Minnesota court reverses deer-baiting conviction

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The deer baiting conviction of a Hibbing farmer whose family had been cited at least twice for baiting with piles of pumpkins has been reversed by the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the farmer successfully argued the pumpkins were fertilizer, even if they were on a field within range of deer stands.

In the decision handed down Monday, the court declares a portion of Minnesota law that deals with illegal baiting is ambiguous and overturned the conviction of Donald Carrol Hansen.

A spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources says the department disagrees with the decision and may appeal it to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Online: The court’s opinion: http://www.mncourts.gov/opinions/coa/current/opa110546-112111.pdf