Local Senator Introduces Legislation Allowing Residents and Non-Residents to Hunt Without a License

(KNSI) – Rockville Senator Jeff Howe introduced legislation that would allow residents and non-residents under the age of 18 to take small game or fish without a license, provided they have a firearms safety certificate.

The way the law reads now, a small game hunting license is required for any hunters over the age of 16, but 14- and 15-year-olds are eligible to hunt small game without a Minnesota Hunting License only if they have a valid hunter education certificate. Residents only can take a fish without a license, but this piece of legislation would raise that age to 18 and allow non-residents also to take a fish without a license.

Surrounding states already allow residents and non-residents 16 and under to hunt without a license. In a press release from Senator Howe’s office, he says, “it’s a shame to think that Minnesota’s hunting license age is causing us to lose families that travel for their annual hunting trips. Our state has a great environment for hunting, and we should encourage more hunters and their families to experience it. This bill is a short-term cost for huge long-term gain.”

Howe adds, “Some families get their kids hooked on hunting at a young age, and there’s no reason we shouldn’t be welcoming that business into our state.”

The walleye fishing season opens in Minnesota on May 8th. Wisconsin’s opener is May 2nd.

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