 97A — Game and Fish

15.001 Application of Laws 2005, Chapter 56, Terminology Changes State agencies must use updated terminology from 2005 when replacing printed materials and signs. 97A.001 Index section for this part of the chapter. 97A.011 Citation Chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C are officially called the 'game and fish laws.' 97A.015 Definitions Defines key terms used in the game and fish laws, including types of game, fish, licenses, and hunting methods. 97A.021 Construction Explains how to read the game and fish laws, including that rules about whole animals also apply to animal parts. 97A.025 Ownership of Wild Animals The state of Minnesota owns all wild animals. People can only take wildlife if allowed by law. 97A.028 Crop Protection Assistance The DNR must help farmers protect crops from damage by wild animals, including providing deterrent materials. 97A.031 Wanton Waste It is illegal to waste usable parts of a protected wild animal you have taken. Common carp are exempt. 97A.035 Removing Signs Prohibited It is illegal to remove or damage any DNR sign without the commissioner's permission. 97A.037 Hunter, Trapper, and Angler Harassment Prohibited It is illegal to harass or interfere with people who are lawfully hunting, trapping, or fishing. 97A.041 Exhibition of Wildlife A person running a business needs a DNR permit to keep wild animals on display for the public. 97A.043 Fish Consumption Advisories Fish consumption advisories must be posted in at least four languages, including English. 97A.045 Commissioner; General Powers and Duties The DNR commissioner manages wildlife, sets seasons, issues permits, and can make rules to protect wild animals. 97A.0451 Authority for Using Emergency Rules Procedure; Expiration of Authority Sets rules for when the DNR commissioner can adopt emergency game and fish rules quickly. 97A.0452 Notice of Proposed Adoption of Emergency Rule Emergency game and fish rules must be published in the State Register with a 25-day public comment period. 97A.0453 Notice to Committees for Fees Fixed by Rule The commissioner must notify legislative finance committees before proposing emergency rules that set or change fees. 97A.0454 Modifying Proposed Emergency Rule Proposed emergency game and fish rules can be changed if the changes are supported by public comments. 97A.0455 Submitting Proposed Emergency Rule to Attorney General The commissioner must submit proposed emergency rules to the attorney general for legal review. 97A.0456 Effective Date of Emergency Rule Emergency game and fish rules take effect 5 working days after the attorney general approves them. 97A.0457 Publishing Approval Once approved, emergency rules must be published in the State Register. 97A.0458 Effective Period of Emergency Rule Emergency game and fish rules can last up to 180 days and be renewed once, for a maximum of 360 days total. 97A.0459 Approving Form of Emergency Rule Emergency rules cannot be filed unless the revisor of statutes approves their format. 97A.051 Publishing Law Summary; Penalties for Rule Violations This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. 97A.052 Peace Officer Training Account Creates a training account in the game and fish fund for peace officers who enforce wildlife laws. 97A.055 Game and Fish Fund Establishes the game and fish fund, which holds money from licenses, fines, and other DNR revenue. 97A.056 Outdoor Heritage Fund; Lessard-sams Outdoor Heritage Council Creates the Outdoor Heritage Fund and 12-member council to spend money on restoring wetlands, prairies, forests, and … 97A.057 Federal Law Compliance; Restriction on License Revenue Federal wildlife aid money must be used only for fish and wildlife purposes, not diverted to other uses. 97A.061 Index section for this part of the chapter. 97A.065 Dedication of Certain Receipts This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. 97A.071 Wildlife Acquisition Account Money from certain license surcharges goes to a dedicated wildlife management account. 97A.075 Use of License Revenues Divides hunting and fishing license fees into specific accounts for deer, pheasant, trout, and other purposes. 97A.081 Index section for this part of the chapter. 97A.083 Index section for this part of the chapter. 97A.085 Game Refuges The DNR can acquire land for wildlife management areas, with limits on total acreage in each county. 97A.091 Hunting on Game Refuges Counties receive payments in place of property taxes for state-owned wildlife management land. 97A.092 Controlled Hunting Zones Creates the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program to restore wetlands and wildlife habitat on private land. 97A.093 Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing in Scientific and Natural Areas The DNR can acquire land interests through the Critical Habitat License Plate program. 97A.095 Waterfowl Protected Areas The DNR can acquire wild rice habitat and manage it as a wildlife management area. 97A.098 Trespass on Federal Lands Requires the DNR to help landowners manage wildlife on private land through Walk-In Access and similar programs. 97A.101 Public Water Reserves and Management Designation Sets rules for how the DNR acquires and manages state wildlife management areas. 97A.105 Game Farms The DNR must keep records of all wildlife management area boundaries and land interests. 97A.106 Fur Farms Sets rules for using ATVs and off-road vehicles in wildlife management areas. 