NEW ULM — Brown County will continue to have a shotgun-only deer hunt next November.

After brief discussion Tuesday, Brown Country Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance regulating deer hunting firearms to only shotguns.

The ordinance follows a March 11 public hearing in the Brown County Law Enforcement Center Training Room where about 60 shotgun and rifle enthusiasts shared opinions for two hours on deer hunting firearms in the county.

A hearing straw pool showed 32 attendees favoring keeping county deer hunting firearms to shotguns and 23 attendees favored allowing rifles and shotguns.

“I felt the public hearing was a very good investment of time. I appreciated everybody sharing their opinions in a respectful way. I learned a lot. Everybody was well-educated on the subject. We have a lot of road hunters and I have a lot of concern with rifles from that standpoint so I continue to support shotgun-only,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert who is also the New Ulm Police Chief.

“Data supports rifles with added safety, but I understand the apprehension of people worried about them coming in and the possibilities of things going wrong. To me, there is no urgency to let rifles come in,” said Commissioner Tony Berg.

He said counties that allow rifle deer hunting will be laboratories for it.

Commissioner Brian Braun said the 60-40 split on gun use was “pretty close.”

He said he was elected to his position to represent his constituents, but said studies from Wisconsin and Pennsylvania show rifles are safer.

“Lets see how it plays out in Minnesota,” he said.

Commissioner Scott Windschitl said rifle deer hunting could be re-visited a few years later.

The Minnesota Legislature repealed the “shotgun-only” zone for deer hunting as of Jan. 1, 2026. The legislative change allows the use of rifles statewide to modernize hunting regulations based on increased deer numbers, improved firearm technology, and decreased safety risks.

Previously-restricted counties (including Brown County) have the option of passing ordinances to remain shotgun-only.

According to the Brown County shotgun-only ordinance was created to promote safety, mitigate potential trespassing and responsibly manage the deer population.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Borchert, seconded by Tony Berg.