Nearly 500,000 Minnesotans expected to hunt deer this year in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN - Tomorrow, Governor Mark Dayton will travel to Fergus Falls to host the 11th Annual Governor's Deer Hunting Opener. Celebrating the deer opener is a long-standing Minnesota tradition - and one that Governor Dayton has highlighted by continuing the tradition of the Governor's Deer Opener in each of his first three years as Governor.

"I am delighted to continue the Governor's Deer Opener, which Governor Pawlenty began in 2003, said Governor Dayton. It showcases a great tradition, enjoyed by nearly 500,000 Minnesotans every year. I want especially to thank our wonderful hosts in Fergus Falls, who have been working very hard to make this Opener one of the best ever.

On Friday, Governor Dayton will help kick off the weekend's activities by hosting a Hunters Lunch at the Otter Tail County Fairgrounds. The lunch will be followed by a speaking program to celebrate the tradition of deer hunting, wish hunters well on Saturday's hunt, and announce the location of the 2014 Governor's Deer Hunting Opener.

The Governor will be joined at Friday's events by Fergus Falls Mayor Hal Leland, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association President Denis Quarberg, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr, Director of Explore Minnesota Tourism John Edman, local elected officials, and members of the Fergus Falls community. Following the lunch, Governor Dayton will be available to speak with members of the press.

More information about Governor Dayton's schedule for the deer opener is listed below. Additional information about the 11th Annual Governor's Deer Hunting Opener, including a full list of events to be enjoyed by the press and public, can be found online.

Photos from the Governor's Deer Hunting Opener will be posted online throughout the weekend. Photos may be downloaded from the Department of Natural Resources' photo library at: ftp://mediaroom.dnr.state.mn.us.

Minnesota's Deer Hunting Tradition
Nearly 500,000 Minnesotans - or 12 percent of the state's entire population - participate in deer hunting. That is roughly twice the national average. The sport generates more than $234 million of direct retail sales annually in Minnesota, supporting roughly 3,760 jobs. For more information about deer hunting, including license requirements, season information, and more, visit the Department of Natural Resources website.

WHO:
Governor Mark Dayton
Minnesota Deer Hunters
Members of the Fergus Falls Community

WHAT:
Governor's 11th Annual Deer Hunting Opener

WHERE:
Otter Tail County Fairgrounds, Meal Tent
1010 Redwood Lane
Fergus Falls, MN

AGENDA:
12:15pm - Hunters Lunch Begins
1:00pm - Speaking Program
1:30pm - Governor Dayton available to speak with the press