[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today celebrated the 21 ^st annual Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener and opened the 2023 firearm deer season in Lanesboro. The celebration is organized by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota in partnership with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Bluffland Whitetails Association, Minnesota Conservation Federation, and Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center.

“With its focus on community, conservation, and the multi-million dollar impact on our state’s economy, the Deer Hunting Opener highlights the best of Minnesota and our rich outdoor recreation traditions,” said Governor Walz. “Thank you to the Lanesboro community, Eagle Bluff Learning Center, and our partners for hosting an outstanding kick-off to the deer hunting season. As thousands of Minnesotans across the state are gathering with family, friends, and neighbors to take part in this time-honored tradition, I wish everyone a safe and successful hunting season.”

Governor Walz hunted alongside Jim Vagts, a former appointed member of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and a founder of Bluffland Whitetails Association, on the Vagts’ private land.

Following the hunt, the Governor visited Eagles Bluff Environmental Learning Center to share stories of the hunt and underscore the importance of mentorship in passing on the tradition of hunting to future generations. The Governor was joined by hunters who participated in firearms season for the first time that morning, alongside their hunting mentors.

“Sharing outdoor experiences such as deer hunting with family and friends, both old and new, is at the heart of this great tradition,” said Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “Time afield in a deer stand or blind helps ensure that a love of nature and stewardship of the outdoors continues throughout the state. I’m grateful to the Lanesboro community as well as our conservation partner organizations for sharing and highlighting outdoor traditions in Minnesota’s bluff country.”

With nearly half a million Minnesotans taking part in the deer hunting season each year, deer hunting has a significant impact on Minnesota’s economy, outdoor recreation, and tourism industries. According to the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the average hunter invests over $2,000 annually on guns, ammunition, clothing, lodging, and food. Deer hunting contributes to Minnesota’s tourism industry, which supports nearly 280,000 jobs and has a total economic impact in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener celebration began in 2002 and highlights the state’s white-tailed deer hunting tradition. The event provides an opportunity to discuss deer management, promote outdoor skills, recreation and safety, and bring attention to tourism and other economic benefits of deer hunting.

More information on deer hunting in Minnesota is available at mndnr.gov/deerhunt.