[Cannon Falls, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today celebrated the opening weekend of Minnesota’s firearms deer hunting season in Goodhue County. He was hosted by Dan and Mary Lundell on their private land near Cannon Falls, where he spent the morning enjoying the woods but did not harvest a deer. The Governor then visited a chronic wasting disease (CWD) check station with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen and talked with hunters as they brought in their deer to be sampled for CWD.

“Deer season is a special time in Minnesota, whether this is your first hunt or part of a family tradition passed down for generations,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota is known as a premier deer hunting destination, supporting communities across the state. I always enjoy time in the deer stand and the connection it brings to the outdoors and to one another. I wish all Minnesota deer hunters a safe, enjoyable, and successful season.”

“Deer hunting connects us to the outdoors and to our family and friends, supports Minnesota communities, and plays a vital role in managing our state’s deer populations,” said Minnesota DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “I’m grateful to the nearly 400,000 hunters who take part in the firearms deer season each year with tradition, safety, and conservation in mind.”

Hunting contributes more than $1.2 billion annually to Minnesota’s economy and supports jobs in tourism, outdoor recreation, and rural communities across the state. It is also one of the most effective tools the DNR uses to manage deer populations. Hunters play a key role in maintaining population goals and contributing to the overall health of Minnesota’s landscapes, ecosystems, and economy.

More information on deer hunting, including safety resources and learn-to-hunt information, is available on the Minnesota DNR website.

Photos and videos are available in the Minnesota DNR Media Room.