Attention all Douglas County, MN deer hunters!

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of Douglas County, Minnesota, will hold a public forum on the 18th day of February, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Douglas County Administration Building, Board Room, located at 821 Cedar Street, Alexandria, Minnesota, to receive public comment regarding recent changes in in Minnesota law that allow counties to consider whether to restrict certain firearms and to maintain shotgun-only zones following the State’s repeal of Minnesota Shotgun Zone requirements, or permit the use of rifles in designated areas.

‍The Minnesota Legislature amended state law to grant local governments discretion over firearm regulation within their jurisdictions, making community input a key component of the decision-making process.

The purpose of this public forum is to give residents, landowners, hunters, and other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the new law and share their perspectives on whether Douglas County should adopt an ordinance limiting the use of rifles for deer hunting.  

Those unable to attend may submit feedback via e-mail to:  lenaer@co.douglas.mn.us prior to the public forum.  

Comments received at the public forum and in writing will be used by the County as it makes decisions regarding the firearms zone policy.  Following the public forum, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners may consider the issue at a future regular board meeting.