Ask a conservation officer

[Lee Borgersen]

      Ask a conservation officer 


Q: I’ve heard it’s legal to transport my shotgun uncased when I go from one spot to another when I’m grouse hunting. Is that true?
 
A: In some instances, yes. Changes in state law in recent years have made it lawful to transport an unloaded, uncased firearm (excluding a pistol) in a motor vehicle when a person is at a shooting range, when lawfully hunting on public or private land, or when travelling to or from lawfully hunting on public or private land. This does not apply within Hennepin, Anoka or Ramsey counties, on school grounds or within a city with a population of 2,500 or more. For specific exclusions, see MN Statute 97B.045 Sub 3. It is still always best for safety’s sake and for the care of your firearm to keep it within a case when transporting it in a vehicle.

Matthew S. Miller is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer with the Lake Superior Marine Unit.