Governor Tim Walz today announced that Sleepy Eye will host the 2024 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener.
“I am thrilled that the community of Sleepy Eye will host next year’s Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener,” said Governor Walz. “After a strong kick off to this year’s pheasant hunting season, I’m already looking forward to our time in Sleepy Eye and for the community to carry on the tradition of a fantastic opener next year, highlighting strong communities and exceptional public lands.”
The Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors’ Bureau submitted an application on behalf of the community to host the 2024 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. Sleepy Eye was then selected through a process that considered available hunting land, travel, tourism opportunities, and community support.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to host the 2024 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener,” said Christina Andres, Sleepy Eye chamber of commerce executive director. “Sleepy Eye, Brown County and its area sporting and wildlife organizations have a strong history of collaborating together, so we are confident this event will be another great opportunity to showcase our southern Minnesota hospitality, habitat and hunting.”
Set in the heart of Brown County, Sleepy Eye has a rich outdoor heritage that includes excellent pheasant habitat on nearby public lands. The community is situated on the banks of Sleepy Eye Lake, which boasts exceptional fishing in both summer and winter. Sleepy Eye has a population of 3,428 and is located at the junction of U.S. Highway 14 and Minnesota Highway 4.
The 2024 event, scheduled for Oct. 11-12, will be the twelfth annual Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota will assist local partners in planning the event.
Initiated by Governor Mark Dayton in 2011, the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener has been hosted by eight different communities. Most recently, Owatonna held the opener October 13-14, 2023. Other host cities have included Montevideo (2011 and 2016), Marshall (2012 and 2017), Madelia (2013), Worthington (2014 and 2022), Mankato (2015), Luverne (2018), and Austin (2019).