MN SF1303

Extends expiration of citizen oversight committees (Fisheries, Wildlife, and Budgetary) from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2020 to continue reviewing game and fish fund expenditures and making recommendations.

Modifies wildlife disease prevention authority to allow commissioner to restrict wildlife feeding, post public access restrictions to disease areas, and prohibit hunting license issuance for two years after conviction of wildlife feeding violations.

Creates new penalties and enforcement provisions including lowering the restitution value threshold for license seizure from $5,000 to $1,000 and establishing gross misdemeanor penalties for taking wild animals valued over $1,000.

Expands hunting and fishing opportunities including allowing persons age 60+ to use scoped muzzleloaders, residents age 80+ to take deer of either sex, and veterans home residents to take antlerless deer without permits.

Establishes requirement for written permission to place traps or snares on private property and adds new regulations on feeding bears, body-gripping trap specifications, and possession of firearms while hunting turkey.