A buddy of mine just had his son complete his Firearms Safety class.
During the class the instructor told the class that it was Illegal to shoot from the road. He also said that the hunter had to be at least 60 feet from any vehicle before they could take small game.
I always thought it was legal to "road Hunt" small game with a shotgun as long as you didn't shoot from the vehicle.
So, I contacted to DNR for clarification.
Good Afternoon
If the road has a public easement and is not a highway a person may take small game.
You may need to contact the county or township to check on a road for public easement.
But as a general rule if it is a gravel or dirt road you can hunt small game.
You still need permission if discharging within 500 ft. of a dwelling or livestock.
The shotgun could be uncased and unloaded in the vehicle. You see a grouse, stop and turn off the vehicle.
Step out of the car load the shotgun and shoot. You just cannot be touching the vehicle while discharging.
For big game this is illegal. But for small game it would be legal.
Jim
MNDNR Information Center
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040