Shotguns for Minnesota bird seasons and deer

Minnesota may be the best shotgun state in the Midwest. Ruffed grouse and woodcock in the northern aspen call for a light 20 or 28 gauge with open chokes, because you carry it for miles between flushes. Pheasants in the southwest want a 12 gauge and tighter chokes by December. Waterfowlers on the prairie potholes and the big lakes need a gun that handles non-toxic shot and a soaking. High school trap leagues have put thousands of new shooters behind 12 gauge target guns. For deer, some counties in the former southern shotgun zone may still require slugs; the rules changed recently, so check the DNR regulations for your county. Field shotguns need no state permit, and we ship to the Minnesota FFL you pick. See Minnesota gun laws.