Minnesota Statutes Game and Fish (Ch. 97-102) § 97A.56. Feral swine

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) “Domestic hogs” means members of the subspeciesSus scrofa domesticus.

(c) “Feral swine” means an animal of the family Suidae or Tayassuidae that lives in the wild or has lived in the wild during any part of the animal's lifetime. Feral swine includes released domestic hogs, unless the owner satisfies the notification requirements ofsection 17.457, subdivision 4, and recovers the released domestic hogs within 72 hours of notification.

(d) “Release” has the meaning given undersection 17.457, subdivision 1.

Subd. 2. Prohibited actions; penalty. (a) Unless authorized by permit undersection 17.457, subdivision 3, a person may not possess or release feral swine or otherwise allow feral swine to run at large.

(b) A person may not hunt or trap feral swine, except as authorized by the commissioner for feral swine control or eradication. It is not a violation of this section if a person shoots a feral swine and reports the taking to the commissioner within 24 hours. All feral swine taken in this manner must be surrendered to the commissioner.

(c) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(d) A person who violates this subdivision is liable for the actual costs incurred by the state for the possession or release of the feral swine.

(e) A person who violates this subdivision is liable for the damages caused by the possession or release of the feral swine.