Thanks Bigfoot Hunter for posting this info.
Just so everyone understands the law, here’s a copy of it from the MN DNR Hunting Regulations:
Firearms Transportation
A person may not transport a firearm, including a handgun, in or on a motor vehicle unless the firearm is:
• unloaded* and cased;
• unloaded* and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or
• carried under a valid permit to carry a pistol or handgun.
Under the following circumstances, a person may transport
unloaded, uncased firearms (excluding pistols) in a motor vehicle, including ATVs:
• while at a shooting range with permission
• while lawfully hunting on private or public land or while travelling to or from a site the person intends to hunt or has lawfully hunted that day.
Firearms must be transported unloaded and cased:
• within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey counties.
• within an area where firearms discharge has been prohibited.
• within the boundaries of a home rule, charter, or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more.
• on school grounds
• as otherwise restricted in game refuges, shining or night vision laws.
Transportation of Bows
No person may transport an archery bow or crossbow in a
motor vehicle unless the bow is not armed with a bolt or arrow.
Handguns
Persons age 18 or older may carry a handgun in the woods and fields or upon waters to hunt or target shoot. Persons under age 18 may carry handguns for hunting if in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of the person’s parent or guardian, and if they meet
GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION
* An “unloaded” firearm is defined as a firearm without ammunition in the barrels and magazine, if the magazine is in the firearm. A muzzle-loading firearm with a flintlock ignition is unloaded if it does not have priming powder
in a pan.
A muzzle-loading firearm with percussion ignition is unloaded if it does not have a percussion cap on a nipple.
General Hunting Information
firearms safety requirements (see page 18). A person may not possess a firearm while bowhunting for deer. A person may take bear, elk and moose by archery while in possession of a firearm. Questions regarding handguns
should be directed to local law enforcement authorities.
The “Concealed carry or permit to carry” provisions apply to certain hunting activities. Persons with a permit under this law generally may carry their handguns uncased and loaded while hunting, and while traveling to or from hunting locations by motor vehicle under the hunting firearms transportation laws. However, possession of the
handgun while ‘shining’ or while hunting deer by archery would still subject the possessor to the provisions of these laws (see page 30, artificial lights, for more information).
Crossbows
A person may hunt with a crossbow during the regular firearms deer and bear seasons and with a firearms turkey license. At other times, a person may not hunt with a crossbow or possess a crossbow in a motor vehicle unless the crossbow is not armed with a bolt or arrow. Disabled persons with a valid permit may also hunt with crossbows
or use a bow with a mechanical device that draws, releases, or holds the bow at full draw (pages 56, 58 and 74).
Possession of Firearms Before, During, and After the
Firearms Deer Season
(Note: This section does not apply to the Muzzleloader Season, see page 90, except that muzzleloaders legal for deer may be possessed only by persons with a muzzleloader or firearms deer license during that season.)
No person may possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors during the period beginning the fifth day before the open firearms season and ending the second day after the close of the season within an area where deer may be legally taken by firearms (see page 29), except:
• A person who has a valid firearms big game license in possession may hunt big game during the open season with a firearm and ammunition authorized for big game.
• Possession is also legal under these conditions:
a) An unloaded firearm that is cased or in a closed trunk of a motor vehicle.
b) A shotgun and shells containing No. 4 buckshot or smaller diameter lead shot or nontoxic shot.
c) A .22 caliber rimfire handgun or rifle with .22 caliber short, long, or long rifle cartridges, .22 magnum or .17 caliber.
d) Handguns possessed by a person with a carry permit.
e) On an authorized target range.
You also got to remember that each DNR officer might have a different view on this law so be sure to check with your local one or where you will be hunting.