97A.111 Index section for this part of the chapter. 97A.115 Shooting Preserves State land managed for wildlife must follow a management plan approved by the commissioner. 97A.121 Hunting in Private Shooting Preserves DNR enforcement officers (conservation officers) have peace officer powers to enforce wildlife laws. 97A.125 Wildlife Habitat on Private Land Conservation officers can enter private land without a warrant to enforce game and fish laws. 97A.126 Walk-in Access Program Conservation officers can inspect cold storage facilities and businesses that store wild animals. 97A.127 Financing Waterfowl Development Conservation officers can inspect commercial fish processing facilities and records. 97A.131 Hatcheries Anyone hunting, fishing, or trapping must show their license when asked by an officer. 97A.133 State Wildlife Management Areas Officers can search vehicles and containers for illegal game or fish with probable cause. 97A.134 Adopt-a-wma Program Conservation officers can use GPS and tracking devices on vehicles suspected of poaching. 97A.135 Acquiring Wildlife Lands The DNR can seize and hold contraband wild animals, equipment, and vehicles used in violations. 97A.137 Hunting, Fishing, and Trespassing in Wildlife Management Areas Seized contraband may be forfeited to the state after a court proceeding. 97A.141 Public-water Access Sites The commissioner can require a surety bond from commercial license holders to ensure compliance. 97A.145 Wetlands for Wildlife License agents must follow DNR rules and may have their agent status revoked for violations. 97A.151 Leech Lake Indian Reservation Agreement Anyone who finds a sick or injured wild animal should report it to the DNR. 97A.155 Amendments to Leech Lake Indian Reservation Agreement The DNR commissioner can release wildlife that has been held in captivity under certain conditions. 97A.157 1854 Treaty Area Agreement The state may pay compensation for damage to livestock or crops caused by certain wild animals. 97A.161 Agreement With White Earth Indians Owners of dogs that chase deer can be fined, and the dogs may be seized or destroyed. 97A.165 Source of Payments for Indian Agreement The DNR can take emergency actions to control wildlife diseases, including chronic wasting disease. 97A.201 Enforcement No one may take wild animals without a valid Minnesota license, unless specifically exempted. 97A.205 Enforcement Officer; Powers Certain people are exempt from needing a license, including landowners hunting on their own land. 97A.211 Arrest Procedures Each person must have their own license; you cannot use someone else's license. 97A.215 Inspections Licenses can be purchased from the DNR, authorized agents, or online through the electronic system. 97A.221 Seizure and Confiscation of Property License applicants must provide their name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. 97A.223 Seizure and Administrative Forfeiture of Certain Firearms and Abandoned Property Hunters and anglers may voluntarily donate to the nongame wildlife fund when buying a license. 97A.225 Seizure and Confiscation of Motor Vehicles and Boats The commissioner may revoke or refuse to issue a license for game and fish law violations. 97A.231 Search Warrants A person whose license is revoked may request a hearing to challenge the revocation. 97A.235 Jurisdiction Over Boundary Waters A person convicted of a game and fish violation in another state may lose Minnesota hunting privileges. 97A.241 Reciprocity With Other States in Appointing Officers It is a crime to buy, sell, or barter a hunting or fishing license. 97A.245 Rewards Licenses expire at the end of the season or year for which they were issued. 97A.251 Obstructing Officers Duplicate licenses can be issued if the original is lost or destroyed. 97A.255 Prosecutions Nonresidents must comply with all the same hunting and fishing laws as residents. 97A.301 General Penalty Provisions Lists activities that are illegal under game and fish laws, including night hunting and using poisons. 97A.305 Impersonating Enforcement Officer Establishes penalty levels for violations of game and fish laws, from petty misdemeanors to felonies. 97A.311 Licenses A person who violates game and fish laws may be required to pay a fine and restitution. 97A.315 Trespass Taking big game illegally is a gross misdemeanor with enhanced penalties. 97A.321 Dogs Pursuing, Wounding, or Killing Big Game Hunting with a revoked license is a gross misdemeanor with mandatory minimum penalties. 97A.325 Penalties for Unlawfully Buying or Selling Wild Animals A second serious game and fish violation within a set period results in enhanced penalties. 97A.331 Penalties Related to Hunting Courts may order forfeiture of firearms, boats, or vehicles used in serious game violations. 97A.335 Penalties Related to Fishing The DNR can assess civil penalties for game and fish violations in addition to criminal penalties. 97A.338 Gross Overlimits of Wild Animals; Penalty Courts must order restitution for the value of illegally taken wild animals. 97A.341 Restitution for Wild Animals Illegally Taken Sets the restitution values that courts must use for illegally taken wild animals. 97A.345 Restitution Value of Wild Animals Lists specific dollar values for wild animals used to calculate restitution in poaching cases. 97A.401 Special Permits All hunters must have a valid hunting license for the species and season they are hunting. 