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HF2391 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Annual open season for wolves required.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill requires the establishment of an annual open hunting season for wolves in Minnesota, contingent on a specific condition related to their status under federal law.

Main Provisions

  • Annual Wolf Hunting Season: The bill mandates an annual open hunting season for wolves in the state.
  • Federal Endangered Species Status: The annual hunting season is contingent upon wolves not being listed under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. If wolves are still listed as endangered, the hunting season cannot be prescribed.
  • Public Involvement: Before determining the specific details of the hunting season, there must be a period for public comment.
  • Consultations and Data Review: Each year, the commissioner is required to consult with the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This consultation will include reviewing data on wolf depredation (predatory attacks) on livestock, pets, and incidents of human conflict to guide decision-making for the hunting season.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The amendment changes the existing law by mandating the commissioner to prescribe an annual open season for wolves if they are delisted as endangered. The current law does not require a prescribed annual season.

Relevant Terms

  • Wolf hunting
  • Endangered Species Act
  • Public comment
  • Wolf depredation
  • Human-wolf conflict

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new requirement for annual consultation with the commissioner of agriculture and the USDA."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous condition of wolves being delisted under the Endangered Species Act before an open season is set."
      ],
      "summary": "The amendment requires an annual open season for wolves under certain conditions.",
      "modified": [
        "Altered the discretion given to the commissioner regarding setting the open season."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.645",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  }
]

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