MARSHALL — Lyon County residents shared mixed opinions Tuesday on whether the county should allow rifles for deer hunting.
The public hearing was called after a new state law eliminated shotgun-only zones in Minnesota. Beginning with the 2026 season, rifles will be permitted statewide unless counties vote to opt out. Lyon County commissioners said they will consider public input before making a decision.
Several residents raised safety concerns about high-powered rifles and the potential impact on deer populations. Others argued that rifle hunting would be no more dangerous than current practices and could help encourage younger hunters to participate.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will begin consulting counties on their decisions after Jan. 1. If Lyon County chooses to opt out, another round of public meetings would be required.
