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Governor Tim Walz, Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and Three Rivers Park District, has announced details for the 2022 Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener. Three Rivers Park District will host this year’s opener.

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“Minnesota is home to top-notch public lands and fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities across the entire state,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to celebrating the time-honored deer hunting tradition so many Minnesotans look forward to each year.”

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“About 400,000 Minnesotans deer hunt each year,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “I am excited to welcome those hunters to deer camp, whether their camp is in the farmland of southern Minnesota, the Northwoods, or near the Twin Cities Metro Area. And, I look forward to again opening the season with a listening session to hear what’s on hunters’ minds as they head to deer camp.”  

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“The location of this year’s Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener provides an opportunity to showcase the amazing Three Rivers Park District, where there are many outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, the state’s tourism office. “Across Minnesota, deer hunting helps to extend tourism beyond the busy summer and fall color seasons, and the dollars spent by deer hunters support local businesses, which are essential to the overall economic health of our state.”

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The governor’s recognition and celebration of the state’s great deer hunting opportunities and the tradition of many families will continue on Thursday, Nov. 3, and Saturday, Nov. 5, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, a 4,900-acre Three Rivers Park District park in Champlin, Dayton and Maple Grove.

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Among the highlights for the 2022 event are:

• Deer management listening session (Nov. 3): DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen will host a gathering of people with interest in deer and deer management to share their perspectives. 

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• Deer hunters’ reception (Nov.3): Elm Creek Park Reserve deer hunters will have the opportunity to talk with park and DNR staff, become familiar with conservation organizations, learn how to submit samples for CWD screening and discover other ways they can support deer management and introduce others to hunting.

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• Onsite media availability (Nov. 3): Details will be sent to members of the media in coming weeks.

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• Opening day of Minnesota’s firearms deer season (Nov. 5):

  • Social media highlights of opening day in Minnesota: All hunters are invited to join Governor Walz and others in sharing a favorite memory from opening day of the firearms season on social media using the hashtags #DeerCampMN and #OnlyInMN.

  • “All About Deer” at Eastman Nature Center: The Eastman Nature Center in Elm Creek Park Reserve will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about opportunities throughout the state for adults and youth to learn how to deer hunt and how deer hunting is used for conservation and to benefit other wildlife. Discover more about deer habits and habitat, and why using non-lead ammunition for deer hunting helps protect eagles and other raptors. Trails surrounding the nature center will be closed.

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“Three Rivers Park District is excited to host the 2022 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener,” said John Moriarty, Three Rivers Park District senior manager of wildlife. “We appreciate the opportunity to highlight our long-standing and effective deer management program. Special archery and shotgun hunts are important deer management tools in our parks and provide opportunities for hunters who do not have private property or the time to travel ‘up north’ to hunt.”

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“Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is proud to honor the tradition of deer hunting in Minnesota, a long-standing tradition and a true family sport that bridges generations. We are excited about another season and want to extend good luck to all of the hunters and others involved in deer camps,” said Minnesota Deer Hunters Association President Denis Quarberg. 

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The Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener celebration began 20 years ago and is unique in the nation as an endeavor to highlight the state’s white-tailed deer hunting tradition. The event is also seen as an opportunity to discuss deer management, promote outdoor skills, recreation and safety, and bring attention to tourism and other economic benefits of deer hunting. This year is the first time the event is being held in the Twin Cities metro area.

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More information about Explore Minnesota, the DNR, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, and Three Rivers Park District can be found at:

• Explore Minnesota (ExploreMinnesota.com)

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (mndnr.gov)

• Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (mndeerhunters.com)

• Three Rivers Park District (ThreeRiversParks.org)