I know the regs about transporting firearms, cased and unloaded, but according to the DNR that is for motorized vehicles. anyone know offhand what the rules are for transporting a shotgun in a canoe? curious if we can throw them in uncased when we are looking for grouse this year. I have a call into the DNR, but figured I would throw a line out here as well.

Good question.

I am pretty sure (I have called the DNR on this) that you can shoot waterfowl from a moving canoe in MN. That would make me think it should not be a problem to have it uncased for grouse hunting/transport.

n.b., I think shooting waterfowl from a moving canoe is also legal in Iowa but emphatically NOT in Wisconsin.

As long as the canoe doesn't have a motor, you're fine. That said, you might *want* them in a floating case in case of capsize. There are also special rules about where your canoe can be while shooting migratory waterfowl that vary between certain water bodies, but that doesn't apply to grouse.

Thanks!

I spoke to a friend who works for the FS and he said "no motor, no problem".

I was more curious about if we wanted to paddle out in the late afternoon and find some grouse, would we need to put the shotguns in the case or can we just throw them in the canoe and head out. they will be in a case when we are paddling to and from our basecamp. Just didn't want to assume and then get busted!

I've shot dozens of ducks out of a canoe while floating rivers and creeks back home in northern Wisconsin. Perfectly legal.

bmaines: "I've shot dozens of ducks out of a canoe while floating rivers and creeks back home in northern Wisconsin. Perfectly legal."

Note that Minnesota and Wisconsin are different states. Read Minnesota's rules about open water very carefully before shooting ducks from a canoe - you can in some places, but not others.

easye515: "Thanks!


I spoke to a friend who works for the FS and he said "no motor, no problem".


I was more curious about if we wanted to paddle out in the late afternoon and find some grouse, would we need to put the shotguns in the case or can we just throw them in the canoe and head out. they will be in a case when we are paddling to and from our basecamp. Just didn't want to assume and then get busted!"

No case needed.