Freeborn County Debates Rifle vs Shotgun Deer Hunting

Residents voice concerns over potential change to state law allowing rifles for deer hunting

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners in Minnesota is considering whether to allow rifle hunting for deer or to remain a 'shotgun-only' zone, as the state has recently lifted the previous restriction on rifle use. Residents have expressed a mix of opinions, with some concerned about safety and others arguing rifles would be more effective and attract more hunters to the area.

Why it matters

This decision will impact hunting regulations and public safety in Freeborn County. The shotgun-only law has been in place since 1942 to protect the deer population, but with the state lifting that restriction, counties can now choose to keep the shotgun-only rule or allow rifles. This is a contentious issue with valid concerns on both sides that the county commissioners must weigh carefully.

The details

The former state law had restricted deer hunting in southern Minnesota to shotguns only since 1942, in order to protect the small deer population at the time. With the new state law allowing rifles, individual counties can now choose to remain shotgun-only if they wish. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners heard from over a dozen residents on Thursday, with some arguing rifles would be more effective and humane, while others raised safety concerns about high-powered rifles being used near homes and farms. The commissioners say they have heard about a 50/50 split in opinions so far and will need to make a difficult decision.

  • The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners must make their decision prior to May, when the Department of Natural Resources is preparing its hunting guidelines book for the year.
  • The previous shotgun-only law has been in place since 1942.

The players

Freeborn County Board of Commissioners

The county governing body that will decide whether to allow rifle hunting for deer or to remain a 'shotgun-only' zone.

Doug Ruble

A resident who lives west of Albert Lea and has mixed emotions about the change, leaning towards staying with shotgun slugs due to concerns about safety and proximity to DNR land.

Jay Crabtree

A resident from rural Glenville who argued the original law was a management tool, not a safety tool, and that allowing rifles could attract more hunters to the area.

Greg VanRyswyk

A resident concerned about safety, particularly for other hunters and farmers doing fieldwork, as well as the potential for 'road hunters' using high-powered rifles.

Dustin Tramm

A resident of rural Alden who was in favor of changing to a rifle zone, citing the success of the change in Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever decision is made, half of you aren't going to be happy with it.”

— Brad Edwin, Board Chairman (albertleatribune.com)

“I can't point the gun any direction really and not be pointing at a house, so that's a concern.”

— Doug Ruble, Resident (albertleatribune.com)

“All it takes is one person to get hurt or killed. Then we'll be saying, 'What did we do this for?'”

— Greg VanRyswyk, Resident (albertleatribune.com)

What’s next

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners must make their decision on whether to allow rifle hunting or remain shotgun-only prior to May, when the Department of Natural Resources finalizes its hunting guidelines for the year.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the complex tradeoffs between hunting effectiveness, public safety, and historical precedent that local governments must weigh when setting hunting regulations. The Freeborn County commissioners will need to carefully balance the diverse perspectives of residents to reach a decision that serves the broader community interests.