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REDWOOD FALLS -- The start of pheasant season in Minnesota brought some big news for the community of Redwood Falls.
During the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener this weekend, Gov. Tim Walz announced that Redwood Falls will host the event in 2027.
"With its numerous parks, businesses, and scenic natural resources, the Redwood Falls area is an exceptional setting for the 2027 Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener," Walz said. "I'm thrilled this vibrant Minnesota River community will be showcased as we carry on our state's time-honored pheasant hunting tradition."
The Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener was held in Northfield on Friday and Saturday. The event included a dedication of new public hunting land at Circle Lake Wildlife Management Area in Rice County, in addition to hunting on Saturday.
The annual Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener was started in 2011 by then-Governor Mark Dayton. The location of the event moves to a different Minnesota community each year. Marshall hosted the pheasant opener in 2012 and 2017, and Montevideo hosted the event in 2011 and 2016.
This will be Redwood Falls' first time hosting the pheasant opener. The Redwood Falls Chamber of Commerce applied for the opportunity to host the 2027 event, Minnesota DNR said. The city was selected through a process that considered available hunting land, travel and tourism opportunities, and community support.
"We are incredibly honored and excited to have been selected to host the 2027 Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener in Redwood Falls," Anne Johnson, Executive Director of Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism, said in a news release. "This is so much more than an opportunity to showcase our exceptional pheasant hunting and outdoor recreation. It's a chance to put a statewide spotlight on our beautiful Minnesota River Valley, our outstanding businesses and organizations, and the people who make this such a wonderful place to visit, work, raise a family, and build a life. We are grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to welcome Minnesota to Redwood Falls in 2027."
The 2027 hunt, which is planned for Oct. 8-9, will be the 15th annual Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener.
The DNR said this fall had good prospects for pheasant hunting, due to conditions like a mild winter and a dry spring this year. The DNR’s annual roadside wildlife survey found that the pheasant index this season was up nearly 20% from last year.