FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
Supporting the Elimination of Shotgun Zones, the 2nd Amendment, and the NRA
May 8, 2025
As a proud candidate for Governor of Minnesota, I, Phillip C. Parrish, stand firmly in support of the legislative efforts to eliminate the outdated shotgun-only zones for deer hunting, as proposed in bills like SF 107, HF 864, and Rep. Chris Swedzinski’s initiative. These efforts not only reflect the evolving needs of our state’s hunters but also align with our fundamental constitutional rights under the 2nd Amendment—a cornerstone of American freedom that I am committed to defending.
For over 80 years, Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone, established in 1942, restricted hunters in southern Minnesota to shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns during deer season. This regulation was originally intended to protect a small deer population, but as the Department of Natural Resources has confirmed, our deer population has grown significantly, causing damage to crops and gardens. It’s time to modernize our laws to give hunters the flexibility to use any legal firearm, including rifles, which many—especially women and young hunters—find more comfortable and effective due to reduced recoil. The fact that Minnesota allows rifles for nighttime predator hunting statewide, and that nearby areas like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Sioux Falls report no issues with rifle use for deer hunting, proves that rifles can be used safely and responsibly across our state.
This issue is about more than just hunting—it’s about preserving our constitutional rights. The 2nd Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This right, as affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in landmark cases like District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), protects not only self-defense but also the traditional American practices of hunting and sport shooting. Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone, one of only four such restrictions in the nation, imposes an unnecessary burden on law-abiding hunters, limiting their ability to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights to use the firearms of their choice. The Supreme Court has made clear that any regulation on firearms must be consistent with the historical tradition of firearm regulation at the time of the Founding—restrictions like the shotgun zone, rooted in a 20th-century wildlife management concern, fail this test when the original justification no longer applies.
I am proud to stand with the National Rifle Association (NRA), an organization that has tirelessly defended the 2nd Amendment rights of Minnesotans and Americans for over 150 years. The NRA has long supported hunters’ rights to use the tools best suited for their needs, and I echo their call to eliminate these outdated zones. The NRA’s advocacy for responsible firearm ownership aligns with my vision for Minnesota—a state where hunters, sportsmen, and law-abiding citizens can exercise their constitutional freedoms without undue government interference.
Eliminating the shotgun-only zone also respects the principle of local control, as proposed in SF 107 and other bills, allowing counties to tailor regulations to their unique needs while ensuring that the default is freedom for hunters. The DNR’s support for these changes, coupled with data showing no significant safety difference between rifles and shotguns (five rifle accidents versus four shotgun accidents from 2022-2024), further underscores that this reform is both practical and safe.
As your next Governor, I will champion the rights of Minnesota’s hunters and firearms owners, ensuring that our laws reflect the realities of today while upholding the constitutional principles that define our nation. I call on the Minnesota Legislature to pass these bills and send a clear message: we trust our hunters, we honor our Constitution, and we stand with the 2nd Amendment and the NRA. Together, we can preserve our hunting heritage and protect the freedoms that make Minnesota great.
Sincerely,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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