Subd. 1. Firearms and ammunition that may be used to take big game and wolves.

A person may take big game and wolves with a firearm only if:

1. (1) the rifle, shotgun, and handgun used is a caliber of at least .22 inches and with centerfire ignition;
2. (2) the firearm is loaded only with single projectile ammunition;
3. (3) a projectile used is a caliber of at least .22 inches and has a soft point or is an expanding bullet type;
4. (4) the muzzleloader used is incapable of being loaded at the breech;
5. (5) the smooth-bore muzzleloader used is a caliber of at least .45 inches; and
6. (6) the rifled muzzleloader used is a caliber of at least .40 inches.

Subd. 2. Handguns for small game.

A person may take small game with a handgun of any caliber in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, except that wolves may only be taken by hunting with the calibers specified in subdivision 1.

Subd. 3. Firearms larger than ten gauge prohibited.

A person may not use a firearm with a bore larger than a ten gauge to take a protected wild animal.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2015 c 65 art 3 s 38]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2017 c 93 art 2 s 166]

Subd. 6. Scopes.

A person may use a muzzleloader with a scope to take deer during the muzzleloader season. The scope may have magnification capabilities.