MBI has established position statements on issues that affect bowhunting in Minnesota. Some are long- standing positions while others are established as a result of bills being introduced in the State Legislature each year. Others are in response to concepts or ideas brought about by state agencies, local governments, conservation groups, and other organizations. The following are MBI’s current position statements.

Expanded Use of Crossbows in the Archery Season

General Position

MBI supports the existing disability provisions for crossbow use in the archery season but opposes expanding the use of crossbows in the archery season.

MBI has no problem with allowing hunters who have an eligible disability that prevents them from drawing a bow to use a crossbow during the archery season. However, MBI believes that crossbows are not archery equipment and more akin to a firearm because hunting with a crossbow is more similar to hunting with a firearm. MBI agrees with the following statements from the North American Bowhunting Coalition: “…[crossbows] will change the dynamic of a sport that thrives for almost the opposite reason from results-oriented firearms seasons.” Also, “Bowhunting exists exactly because it is difficult and challenging by definition, and because it requires a higher level of commitment that not all hunters choose to make.”

Use of Crossbows for those 55 and Older

MBI recognizes that the Minnesota DNR is exploring the legalization of crossbows in the archery season for hunters 55 years of age and older as a tool for hunter retention. MBI is opposed to this concept.

Advances in the efficiencies of the compound bow made it possible for the Legislature to reduce the minimum draw weight by 25% (from 40 pounds to 30 pounds) in 2007. Existing law allows any bowhunter in the state of Minnesota who is not physically able to use modern archery equipment to obtain a crossbow permit to use it in the archery season. The retention capabilities of the weapon already exist in this state. MBI fears the introduction of universal crossbow access to those 55 and older is the first step towards full access of the weapon in the archery season, which MBI opposes. Bowhunting has forever been an inherently difficult and disciplined pursuit, culminating in tremendous satisfaction when one’s goals are achieved. The shorter learning curve associated with the crossbow may negatively affect the culture and aura that historically define our pursuit.

Any assumption that an introduction of technology such as crossbows will solve the declining archery season participation of those 55 and older is premature, and adding the technology of the crossbow to Minnesota’s current archery tradition is not an option we feel should be tested simply because the crossbow industry has shaped an argument for their introduction. No public segment is requesting their presence, and membership, passionate about the sport, are strongly opposed to their introduction to the archery season.

MBI feels strongly enough about the topic that it is willing to donate a generous amount of time and resources to the investigation of why participation drops off at a certain age. We propose to be able to work with the DNR, to uncover the true picture of why participation in bowhunting drops off at a given age. Only then can we objectively search for ways to retain aging bowhunters. We understand the DNR’s need to retain licensed hunters, but request that we take the time to find the real reasons people drop out of our sport, before introducing technology as the answer.

Baiting for Deer

MBI opposes baiting for the purpose of harvesting deer and supports
the Minnesota DNR in its efforts to eliminate baiting of deer.

Baiting for deer is currently illegal in Minnesota. However, the Minnesota
DNR is discovering that the practice of baiting is increasing. Some individuals, as well as some wildlife and conservation organizations, support a seasonal ban on recreational feeding as well. MBI is aware of the difficulties in differentiating between baiting and recreational feeding and understands
some people’s desire to recreationally feed deer during the non-hunting season and in residential yards. With this, MBI has decided not to take a position on the recreational feeding issue but, instead, continues to oppose baiting for hunting purposes.

Youth October Firearms Deer Hunt

MBI opposes the 4-day October youth deer season.

The Minnesota DNR proposed a statewide October deer season for youth during the 2010 Legislative session. That proposal was later changed when the youth season was adopted for two regions of the state only. MBI supports the recruitment of youth in all aspects of hunting but for small, specific youth hunt areas only – not statewide or in large regions of the state. Additional hunters in the woods when others are out pursuing other game during concurrent hunting seasons (upland birds, waterfowl), especially during MEA weekend, will create additional safety risks. Also, MBI understands that blaze orange will be required for all archers during that season and believes this will negatively affect a bowhunter’s ability to conceal themselves from a deer’s vision.

Party Hunting/Cross-Tagging

MBI supports the elimination of cross-tagging of deer.

On a trial basis, the Minnesota DNR is eliminating party hunting, or cross-tagging of deer, in the southeast zone in the fall of 2010. MBI believes
hunters should only tag the deer they harvest themselves as cross-tagging places undue pressure on harvesting bucks.

Poaching Restitution

MBI opposes implementing graduated restitution values for trophy deer but, rather, supports a higher, uniform restitution value for all deer.

A bill was introduced during the 2010 Legislative session that would impose graduated restitution values for trophy-class deer. In other words, the greater the antler score, the greater the restitution value. MBI is concerned that such a measure places too much emphasis on the pursuit of “trophy” deer. MBI agrees with increasing the restitution value for deer; but the increased value should be the same for all deer whether trophy class or not.

Portable Stands on Public Lands

MBI opposes allowing portable deer stands to be erected and remain unattended on public lands for the pursuit of deer.

MBI believes the general principle of “public use” is being usurped by private claims associated with stand locations.

 

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