Subdivision 1. Establishment; requirements. (a) The commissioner may establish criteria, special seasons, and limits for persons who have a physical disability to take big game and small game with firearms and by archery in designated areas. A person hunting under this section who has a physical disability must:

(1) have:

(i) a verified statement of the disability by a licensed physician; or

(ii) a driver's license or Minnesota identification card bearing the applicable designation under section 171.07, subdivision 17; and

(2) be participating in a program for physically disabled hunters sponsored by a nonprofit organization that is permitted under subdivision 2.

(b) Notwithstanding section 97B.055, subdivision 3, the commissioner may authorize hunt participants to shoot from a stationary motor vehicle. A license is not required for a person to assist a person with a physical disability who is hunting during a special season under this section.

Subd. 2. Permit for organization; laser sights. (a) The commissioner may issue a special permit without a fee to a nonprofit organization to provide an assisted hunting opportunity to physically disabled hunters. The assisted hunting opportunity may take place:

(1) in areas designated by the commissioner under subdivision 1; or

(2) on private property or a licensed shooting preserve.

(b) The sponsoring organization shall provide a physically capable person to assist each disabled hunter with safety-related aspects of hunting and, notwithstanding section 97B.081, a person with a physical disability who is totally blind may use laser sights.

(c) The commissioner may impose reasonable permit conditions.

History: 1991 c 72 s 1; 1993 c 269 s 14; 2005 c 146 s 30; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 45; 2014 c 290 s 44