Losing Your Guns

I grew up in Grand Rapids bringing my shotgun to school so we could chase grouse after class. That time has come and gone forever and I understand, to an extent, why. I don’t know where to take a stand, I’m a gun enthusiast and a dedicated firearms hunter, but I’m not a gun nut. But I know this. I see the government take away the firearms rights of young men and women who grew up hunting over things that have nothing to do with guns far too often. Hunting is a healthy sport, for the mind, for the family, for the environment and for the soul. I’m not the guy that’s going to change Washington or St. Paul. That’s not my calling, my passion for elected office has flown the coop. My passion now is doing everything I can to stop sports men and women from losing their ability to hunt and shoot when it’s simply not fair and not healthy to do so.

Ways to Lose Your Gun Rights

Minnesota takes away a person’s firearms rights, for lots of things, but mainly for convictions of “crimes of violence.” You know, things like selling a joint (marijuana) for twenty bucks to the dude in the next campsite at Moondance Jam. Yep, if you’re convicted of that offense (selling any amount of marijuana), that “crime of violence” prohibits you from having a firearm, theoretically for life. (You can petition the court after your probation is closed out to reinstate your firearm’s rights, but there’s no guarantee.) Every year, the legislature adds to this list, catching more and more people in their “no guns” net. In addition, if you’ve been committed as a result of mental health difficulties (meaning the court ordered you into mental health treatment), you’ll lose your firearms rights. Other prohibitions are related to controlled substance use, orders for protection or various misdemeanor offenses.

Protecting Your Rights

Frankly, until things change, I’d be very careful about disclosing my medical and/or mental health background to anyone, including health care providers. You can lie and still get the treatment you need without tarnishing your “permanent record.” The new laws and rules regarding medical records make those things accessible for life from anywhere. I know it’s supposed to provide seamless coverage and all that, but what it really does is create a lifelong narrative of the times you needed help and, if the government wants those records or passes a law that makes doctors rat you out for certain things, you’re not going to like the results.

Getting Your Rights Back

The good news is, other than certain offenses (have a dust-up with your spouse and you’re screwed), Minnesota does allow you to petition the court to get your firearm’s rights back, if the State took them previously. (Right now, federal bans are like taxes, just bend over and take it.) I’ve done a lot of these and haven’t failed yet. I have turned down a few people who wanted me to petition the court because I felt they were unlikely to succeed and because there really are some people who might not be at a point in their lives where firearms use is a good idea. But if you’ve been unlucky enough to have a prohibition, you’re off probation, and you want to get out there and chase pheasants, I’ll do everything I can to get you birds, besides tell you my favorite spots.