Renville County Deer Hunting: Commissioners Vote to Allow Rifles

Following in the footsteps of our neighbors in Redwood, Chippewa, and Yellow Medicine counties, the Renville County Board of Commissioners has reached a definitive decision regarding the future of deer hunting in our area.

After gathering community voices and holding a public forum, the board met to decide whether to implement a local ordinance to keep the county "shotgun-only" or to default to the Minnesota DNR’s state-wide regulations allowing rifles.

Here is the breakdown of the meeting and the final verdict that will impact your fall hunt.

The Commissioner Breakdown

The discussion among the five commissioners revealed a strong lean toward following state law, driven largely by public input and the reality of current ballistics.

• Greg Mertens (District 3): Mertens noted the civil tone of the debate, reporting that 72             forum attendees and approximately 90% of his personal contacts supported the move to rifles. He shared an anecdote about a shotgun supporter who realized many hunters are already using rifle calibers in pistols, leading to the conclusion that "it is what it is." Mertens was for the rifle.
• John Robinson (District 2): Highlighting the democratic process, Robinson noted that every constituent who reached out from his district was in favor of rifles. "Majority rules is a democracy," he stated, adding that the county's role is to enforce rules, not necessarily create extra layers over the state’s decisions. Robinson was for the rifle.
• Craig Carlson (District 1): While he initially heard from shotgun supporters, Carlson saw the tide turn completely. By the end of the process, almost every person reaching out supported the change. He agreed with Robinson that the state had made the rule and the county should let them handle it. Carlson was for the rifle.
• Greg Snow (Chair, District 4): Drawing from extensive notes and ballistic data, Snow argued that safety concerns regarding rifles aren't supported by the facts. He emphasized that landowners have the right to "legislate their own land" if they have personal safety concerns. He also addressed the "biggest idiot" argument, noting that illegal acts like hunting from cars are already against the law regardless of the firearm used. Snow was for the rifle.
• David Hamre (District 5): Acknowledging the majority support for rifles, Hamre remained the lone voice for tradition. In his 50th year of buying a license, he felt his constituents preferred the shotgun-only status quo. "Why mess with a good thing?" he asked. Hamre was for the shotgun.

The Final Decision: 4-1

The board ultimately moved to direct staff to do nothing in regard to drawing a restrictive ordinance.

• Motioned by: Mertens
• Seconded by: Robinson
• Roll Call Vote: Carlson (Yes), Robinson (Yes), Mertens (Yes), Snow (Yes), Hamre (No).

The motion passed 4-1. This means Renville County will follow the Minnesota state laws, effectively allowing rifles for deer hunting this season.

Can the Rules Change in the Future?

During the meeting, Commissioner Robinson asked for clarification on whether the county could change its mind later. Lisa (County Staff) confirmed that the commissioners could implement a restrictive ordinance next year or beyond, provided they follow the standard process: drafting an ordinance, holding a public forum, and holding a new vote.

What This Means for You

For now, the "Rifle Zone" has officially expanded into Renville County. While the law has changed, the rights of the landowner remain. If you hunt on private land and the owner prefers shotguns, you must respect their rules.

Landowners: You can legislate your own land. If you feel more comfortable with shotguns on your property, you have every right to make that a requirement for hunters you host.