When it comes to allowing rifles statewide for deer hunting in Minnesota, the conversation usually comes down to a few familiar claims. You’ve probably heard them at deer camp, local meetings, or online.

Let’s set the noise aside and look at what real data and real hunting experience show.

Myth vs. Fact: Rifles and Deer Hunting in Minnesota

MYTH: Rifles are more dangerous than shotguns

FACT: Over more than 20 years of Minnesota deer hunting data, firearm-related incidents are extremely rare. When adjusted for how many hunters are in the field, shotgun hunters actually experience a higher overall incident rate than rifle hunters.

Most safety issues come down to hunter behavior—target identification, safe shooting angles, and firearm handling—not the type of firearm used.

MYTH: Rifles cause long-distance “stray bullet” accidents

FACT: Nearly all deer hunting incidents in Minnesota occur at very close range, often under 25 yards. Only a handful over decades involved shots beyond 100 yards.

Accidents don’t happen because a bullet travels too far. They happen because of poor judgment in the moment.

MYTH: Shotguns are safer because they don’t shoot as far

FACT: Modern slug guns and muzzleloaders are capable of accurate shots well past 200 yards. At the same time, rifles offer better accuracy, cleaner harvests, and fewer wounded deer.

Accuracy improves safety—for hunters and for the deer.

MYTH: Rifles aren’t needed for conservation

FACT: With Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) present in parts of Minnesota, clean harvests and high recovery rates are critical. Rifles help hunters make ethical harvests and recover more deer for testing and herd management.

MYTH: Statewide rifle use would remove local control

FACT: Landowners already control what firearms are allowed on their property. Statewide rifle use does not force anyone to use a rifle—it simply gives hunters and landowners more options.

The Bottom Line for Minnesota Deer Hunters

More than half of Minnesota’s firearms deer hunters already use rifles safely every year. The data shows that allowing rifles statewide does not increase hunting accidents, improves ethical harvests, and supports conservation.

This is about fair rules, common sense, and trusting Minnesota hunters to do what they’ve always done—hunt safely and responsibly.

Call to Action

• Support statewide rifle use for deer hunting in Minnesota
• Share this information with fellow hunters and landowners
• Talk with county commissioners and local officials when firearm restrictions are discussed
• Stand up for science-based, common-sense deer hunting regulations

Learn more and take action at:
mndeerhunters.com/statewide-rifle