Can You Legally Drink While You Hunt In Minnesota?

Here's an interesting question: "Can I have a beer while I'm hunting?" Alcohol and deer camp have always had a relationship. It's probably best to not touch the alcohol until you're done hunting for the day. You're handling a firearm and you also need to clearly identify any game before you shoot. In a nutshell, it's just a bad idea.

It's a no-brainer, don't drink while hunting.

Still, I think most hunters know of someone who's brought a flask or a drink with them out in the woods. Or who hasn't brought a cooler with them to tailgate after bird hunting. Is it legal?

There are two things to consider. First is the DNR handbook and regulations. But you also should look at the overall legal implications of handling a firearm while drinking. For example, you cannot carry a firearm if you have a BAC over .04 in public. But that's more for conceal-and-carry situations.

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DNR addresses hunting while intoxicated in the handbook.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources clearly states in their handbook that you cannot hunt if you are at or over the blood-alcohol content of .08.

Read More: Why I'm Giving Up On Deer Hunting This Year In Minnesota

Here's the exact wording from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2024 Hunting and Trapping regulations.

You may not hunt or be afield with a loaded or uncased firearm or and uncased bow while under the influence of a controlled substance or with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher.

This also applies to cannabis,

With the recent legalization of marijuana in Minnesota, being under the influence also applies to being high from cannabis, hemp edibles, or other intoxicating substances.

In conclusion, it's common sense to be sober while hunting. Save the drinking for when you're back at camp or home at the end of the day. When you're out in the woods you should be as sharp as you can mentally be.