Luverne wraps up successful weekend as host of Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener

Hunters reported excellent weather for hunting in the Luverne area during the eighth annual Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunt Saturday. The Luverne area, known for its pheasant habitat and hunter and dog-friendly lodging, hosted hundreds of guests.

Attendees that hunted in the field ranged in age from 14 to 91. Those hunters encountered wet fields that delayed the fall harvest, yet yielded 26 roosters during the morning hunt.

The weekend festivities included a dog parade and a trick-shooting show as well as the dedication of the Rooster Ridge Wildlife Management Area, which had 121 people on hand.

The Friday evening community banquet had 474 people in attendance.

Next year’s Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener will take place in Austin. Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will assist local partners in planning the event.

Austin has a population of 24,933 and is the county seat of Mower County. Austin is located at the junction of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 218.

Video is available. Photo cutlines are from the top five moments of the weekend:

Group Photo – Rep. Tim Walz and his group pose for a photo after the morning hunt in northeastern Rock County as part of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener.

Morning Hunt – Hunters take the field during opening morning of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. The hunt took place in the northeastern part of Rock County near the town of Kenneth.

M Fischbach - Lieutenant Governor Michelle Fischbach addresses hunting parties in Luverne shortly before they depart for the field during the eighth annual Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener.

Safety Message – In a sea of orange, guests and media listen as the safety message is delivered ahead of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. Hunters ranged in age from 14 to 91.

Walz Gets Bird – Congressman Tim Walz proudly holds up the rooster he harvested shortly after the season opened. Rep. Walz, an invited guest of Governor Mark Dayton, then gifted the harvested bird to the host landowner.

Note: High resolution photos and video are available for download at ftp://mediaroom.dnr.state.mn.us/Photo Library/

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