Confiscated guns and more up for auction in Iowa, Minnesota

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Confiscated guns and more up for auction in Iowa, Minnesota

 April 21, 2017 By Brian Peterson

Years ago, while an outdoors writer in central Minnesota, I was invited into the field with a local conservation officer during the state deer-hunting opener.

I met him around the time legal shooting hours started that morning, and by the time darkness had fallen early that evening, the CO had come across numerous hunters, issued a few citations for hunting infractions and even confiscated a few firearms from hunters cited for baiting.

As I recall, one of the confiscated rifles was somewhat of a family heirloom, according to the hunter. And while the hunter made a mistake and admitted his wrongdoing, it was still difficult to watch. But while writing up the hunters, the CO noted that they would have an opportunity, if they chose, to buy the guns back at auction that next spring.

Thinking it would be interesting to see if any of those hunters would take that opportunity — and, in general, just to take in the auction — I made the drive to Zimmerman several months later for that year’s DNR auction, which featured everything from rifles to fishing gear.

A word to the wise: These auctions are serious stuff — probably not meant for people-watching. I had to park blocks away and, after battling the masses for a short while, decided to give up the effort.

Don’t know if that’s still the case these days. But if you’re interested in these auctions, in buying confiscated hunting and fishing fodder and the like, you’ll have two opportunities in the Upper Midwest in the coming days.

First up, the Iowa DNR will hold its 2017 spring auction on Saturday, April 22 at Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Doors will open at 7 a.m. and the auction will begin at 8:30 a.m., according to a DNR news release. The public may view the items for sale and pre-register for the auction from 4-6 p.m. April 21.

Items up for auction include more than 500 firearms, bows, gun barrels, scopes, tree stands and other assorted equipment. The items are sold “as is” with no guarantee or warranty. Anyone interested in purchasing a firearm at the auction must have either a valid Iowa permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, a federal firearms license, or a professional or non-professional permit to carry concealed weapons.

In Minnesota, after a two-year hiatus, the state DNR auction returns to Zimmerman on Saturday, April 29, beginning at 9 a.m. The auction again is scheduled at Hiller Auction Service, 10785 261st Avenue in Zimmerman, about 45 minutes northwest of the Twin Cities.

As there hasn’t been an auction since 2014, there is a large inventory available, according to a DNR release. Items for sale include bows, tree stands, fishing rods and reels, tip-ups, traps, trail cameras, spotlights, scopes and spears. There are 387 firearms, 100 bows and 280 other items, the DNR said.

Inspection of items will be available on Friday, April 28, from 1-4 p.m., and at 7 a.m. the day of the auction. Once the auction begins, there will be no access to firearms.

All equipment will be sold as is, including all defects or faults, known or unknown; items cannot be returned once they have been purchased. Buyers may bring their own gun cases and there will be cases available for purchase to transport firearms. Anyone purchasing a firearm will be required to pass a background check.

Revenue from the auction goes to the Game and Fish Fund for DNR fish, wildlife and law enforcement programs.

A list of firearms and bows being offered for sale is available by visiting the auction website at www.hillerauction.com/04292017.html.