County shotgun-only ordinance areas
Counties that adopted shotgun-only ordinances after the statewide zone repeal: Brown, Clay (part), Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Houston, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Nobles, Pope, Rock, Watonwan, and Wilkin (part).
Minnesota Hunting Laws
Minnesota repealed its statewide southern shotgun zone (Minn. Stat. § 97B.318). Rifles are now legal statewide for deer — except in the 13 counties that adopted their own shotgun-only ordinances.
Every rule below cites the official regulation. Last verified August 30, 2026.
At a glance
Check a cartridge in Minnesota
Pick a state, species, and weapon — add a cartridge for a full check.
Local ordinances apply
Minnesota counties may adopt local shotgun-only ordinances. Thirteen counties have done so — check the county you hunt in before carrying a rifle.
Special zones
Sourced rules
Every row cites the controlling regulation and the date we verified it.
All weapons
1 rule| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| All species | Suppressors are reported legal for hunting in Minnesota. | Secondary compilations (pending primary verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
Rifle
4 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
The statewide shotgun-only zone is repealed — rifles, shotguns, and handguns are legal statewide unless a county ordinance says otherwise.
"The statewide shotgun zone repeal is now in effect. Some counties have adopted local shotgun-only ordinances." |
2026 shotgun-zone FAQ (repeal of Minn. Stat. § 97B.318) | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer County shotgun-only ordinance areas | In the 13 counties with shotgun-only ordinances, rifles remain illegal for deer — shotgun (or other allowed arms) only. | 2026 shotgun-zone FAQ | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Centerfire is required; secondary sources cite a .24-caliber minimum — verify against MN Rule 6232. | MN Rule 6232 (primary cite pending verification) | Aug 2026 needs review |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer | Deer rifles must fire centerfire cartridges. | Deer hunting regulations | Aug 2026 needs review |
Federal rules that apply in every state
These federal requirements apply in Minnesota on top of state law.
Federal law: only USFWS-approved nontoxic shot may be used — or even possessed — while hunting waterfowl, coots, and aggregate-bag species.
50 CFR § 20.21(j)(1)–(3)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds are limited to 3 shells total (magazine + chamber) with a one-piece plug; limited light-goose and September Canada goose season exceptions exist.
50 CFR § 20.21(b)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds may be no larger than 10 gauge.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
Federal law prohibits taking migratory birds with a rifle, pistol, or fully automatic firearm.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
On Waterfowl Production Areas and designated National Wildlife Refuge lands, possessing shot other than approved nontoxic shot is prohibited; individual refuges may impose stricter rules.
50 CFR § 32.2(k)
Sources
Minnesota DNR — 2026 Shotgun Zone Changes FAQ
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · retrieved August 30, 2026
Minnesota DNR — Deer Hunting
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · retrieved August 30, 2026
Sources & methodology
Rules on this page are verified against state statutes, administrative code, official agency regulation digests, and federal regulations — never forums, retailer blogs, or hunter-ed course summaries. Rules we could not yet pin to a primary source are labeled needs review and never produce a green "legal" answer. Cartridge energy figures used by the checker are typical factory-load values; where a rule sets an energy or bullet-weight floor, verify your specific load's manufacturer rating.
Legal disclaimer — please read
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Hunting regulations change every season, vary by zone, season, land type, and county ordinance, and are interpreted by the state's enforcement officers — not by this page.
- Confirm every rule in the current official Minnesota hunting regulations before your hunt.
- Check season dates, license and tag requirements, zone boundaries, and local ordinances — this page covers equipment rules only.
- When in doubt, contact Minnesota Department of Natural Resources directly.
The controlling document is the regulation, not this page. We disclaim all liability for reliance on it.