97A.405 License Requirements License agents must issue licenses according to DNR rules and keep proper records. 97A.408 Anatomical Gift Option; Education The DNR may limit the number of licenses for certain species through a lottery system. 97A.411 Validity of Licenses Sets age requirements for various hunting and fishing licenses. 97A.415 License Restrictions Sets residency requirements that must be met to buy a resident hunting or fishing license. 97A.418 Permit Rules Military members stationed in Minnesota are treated as residents for licensing purposes. 97A.420 Seizure or Invalidation of Licenses The DNR issues free licenses to disabled veterans and certain other qualifying individuals. 97A.421 Validity and Issuance of Licenses After Conviction Sets rules for issuing hunting and fishing licenses to people with disabilities. 97A.425 Record and Reporting Requirements for Dealers, Tanners, and Taxidermists The governor may issue special hunting and fishing permits to nonresidents for promotional purposes. 97A.431 Moose Licenses Certain lifetime licenses are available for residents, including hunting, fishing, and combination licenses. 97A.433 Elk Licenses Senior citizens age 90 and older receive free lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. 97A.434 Prairie-chicken Licenses Sets rules for the electronic licensing system used to issue hunting and fishing licenses. 97A.435 Turkey Licenses; Application and Eligibility License fees collected by agents must be submitted to the DNR according to a set schedule. 97A.438 Releasing Wild Turkeys; Permit Required The DNR may issue replacement licenses for those lost, destroyed, or not received. 97A.441 Licenses Issued Without Fee Sets the types and fees for resident hunting licenses, including deer, bear, turkey, and small game. 97A.445 Exemptions From License Requirement Sets fees for resident fishing licenses, including individual, combination, and special permits. 97A.451 License Requirements and Exemptions Relating to Age This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. 97A.455 Nonresident Students; Fishing, Small Game, and Big Game Sets fees for nonresident hunting and fishing licenses. 97A.461 Nonresident Licenses for Boundary Water Hunting or Fishing Creates special stamps for specific purposes like trout, pheasant, and waterfowl habitat. 97A.465 Military Personnel; Fishing and Hunting Sets rules for turkey hunting licenses, including spring and fall seasons. 97A.471 Nonresident Courtesy Licenses Establishes the electronic game and fish license system for online purchases. 97A.472 Place of Sale of Nonresident Licenses; Restriction License agents may charge a small convenience fee for issuing licenses. 97A.473 Resident Lifetime Licenses Sets rules for how license agents connect to and use the electronic licensing system. 97A.474 Nonresident Lifetime Licenses The commissioner may set variable pricing for licenses based on demand or timing. 97A.4742 Lifetime Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund Allows the commissioner to adjust license fees by rule within set limits. 97A.475 License Fees Lists all hunting and fishing license fees for both residents and nonresidents. 97A.481 License Applications; Penalty Anglers may take minnows for personal bait use without a minnow dealer license. 97A.482 License Applications; Collecting Social Security Numbers Minnow dealers and retailers must be licensed and follow DNR regulations. 97A.485 Issuance of Licenses Hunters must register big game kills with the DNR within required time limits. 97A.501 Wild Animals; General Restrictions The commissioner can issue special permits for scientific collection of wild animals. 97A.502 Deer Killed by Motor Vehicles Sets rules for importing and possessing live wild animals, including exotic species. 97A.505 Possessing Wild Animals This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. 97A.510 Game for Consumption at Fundraising Events The DNR can stock fish in public waters to maintain healthy populations. 97A.511 Fur-bearing Animals Allows the DNR to manage aquatic invasive species and prevent their spread. 97A.512 Sale of Inedible Portions of Big Game Animals, Fur-bearing Animals, Fish, and Game Birds Other Than Migratory Waterfowl The DNR can require permits for activities that may introduce invasive species. 97A.515 Pelts, Skins, and Hides Taken on Indian Reservations Sets rules for transporting live fish and other aquatic life within Minnesota. 97A.521 Transporting Wild Animals; Generally The DNR can manage beaver, muskrat, and otter populations through trapping seasons. 97A.525 Transporting Wild Animals by Common Carrier Conservation officers have authority to kill dogs found chasing or attacking deer. 97A.531 Shipping Wild Animals Taken in Canada The DNR must consult with tribal governments on wildlife management in treaty areas. 97A.535 Possessing and Transporting Deer, Bear, Elk, and Moose Sets penalties for gross misdemeanor game and fish violations. 97A.541 Index section for this part of the chapter. 97A.545 Transporting Game Birds Courts may order community service for game and fish violations. 97A.551 Possessing and Transporting Fish This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. 97A.552 Index section for this part of the chapter. 97A.56 Feral Swine The DNR can enter agreements with tribes for cooperative fish and wildlife management.