In urban and semi-urban parts of Minnesota, raccoons are familiar residents. There are laws regarding capturing raccoons in every state but is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in Minnesota?
Yes, it is legal to trap and kill raccoons in Minnesota. However, there are specific laws and regulations which you need to follow while doing so. According to state legislation, raccoons harming or damaging property can be controlled.
In this article, we will read about a few Minnesota laws regarding the trapping of raccoons. Moreover, we will also look at all the rules that allow one to kill a raccoon in Minnesota. It is only permissible under certain conditions.
Is It Legal to Trap and Relocate Raccoons in Minnesota?
It is legal to trap nuisance raccoons in Minnesota. However, live trapping of raccoons is discouraged. They are allowed to manage these species without a license or permit for trapping. Trappers must adhere to the rules and regulations of trapping.
Like most states of the U.S., relocation of raccoons is forbidden in Minnesota. If you move a wild animal that has been captured, make sure you do it 10 to 15 kilometers from the original location. This makes it more unlikely that it will come back.
The Nuisance Animal Permit does not permit the transportation of wildlife that has been captured. Only with the landowner’s permission may the animal(s) be freed on private property.
Is It Legal to Hunt Raccoons in Minnesota?
Yes, it is legal to hunt Racoons in Minnesota. Raccoon hunting is legalized in hunting season. In Minnesota, raccoons are considered a game. There is a season for hunting and trapping, which runs from around October to March.
Except during the off-season or when using poison, the person is free to take the animal without a license and in any way. In cities and towns of Minnesota, raccoon shooting is prohibited. Every hunter in Minnesota who is ten years or older must have a big game hunting license. Anyone under the age of 13 needs to have a parent or guardian with them.
Gunshots are encouraged as it is essential to have this weapon so that painless killing is promoted and the animal does not suffer while dying. Headshots are encouraging so that the animal dies there and then. It is against ethics to cause harm to animals and then leave it there to die.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Trapping in Minnesota
According to state legislation, raccoons that are harming or damaging property can be controlled. They are allowed to manage these species without a license or permit for trapping. If the animal is killed, the local DNR Conservation Officer must be notified within 24 hours.
You might only be allowed to trap live animals in many metropolitan areas or places covered by local ordinances. It is better to get rid of raccoons professionally by the authorities.
Raccoons have been classified as rabies vector species and cannot be relocated without seeking permission from the authorities. Moreover, in the case of private property, the landowner gives the rights to the relocation of Raccoons. Otherwise, it is illegal, and a fine is imposed on people who do it.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Shootings in Minnesota
Raccoon hunting is only permitted between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise if the following rules are followed. Hunting is done on foot only. A raccoon cannot be shot with a firearm by a non-resident without a separate license for that species alongside a small-game license.
If you were born after December 31, 1979, and you are 12 years of age or older, you must obtain a valid Minnesota Firearm Safety Certificate to purchase a Minnesota hunting license. Anyone 16 years old or older that shoots small games in Minnesota must have a small game hunting permit.
It is also stated in the laws of Minnesota that killing animals unnecessarily is brutal and unethical. It should be discouraged among people. However, if raccoons are harming you, killing them becomes necessary, and the wildlife authorities are there to help you.
How Can You Trap Raccoons in Minnesota?
Ways of raccoon trapping in Minnesota are:
- Box or cage traps are typically the most practical eradication tools in urban and suburban regions.
- In some places, foot traps might be employed, particularly if they can be placed in water.
- Before beginning any eradication attempts, local authorities should be informed because some communities have rules that forbid the deployment of specific traps.
- At least a live trap needs to be 10″ x 12″ x 32″. Fish, chicken, cat chow flavored like fish, or tuna in cans can all be used as bait.
- A one-half-inch or smaller mesh will do; however, the mesh must be tiny enough that the raccoons cannot get through the wire and receive the bait.
- A few pieces should be positioned in front of and just inside the trap, but most of the bait should be placed near the back of the trap.
- Live traps can be built, bought, rented, or borrowed from rental agencies, some animal shelters, and wildlife preserves.
How Can You Shoot and Hunt Raccoons in Minnesota?
The Raccoons can be hunted and shot in several ways. Here are a few of them:
- Raccoons can be pursued by hunters at night on feet.
- Hunters can only use lights to find or kill a raccoon if it has been trapped in a tree or dispersed by dogs.
- You can use pistols, shotguns, or rimfire rifles with.17 or.22 calibers
- Having a firearm other than the one registered is considered illegal. Therefore, you can only possess the licensed ones.
- Headshots are encouraged. If an animal is seen in a brutally killed manner, you must pay a fine.
- From January 1 through March 15, hunters are only permitted to use hand-held lights to hunt coyotes or foxes on foot, with a shotgun, and while using a calling device, but not within 200 feet of an automobile.
- By following the above-stated methods, you can hunt and shoot raccoons on your own. However, it is always better to have official permission or involve them so that they can do their work on their own.
Wrapping It Up
Hunting and shooting raccoons are permissible in Minnesota. However, there are some terms and conditions which you need to abide by. Without them, you can be charged with illegal conduct.
You need to have a registered gun for hunting down raccoons. Shooting in cities and towns is prohibited. Live trapping is not permissible. A licensed person is allowed to kill raccoons if they mean to cause you harm. You can always report the authorities and have them come over to look at your raccoon problem.
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