MN HF3903

Commissioner of natural resources must prescribe an annual open season for wolves unless the wolf is currently listed under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, with seasons and restrictions consistent with the wolf management plan.

Commissioner must annually consult with the Minnesota commissioner of agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, before determining wolf season details, including review of wolf depredation on livestock and pets and human conflict incidents.

Commissioner must establish a Northeast Deer Management Task Force by October 1, 2024, to make recommendations for policy and law changes to increase deer populations in northeastern Minnesota.

Task force membership must include hunters, wildlife managers, Tribal members, a representative of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, and other interested parties, with members primarily residing or operating in northeast Minnesota.

Task force must submit a final report to the commissioner and legislative committee chairs by August 1, 2026, and expires upon report submission or that date, whichever is earlier.