[ST. PAUL, MN] – On Saturday, April 27^th, Governor Tim Walz hosted the first-ever Minnesota Governor’s Turkey Hunt in Northfield, fulfilling a campaign promise to add a turkey hunt in the spirit of longstanding events like Governor’s Fishing Opener, the Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener, and the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener.

Governor Walz was joined by U.S. Representative Angie Craig, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Senator Matt Little, and Representative Todd Lippert, among other guests. The Governor and guests were accompanied by experienced turkey hunters from the Dakota County Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to guide them in the notoriously difficult pastime. Only Commissioner Strommen was successful in Saturday’s hunt.

“I want to thank my guests and our mentors from the Dakota County Strutters for making the first-ever Governor’s Turkey Hunt a resounding success,” said Governor Walz. “I might not have walked away with a turkey this time, but I’m proud to draw attention to a Minnesota pastime and the decades-long commitment to conservation that made this possible.”

The Governor’s Turkey Hunt is expected to continue in the future. More photos of Saturday’s hunt are available here.