SF943 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Open season for taking wolves prohibition
AI Generated Summary
Senate File No. 943 is a legislative bill introduced in Minnesota that aims to manage and regulate wolf hunting and trapping. It includes several major points:
It prohibits any open season for wolf hunting until wolves are removed from the endangered species list. Even then, new seasons and restrictions can only be instituted following public comment.
It outlines specific conditions under which persons, including critically ill individuals, can obtain special hunting licenses via lotteries managed by a commissioner. These licenses cover various game animals, but notably exclude moose and elk.
The bill establishes a specific fund – the Wolf Management and Monitoring Account – where all revenue from wolf license sales will go. This money will be dedicated solely to activities such as wolf population management, research, and education, explicitly prohibiting its use for indirect costs or shared services.
It details amendments affecting youth hunting. For instance, residents and nonresidents under age 16 can hunt small game without a license under certain conditions, and specific accommodation is made for turkey hunting by young people without the need for a safety certificate if accompanied by a licensed adult.
The bill makes comprehensive changes to fee structures and license availability for both residents and nonresidents across a wide range of wildlife-related activities, including hunting various animals and trapping.
Finally, it repeals existing statutes permitting the taking of wolves, effectively tightening protections against hunting wolves without proper authorization and adjustments to their legal status regarding endangered species protections.
Overall, S.F. No. 943 seeks to increase protection for wolves in Minnesota while adjusting hunting and trapping regulations for various game species, and specifying how license funds should be allocated within wildlife management.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 02, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| February 02, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| February 02, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
| February 02, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Added wild turkey, deer, bear, prairie chicken, and wolf to the allowable licenses under this provision."
],
"removed": [
"Restricted the purchase of moose and elk licenses under this provision."
],
"summary": "This legislation allows critically ill individuals to purchase hunting licenses typically restricted by lottery, modifying section 84.027, subdivision 20.",
"modified": [
"Clarified the programs eligible for participation by non-profit organizations."
]
},
"citation": "84.027",
"subdivision": "subdivision 20"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Creation of a specific wolf management and monitoring fund."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "This section establishes a wolf management and monitoring account, altering section 97A.075, subdivision 7.",
"modified": [
"Specifies revenue from wolf license fees will be appropriated for wolf management purposes."
]
},
"citation": "97A.075",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifications on hunting without a license for certain age groups."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "This statute sets guidelines for young residents and nonresidents regarding small game hunting, including subdivision 3 of section 97A.451.",
"modified": [
"Details regarding accompaniment by a parent or guardian depending on age."
]
},
"citation": "97A.451",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Lifetime small game hunting license excludes wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "This bill adjusts lifetime small game hunting license fees and conditions in section 97A.473, subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Adjusted fees for lifetime small game hunting licenses."
]
},
"citation": "97A.473",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Lifetime sporting license excludes hunting for wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Amends lifetime sporting license fees in section 97A.473, subdivision 5.",
"modified": [
"Adjusted fees for lifetime sporting licenses."
]
},
"citation": "97A.473",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Fee adjustments based on age and hunting type."
],
"removed": [
"Wolf hunting license from the list of provided licenses."
],
"summary": "This section modifies resident hunting fees and related stipulations in section 97A.475, subdivision 2.",
"modified": [
"Revisions to accommodate different age categories and license requirements."
]
},
"citation": "97A.475",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Fee adjustments and specification of licenses."
],
"removed": [
"Nonresident wolf hunting license."
],
"summary": "Alters nonresident hunting fees as detailed in section 97A.475, subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Details related to nonresident licenses and associated surcharges."
]
},
"citation": "97A.475",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Trapping licenses fees for residents and nonresidents, excluding wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "This statute updates the trapping license fees under section 97A.475, subdivision 20.",
"modified": [
"Clarified resident and nonresident trapping license requirements."
]
},
"citation": "97A.475",
"subdivision": "subdivision 20"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Issuance details for newly designated licenses."
],
"removed": [
"Issuance guidelines for wolf licenses."
],
"summary": "Amends the issuance and fees of certain licenses in 97A.485, subdivision 6.",
"modified": [
"License types and corresponding issuing fees."
]
},
"citation": "97A.485",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Stipulations for taking big game and wolves with firearms."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Specifies permissible firearms and ammunition under section 97B.031, subdivision 1.",
"modified": [
"Clarified ammunition specifications."
]
},
"citation": "97B.031",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specification for handgun calibers when hunting wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Defines handgun regulations for small game hunting in section 97B.031, subdivision 2.",
"modified": [
"Adjusted details on permissible handgun use."
]
},
"citation": "97B.031",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Inclusion of wolves in minimum draw weight requirements."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Outlines bow parameters for hunting certain game in 97B.035, subdivision 1a.",
"modified": [
"Draw weight requirements for hunting."
]
},
"citation": "97B.035",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specification of hunting hours for big game and wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Amends hunting restrictions between evening and morning in section 97B.075.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on lawful hunting hours."
]
},
"citation": "97B.075",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allowance exemptions for trapping small game, excluding wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Stipulates nonresident trapping allowances in section 97B.601, subdivision 3a.",
"modified": [
"Conditions under which nonresidents may trap game."
]
},
"citation": "97B.601",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specifies small game exceptions not including wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Defines exceptions to small game license requirements under section 97B.601, subdivision 4.",
"modified": [
"Clarified exceptions for small game hunting without license."
]
},
"citation": "97B.601",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Conditions under which game may be taken collectively, excluding wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Regulates small game hunting by party, excluding certain exceptions, detailed in section 97B.603.",
"modified": [
"Adjusted party hunting rules regarding visual and vocal contact."
]
},
"citation": "97B.603",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Commission powers regarding small game hunting restrictions."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Allows commissioner to restrict small game hunting, adjustments made in section 97B.605.",
"modified": [
"Definition of small game excluding wolves."
]
},
"citation": "97B.605",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Regulation for future adjustment of wolf hunting season."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Establishes that there shall be no open season for wolves until federal de-listing, amending section 97B.645, subdivision 9.",
"modified": [
"Conditions governing the establishment of open seasons for wolves."
]
},
"citation": "97B.645",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Introduction of civil penalties for unlawful wolf takings."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "This statute outlines the penalties for unlawful wolf activities under 97B.648.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies legal repercussions for violations involving wolves."
]
},
"citation": "97B.648",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Mandate for tagging certain animals including wolves."
],
"removed": [
"Not applicable."
],
"summary": "Adjusts registration and tagging requirements for furbearing animals as per section 97B.901.",
"modified": [
"Requirements for presentation and registration of pelts."
]
},
"citation": "97B.901",
"subdivision": ""
}
]