Proposed ordinance would split county into two zones along Highway 9
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By Devin Fry
Published: Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM PDT
MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) – Clay County commissioners are weighing a new local ordinance that would set limits on the types of firearms hunters can use during deer season, a move prompted by a recent change in state law.
The Clay County Board of Commissioners will consider the proposed ordinance, which would divide the county into two firearm zones using State Highway 9 as the boundary.
Under the draft ordinance, hunters west of the Highway 9 centerline would be restricted to shotguns using slugs, muzzleloaders and handguns. Hunters east of the highway would be allowed to use all legal firearms, including rifles.
The board cited public safety, landowner protection and deer population management as reasons for the proposed split. Officials noted that land west of Highway 9 is more densely populated with residences, farmsteads and agricultural operations, while land to the east has different topography and lower population density.
The push for a local ordinance follows action by the 2025 Minnesota Legislature, which repealed a decades-old state law that had designated Clay County as part of a shotgun-only deer hunting zone since 1942. That repeal took effect Jan. 1, 2026, opening the door for rifle use statewide, but also giving counties within the former shotgun zone the authority to pass their own restrictions.
Under state law, any county ordinance must be reported to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by May 5 to be included in the DNR’s annual hunting regulations.
If adopted, violations of the ordinance would be considered a misdemeanor under Minnesota law.
The Minnesota DNR issued the following statement to Valley News Live:
This legislation removed the state’s shotgun-only zone but provided counties the opportunity to adopt an ordinance that served them and their hunters best. The DNR was neutral on the proposal and, regardless of whether counties allow all legal firearms or opt to remain shotgun-only, does not have hunter safety concerns. Whatever the weapon type they use, hunters should always follow the basic tenets of safe firearms handling: Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded; always control the muzzle; be sure of your target and what is beyond; and keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.Joe Albert, Minnesota DNR Enforcement