What? Controversial New Minnesota Law Outlaws Eating Beaver

Minnesota is making headlines as one of its more notable residents is running for national office. News broke earlier this week that it is now illegal to eat nuisance beaver. You can still dispatch nuisance beavers without a license but don't even think about cooking it.

This past weekend the trapping season kicked off in Minnesota, and one of the more popular animals to trap is the beaver. A new Minnesota statute, that was added to this year's omnibus bill, makes "Human consumption of a retained beaver is prohibited" according to an article from the Star Tribune. 

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The ban only applies to landowners who are getting rid of nuisance beavers without a permit, which is legal to do as long as the beaver is causing damage to the property like causing water to pool, taking down trees, etc. If you have a license, you are allowed to dispatch the beaver and then dress and cook it.

One Minnesota Senator, Nathan Wesenberg of LIttle Falls took to the Senate floor earlier this year to discuss the potential new statute. Wesenberg in the video claims to have tried beaver and enjoyed it.

The Star Tribune also reported that "new language also made it legal for landowners to dispose of or to keep and use nuisance beavers for fur, castor oil, and taxidermy (but not for eating) when killed by professionals."

According to the Minnesota DNR each year, Minnesota trappers harvest 20,000 to 30,000 beavers. 

Have you ever tried beaver before?