Minnesota

House of
Representatives
April 15th, 2020
VIA ELECTRONIC DELIVERY

The Honorable Tim Walz

75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, #130
St Paul, MN 55155

Dear Governor Walz:

Last Wednesday, during the unveiling of Executive Order 20-33, we were pleased to hear that your
Administration would begin planning on how to allow certain non-Critical Sector workers to return to
their jobs. The continued, safe expansion of the list of Critical Sectors that have received an exemption
from the Stay at Home Order has also been welcome sight. We have heard from hundreds of lawncare
specialists, landscape workers and gardening professionals, that are expressing immense gratitude for the
ability to get back to work - safely and outdoors.
There remain however, points of frustration for outdoor enthusiasts concerned that certain business,
which can be conducted safely, remains prohibited. Of particular concern to us, are facilities and clubs
that enable trap and sport shooting. These activities have seen a staggering rate of growing in popularity
among our youth, are steeped in Minnesota tradition, are inclusive of the disabled, and can be practiced in
a manner even more solitary, and in better accordance with social distancing, than golf.
Clay shooting is the fastest-growing sporting phenomenon among Minnesota high schools, and schools
across the country. The USA High School Clay Target League (USAHSCTL) recognizes Minnesota as its
largest chapter, with 12,000 students from nearly 450 schools competing. That represents more
participants than Minnesota boys and girls hockey combined, and accounts for over one-third of
USAHSCTL membership.
In fact, the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League championship bills itself as the largest
shooting sports event in the world. We can attest that nothing embodies the spirit of #OneMinnesota
better than watching boys, girls and adaptive students all participating on the same team in pursuit of
excellence. It is even more impressive when you consider that trapshooting is a club sport at Minnesota
schools, holding events off campus and raising its own funds.
We believe it is important that the youth who have sacrificed so much during this crisis, as well as all
Minnesota outdoor and sporting enthusiasts, not be denied this outlet any longer. The nature of trap and
sport shooting and its field-of-play lend themselves well to the social distancing guidelines put forth by
MDH and the CDC. As such, we urge you to open this sport back up to Minnesotans who need healthy,
and safe, outdoor activities now more than ever.
We are thankful that you and your agencies have been open to the input of members of the legislature
during this crisis, and we ask for your thoughtful consideration in this matter.
Respectfully,

Ron Kresha
State Representative

Minority Leader Kurt Daudt Deputy Minority Leader Anne Neu

Representative Tony Albright Representative Jeff Backer

Representative Peggy Bennett Representative Greg Boe

Representative Brian Daniels Representative Greg Davids

Representative Lisa Demuth Representative Dan Fabian

Representative Sondra Erickson Representative Mary Franson

Representative Matt Grossell Representative Glenn Gruenhagen

Representative Bob Gunther Representative Rod Hamilton

Representative John Heinrich Representative Josh Heintzeman

Representative Brian Johnson Representative Jon Koznick

Representative Sandy Layman Representative Eric Lucero

Representative Dale Lueck Representative Shane Mekeland

Representative Nathan Nelson Representative Paul Novotny

Representative Tim O’Driscoll Representative Kristin Robbins

Representative John Poston Representative Joe Schomacker

Representative Peggy Scott Representative Chris Swedzinski

Representative Tama Theis Representative Dean Urdahl

Representative Bob Vogel