Governor Tim Walz to host the 2024 Pheasant Hunting Opener in Sleepy Eye MN
Sleepy Eye, Minnesota hosted the 2024 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener, as announced by Governor Tim Walz in 2023.
The small town, located in Brown County in south central Minnesota, welcomed the governor and other dignitaries on October 11-12, 2024 for the annual event that kicked off the state’s pheasant hunting season.
I am thrilled that the community of Sleepy Eye will host next year’s Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. 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.
Why Sleepy Eye?
The Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau submitted an application to host the 2024 opener.
The town was chosen based on available hunting lands, tourism opportunities, community support, and travel accessibility.
“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.”
Outdoor Heritage
Situated on the banks of Sleepy Eye Lake, which offers excellent fishing, Sleepy Eye has a rich outdoor heritage that made it a fitting host for the pheasant hunting opener. There are quality pheasant habitats located on public lands near the town.
With a population just over 3,400 people, Sleepy Eye provides a small town atmosphere and community feel.
The town is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 14 and Minnesota Highway 4, putting it within easy reach of hunters across the state.
Annual Tradition of the Pheasant Hunt
The Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener event started in 2011 as a way to highlight the state’s pheasant hunting opportunities. It also spotlights small town Minnesota communities.
This was the 14th annual pheasant opener. Previous host cities include Montevideo, Marshall, Madelia, Worthington, Mankato, Luverne, Austin, and Owatonna.
Promoting Tourism
Hosting the opener provided an economic boost to Sleepy Eye through increased tourism, hotel stays, meals at local restaurants, and visits to area businesses.
It also promoted the town and Brown County region to potential future visitors.
Activities included hunts for the governor, media personalities, and local hunters, a community festival, and outdoor exhibits and demos.
Sleepy Eye Pride
Residents geared up to welcome the influx of visitors in October 2024.
The community had a year to plan activities, events, and facilities that spotlighted Sleepy Eye’s outdoor recreation, tourism, and Midwestern charm.
