ST. PAUL, MN -- Minnesota hunters and anglers will see many new regulations take effect this fall and next year.
Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a game and fish bill on Friday that includes both minor and major changes.
One of the major changes includes a planned overhaul of the deer license and zone system, mostly to simplify things. The Department of Natural Resources will reduce the state's four large hunting zones to three and will likely phase out the multi-zone and all-season licenses. The process for validating a deer license in the field will also get easier.
In addition, the minimum age for elk and moose hunting is being lowered from 16 to 12. Wild turkey hunters no longer have to purchase a turkey stamp.
And for anglers, resident, individual and married couples will be able to buy cheaper licenses, but only keep half the limit.
The state is busy adding those changes and others to the hunting regulations booklet.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
