Kittson County (trfnews.i234.me) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has filed a lawsuit against Kittson County Sheriff Matt Vig and the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office, alleging that Vig unlawfully issued an elk possession permit earlier this year.
According to court filings, the lawsuit—filed on August 7th—claims Vig issued a permit for an elk illegally taken in Kittson County despite having no legal authority to do so. The DNR is asking the court to prohibit Vig and his office from issuing permits or tags for elk or other wild animals.
The case stems from an incident in January 2025, when Vig allegedly met with a local farmer who complained that elk were eating hay, beet pulp, and seeded crops on his property. Vig allegedly told the farmer that “shooting elk may be an option” to protect his property from damage.
Later that month, the farmer told Vig that he had shot an elk after spotting several animals on his farm. Vig allegedly assured the man he would not be charged and allowed him to keep the elk. On February 3rd, Vig reportedly issued the farmer an “elk possession tag” even though the man did not hold a valid license. Neither Vig nor the farmer reported the incident to the DNR.
The situation came to light in April, when someone reported that Vig was allegedly issuing permits to possess elk. A DNR conservation officer contacted Vig by phone on April 8th. Vig then provided a written report describing the farmer’s actions and his issuance of the elk possession tag.
The DNR contends Vig had no statutory authority to grant such permits, which are regulated strictly by state law. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture provides grants to farmers dealing with elk-related crop damage, but does not authorize lethal action without state-issued permits.
As of press time on August 14th, Vig had not returned calls seeking comment.
For more information on Minnesota’s wildlife possession laws, visit the Minnesota DNR website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
