Rifles vs. Shotguns: What’s Best for Minnesota Deer Hunting?

As Minnesota transitions to allowing rifles statewide for firearm deer hunting in 2026, individual counties still have the authority to decide whether they’ll stick with the old shotgun-only rule or embrace rifles. This has sparked heated conversations across the state. Hunters, landowners, and community members voiced their opinions—some raising concerns, others calling for modernization.

This document explains the history, objections, and facts surrounding rifles for deer hunting to help commissioners and the public make an informed decision.

How Shotgun-Only Rules Came About

Shotgun-only restrictions in certain parts of Minnesota were not originally created because shotguns were proven to be safer than rifles. Instead, they were adopted decades ago as a fair chase regulation. Limiting hunters to short-range firearms was seen as a way to give deer a better chance in more densely populated parts of the state where deer numbers were lower and habitat was more fragmented.

Over time, deer populations have grown, hunter numbers have declined, and neighboring states have modernized their rules without compromising safety. What started as a fair chase measure is no longer necessary under today’s conditions.

Why the State Changed the Law

In 2025, Minnesota lawmakers passed an omnibus DNR bill that removes the shotgun-only requirement starting in 2026. Deer populations are stable or high, hunter participation is declining, and neighboring states have successfully allowed rifles without increases in safety incidents.

The law now lets counties decide if they will go with the state-prescribed allowance of permitting rifles or instead restrict hunters to shotguns only.

If counties choose to prohibit rifles, they must revisit that decision every year.

Safety Concerns

The concern: Rifles can shoot farther than shotguns, creating a risk of over-penetration and long-distance accidents.

The facts:

• A Pennsylvania General Assembly study found that shotguns firing modern saboted slugs actually present a larger danger area than a .30-06 rifle fired level at 0 degrees.
• A .308 rifle bullet drops just 4.2 inches at 200 yards, compared to a 20-gauge sabot slug that drops 13 inches, or a .223 round that drops 7 inches. This flatter trajectory makes rifles more predictable and precise.
• At 500 yards, a .308 has over 67 inches of drop—still well within predictable limits. At extreme range (880 yards/½ mile), it drops over 18 feet. The idea that rifle bullets fly dangerously flat for miles is a misconception.
• Wisconsin adopted rifles statewide in 2013. Their DNR reports incidents at the lowest levels in history since the change. No safety spike occurred.
• Most hunting accidents are caused by hunter error (falls from tree stands, misidentifying targets) rather than firearm type.

Conclusion: Rifles, when used responsibly, are no more dangerous—and may even be safer—than modern shotguns.

Ethical Hunting

The concern: Rifles could encourage hunters to take excessively long shots.

The facts:

• Rifles improve precision, not just range. A .308’s flatter trajectory means hunters are more likely to place an ethical shot within 100–200 yards.
• Shotgun slugs lose velocity and accuracy quickly, increasing the odds of wounding deer rather than harvesting them cleanly.
• Minnesota hunters already use rifle calibers in pistols for deer, and rifles for predator hunting—without added safety risks.

Conclusion: Rifles promote more humane, ethical harvests.

Tradition

The concern: Shotgun-only zones are a Minnesota tradition that should remain.

The facts:

• All five states bordering Minnesota (Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan) already allow rifles.
• Minnesota has long allowed rifle-caliber handguns for deer hunting, even in shotgun-only areas. This has been the law for decades with no increase in accidents.
• Rifles have already been legal for deer hunting in northern Minnesota counties for many years, with no notable safety issues.
• Hunting culture is evolving, but the core values—safety, respect, and conservation—remain.

Conclusion: Minnesota hunters are already trusted with rifle-caliber firearms. Extending that to shoulder-fired rifles is a natural step.

Deer Population Management

• Deer license sales are declining while deer numbers remain high.
• Crop damage, vehicle collisions, and environmental strain are all tied to high deer density.
• Rifles give hunters—especially newer and younger hunters—the most effective tool to help keep deer populations balanced.

The Bottom Line

The debate between rifles and shotguns comes down to this:

• Safety: Rifles are no less safe than shotguns.
• Ethics: Rifles allow more humane harvests.
• Effectiveness: Rifles help balance deer populations with declining hunter numbers.
• Precedent: Neighboring states and Minnesota’s own allowance of rifle-caliber pistols show no increased risk.

The evidence is clear: rifles are the best choice for Minnesota’s future deer seasons. Counties like Lyon now have the opportunity to align with science, ethics, and hunter needs by embracing rifles for 2026 and beyond.

Public Forums and Local Decisions

Lyon County

At Lyon County’s recent public forum, about 20 residents spoke. The overwhelming majority supported rifles, while a few raised safety concerns. Commissioners plan to make their decision before January 2026. Read more about the Lyon County Public Forum here.

Redwood County

We attended the Redwood County Board meeting on Tuesday, September 16th to listen in on their discussion. The commissioners were considering whether they should host a public forum to gather input from their constituents on the upcoming rifle decision. It was made clear that if the board takes no action, the state rifle regulation will automatically apply in Redwood County. However, if the board chooses to implement an ordinance prohibiting rifles, they will be required to host a second public forum before adopting that restriction.

There was a good amount of information discussed between the commissioners, and at the end of the day the board appears split—two in favor of rifles, two against, and one undecided.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Monday, November 17th at 6pm and plan on attending and expressing your thoughts at the Redwood County Public Forum on rifle versus shotgun.

Renville County

We also spoke with the Renville County Administrator, who was helpful in providing guidance on how their county is approaching this process. She explained that Renville County will not be making any decisions or hosting public forums until the DNR releases its suggestions and guidance on ordinance recommendations in the spring. She referenced information from the League of Minnesota Counties, which stated: