If you have been paying attention to county meetings or just listening to conversations around town, one topic keeps coming up: counties going shotgun only for deer hunting. What used to be a long-running debate is now turning into real decisions that will shape the 2026 season and beyond.
The state of Minnesota has legalized rifle hunting for deer season throughout the state but has left individual counties the ability to further restrict the platform back down to shotgun only via county ordinance. This is going to add complexity for hunters and enforcement alike. Here’s what we know right now for which counties are sticking with the state standard of rifle and which counties are implementing an additional ordinance allowing only shotgun during firearm deer season.
Counties Going Shotgun Only for Deer Hunting: A Growing Trend
The clearest example so far is Brown County. Commissioners there approved a shotgun-only ordinance, meaning rifle use will not be allowed during deer season.
At the same time, not every county is following that path. In Redwood County, like many others, commissioners voted against placing restrictions, meaning rifles will remain an option for hunters in 2026. As we shared in our earlier post, Redwood County Deer Hunting: Rifles are Coming, “the motion to take no action on a restrictive ordinance passed 4 to 1.” That outcome highlights how strong community input can shape these decisions.
Renville County remains undecided, but the level of engagement has been high. During a recent public forum, residents from across the county showed up to voice their opinions. In our coverage, Renville County Deer Hunting: Community Voices and the Future of the Rifle, we noted that “the commissioners reiterated that the purpose of the evening was to serve as a listening session.” A decision is expected, but nothing has been finalized yet.
Other counties in southwest Minnesota are also discussing similar ordinances. Some are leaning toward maintaining shotgun-only rules, while others are still gathering input before making a final call. That uncertainty is exactly why this topic continues to gain attention.
A Patchwork of Regulations Across the Region
When you step back and look at the broader picture, counties going shotgun only for deer hunting is not a uniform shift. It is a patchwork. Brown County has made its decision. Redwood County has gone the other direction. Renville and others are still weighing their options.
For hunters, that creates a new reality. Regulations may differ from one county to the next, even within a short drive. What is legal in one area may not be allowed just across a county line. That is why tools like the map we are sharing alongside this post are becoming essential for understanding where each county stands.
What Hunters Should Be Watching
The biggest takeaway right now is awareness. If you are preparing for the 2026 deer season, it is critical to stay up to date on your specific county regulations. These decisions are happening locally, and they will directly impact how you hunt.
The conversation around counties going shotgun only for deer hunting is about more than just equipment. It reflects broader discussions about safety, evolving technology, and the future of deer hunting in our region. That is why turnout at these meetings has been strong and why opinions remain divided.
At River Valley Arms & Ammo, we will continue to follow these developments closely. Whether your county allows rifles or moves to shotgun-only, we are here to help you stay informed and prepared for a safe and successful season.
Because right now, more than ever, counties going shotgun only for deer hunting is something every local hunter should be paying attention to.