Lawmakers and state regulators appear to be warming to the idea of eliminating shotgun-only deer hunting zones in Minnesota.

Officials said that given the resilience of the deer population, and recent advances in firearms technology, the zones might no longer be needed. And if legislation aimed at getting rid of them is approved, it would open southern and western Minnesota to rifle use for the first time in years.

House representatives laid over their version of the zone elimination bill last week, meaning it could be added into an omnibus bill for future consideration. Versions of the bill were introduced in both legislative chambers last year.

Shotgun-only zones have been used in Minnesota in one form or another for decades, though their boundaries have changed with time. They have less to do with hunter safety, officials said, than they do…