[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz took part in the opening weekend of Minnesota’s 2021 pheasant hunting season.

“It was the perfect morning to kick off the 2021 pheasant hunting season!” said Governor Walz. “As a lifetime Pheasants Forever member, I want to thank the Kandiyohi County team for their conservation work that make this sport possible. I also want to thank Kevin Ochsendorf and Nathan Rohne and, of course, our four-legged hunting partners, Rayna and Hook, for helping our hunting party harvest two birds. Wishing all Minnesotans taking part in this time-honored tradition a safe season and successful hunt.”

Governor Walz harvested one of the two roosters.

Governor Walz hunted private land in Kandiyohi County this morning. He was hosted by Kevin Ochsendorf and Nathan Rohne, both longtime pheasant hunters in the Willmar area. Also joining the hunt were George “Corky” Berg, Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners, and Mateo Engan of the Willmar High School trap team.

Saturday’s hunt comes on the heels of a well-received tour of two Wildlife Management Areas in Kandiyohi County on Friday. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen led a round table discussion with local leaders and elected officials to discuss the value of public lands and habitat restorations.

Media can find photos and video of the hunt here .