Subd. 1. Season.

The statewide open season for raccoon may be set by the commissioner.

Subd. 2. Period for treeing raccoons.

Notwithstanding subdivision 1 and section 97B.005, subdivision 1, a person may use dogs to pursue and tree raccoons without killing or capturing the raccoons during the closed season and a license is not required.

Subd. 3. Nighttime hunting restrictions.

To take raccoons between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, a person:

1. (1) must be on foot;
2. (2) may use an artificial light only if hunting with dogs;
3. (3) may use a handgun or rifle capable of firing only rimfire cartridges of .17 or .22 caliber, including .22 magnum; and
4. (4) may not use shotgun shells with larger diameter of shot than No. 4 shot.

Subd. 4. Prohibited methods of taking.

A person may not take a raccoon:

1. (1) in a den or hollow tree;
2. (2) by cutting down a tree occupied by raccoon; or
3. (3) by setting fire to a tree or using smoke.