Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener Next Week in Owatonna

Owatonna and Steele County will host the 11th annual Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener this fall. The opener celebration in Owatonna is set for Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says:

As a life-long hunter and Pheasants Forever member, I look forward to celebrating one of my favorite Minnesota traditions in Owatonna and Steele County this fall. The pheasant opener is an opportunity to celebrate the best of Minnesota. Thank you to Owatonna and Steele County for hosting!

The Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener will showcase the many hunting, recreational, and community opportunities that Owatonna and Steele County have to offer, including more than 2,000 acres of state-managed public hunting land in Steele County.

Glenda Smith, Director of Visit Owatonna adds:

We’re very excited to host the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener. We look forward to the event shining a spotlight on pheasant hunting, our hunting resources, and our community.

All kinds of events are planned to celebrate the big October weekend in Owatonna.

Public Land Celebration

• Friday, October 13, 4:30 pm
• Somerset WMA
• Shuttle bus leaves from Steele County Fairgrounds at 3:45 pm & 4:10 pm.

Food Trucks, Festivities, & Fun

• Friday, October 13, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Central Park, Downtown Owatonna
• Family-friendly activities
• More than 10 food trucks
• Live music by the Red Dirt Road Band (6pm-8pm)

From the Heart & Soul Walk/Run

• Saturday, October 14
• Lake Kohlmier
• 9:30 am Half Marathon, 9:45 am Kid's Run, 10:00 am 5K
• Packet pickup is Friday night in Central Park

There's a lot more going on leading up to the Governor's Pheasant Opener in and around Owatonna, including a Wildlife Arts Exhibit at the Owatonna Arts Center, a Conservation Exhibit at the Steele County History Center, a Fall Park Passport Program with the City of Owatonna and more. You can find all the details at visitowatonna.org/mngpho2023.