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

Hunters reported excellent hunting in mixed conditions in the Austin area during the ninth annual Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener Saturday. Hunters encountered sunshine, wind and driving snow. The Austin area proudly touted its conservation work and public lands for hundreds of guests.

Despite a delayed harvest and wet conditions, the 170 hunters experienced a good amount of success, harvesting 44 roosters. One of the roosters was harvested by Gov. Tim Walz.

The Friday evening community banquet had 457 people in attendance.

The weekend festivities included a dog parade, dock dog demonstration, live music by nationally-known artists, and the dedication of land that is destined to be Mower County’s newest parcel of public hunting grounds, which had approximately 150 people on hand.

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

Set in Martin County, Fairmont is dubbed “Bacon Capital USA.” It is the county seat and has a population of 10,666. Fairmont is located at the junction of Interstate 90 and Minnesota State Highway 15.

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

Walz Group Photo – Gov. Tim Walz and his group pose for a photo after the morning hunt in Mower County as part of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. The governor’s hunting party was led by Austin residents Taggert Medgaarden and Scott Nelson.

Gov Walz Rooster – Gov. Tim Walz celebrates after harvesting a rooster at the Saturday morning’s hunt during the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. It is Gov. Walz’s first hunt as Governor.

Flanagan Afield - Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan takes to the field in rural Mower County as part of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. Flanagan was joined by four other novice hunters in her group, mentored by three seasoned volunteers.

Sarah Strommen at Banquet – DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen addresses more than 400 people at the Friday night banquet as part of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. Upland bird hunting provides $210 million in yearly economic activity in Minnesota.

LG Flanagan at Banquet – Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan enjoys a laugh shortly before addressing the crowd at the Friday night banquet as part of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. A total of 457 people attended the banquet.

Edman Address – John Edman, Director of Explore Minnesota, addresses the crowd at the Friday night banquet during the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Austin, informing the audience that tourism provides a $15.3 billion boon to the state’s economy each year.

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

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