On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
10/14/2023 8:24:07 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – This weekend, Governor Tim Walz celebrated the eleventh annual Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Owatonna and Steele County. Governor Walz’s hunting party harvested a rooster this morning. The weekend included a public lands celebration, community gathering, hunters’ breakfast, and a post-hunt lunch.
“As a lifelong hunter and Pheasants Forever member, the pheasant opener is one of my favorite times of year,” said Governor Walz. “Thank you to the community of Owatonna and Steele County for making the opening weekend of the pheasant hunting season a memorable one. A celebration like this gives us the opportunity to make memories with friends and family, recognize the incredible conservation work that makes this sport possible, and showcase outstanding communities across the state.”
“The 2023 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener was an amazing event! It was such a privilege to spend the day out on the prairie, with my host and a group of female hunters who made the experience so memorable,” said Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “I also want to thank the people of Owatonna for being such welcoming and gracious hosts. With so many options for hunting and other outdoor recreation activities, the community has a lot to be proud of!”
Schedule of Events
On Friday afternoon, Governor Walz attended a public lands celebration that recognized the conservation efforts on the Somerset Wildlife Management Area. On Friday evening, Governor Walz attended a community gathering in downtown Owatonna to meet with community members and leaders.
On Saturday morning, Governor Walz attended a hunters’ breakfast before departing for the hunt. Governor Walz hunted privately owned lands that have been enrolled in conservation programs. Following the hunt, Governor Walz returned to Owatonna for a post-hunt lunch and bird cleaning.
Governor Walz was hosted by Al Steinbauer, a member of the Steele County Chapter of Minnesota Pheasants, Inc. Also joining the hunt were Becky Wolfe and Derek Ritter from Owatonna, and Sierra Spindler, a recent graduate of Owatonna High School and avid clay shooter.
The 2023 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener showcased the many hunting, recreational, and community opportunities that Owatonna and Steele County have to offer, including more than 2,000 acres of state-managed public hunting land in Steele County.