I was going to apply for a dog training permit for the 2008 year, which allows for the use of pen raised game birds for training. The person I talked to just didn't make sense to me on some of the regulations and also game me this copy of the Statute -
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/ ... on=97B.005
Quote:
97B.005 TRAINING DOGS.
Subdivision 1. Field training. A person may not train hunting dogs afield on public lands
administered by the commissioner from April 16 to July 14 except as specifically authorized by
permit or rule.
Subd. 2. Restriction on ammunition while training. A person training a dog afield and
carrying a firearm may only have blank cartridges and shells in personal possession when the
season is not open for any game bird, except as provided in subdivision 3.
Subd. 3. Permits for organizations and individuals to use game birds and firearms. (a)
The commissioner may issue special permits, without a fee, to use firearms and live ammunition
on domesticated birds or banded game birds from game farms.
(b) Permits for holding field trials may be issued to organizations. The permit shall specify
the dates and locations of the field trial. The commissioner may limit the number of dates
approved for any organization.
(c) Permits for training hunting dogs may be issued to an individual.
(d) Domesticated birds, other than pigeons, and game farm birds used for trials or training
under this section must be clearly marked with dye or a streamer attached to a leg in a manner that
makes them visually identifiable prior to being taken.
So with a permit to train dogs afield and in possession of the DNR receipt from the game that the birds were purchased, I was told the following, which would be all on private land. I could not use, marked pen raised hen pheasants for training during the normal pheasant season, only marked roosters. Also, I could only shoot 2 marked pen raised roosters during the pheasant season. BUT, I could use marked pen raised hens and roosters when the normal pheasant season was closed and with a the receipt for let say 3 marked pen raised hens, I could shoot the 3 marked hens.
This makes no sense to me and when I ask for the statute, I get the above and that does not specify sex, just as marked pen raised pheasants. I was repeatedly told that even it isn't defined, it is against the law to shoot marked pen raised pheasants during the pheasant season.
I plan to contact the 2 local Conservation Officers later this week to see what their thoughts are.
So, does anyone have a link or any idea of what the law really is?