Clay County delays vote on deer hunting ordinance

Commissioners hear from over 100 residents on proposed split-county regulations.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated deer head icon in a grid pattern, using bright neon shades of green, pink, and blue to conceptually represent the vibrant community discussion around deer hunting rules.The debate over deer hunting regulations in Clay County has sparked a lively community discussion on balancing wildlife management, public safety, and local traditions.Moorhead Today

Clay County commissioners in Minnesota delayed a vote on a proposed deer hunting ordinance after hearing from more than 100 people at a public meeting. The proposal would split the county along Highway 9, with different firearm restrictions on each side. After over an hour of public input, commissioners postponed the vote until their next meeting on April 21.

Why it matters

This decision reflects the ongoing debate over deer hunting regulations in the region, with local residents voicing strong opinions on balancing public safety, wildlife management, and hunting traditions. The outcome could set a precedent for how other Minnesota counties approach this issue.

The details

The proposed ordinance would restrict hunters west of Highway 9 to using only shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns, while allowing all legal firearms, including rifles, east of the highway. If commissioners don't pass an ordinance by May 5, the county will automatically fall under a new state law allowing rifles countywide.

  • The public meeting was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Commissioners delayed the vote until their next regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Clay County Commissioners

The elected governing body of Clay County, Minnesota responsible for considering the proposed deer hunting ordinance.

Jenny Mongeau

A Clay County Commissioner who stated that about 60 people attended the meeting in person, with another 40 providing testimony online.

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What they’re saying

“After more than an hour of public comment, commissioners closed public input and delayed a vote until their next regular meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21.”

— Jenny Mongeau, Clay County Commissioner

What’s next

If commissioners don't pass an ordinance by May 5, 2026, Clay County will automatically fall under a new state law allowing rifles for deer hunting countywide this fall.

The takeaway

This debate over deer hunting regulations in Clay County reflects the ongoing tensions between public safety, wildlife management, and local hunting traditions. The commissioners' decision to delay the vote and further consider public input shows they are carefully weighing the diverse perspectives of their constituents.