~ Event will celebrate the tradition and economic benefits of hunting in Minnesota ~

Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that the 5th Annual Governor's Deer Hunting Opener will be held in the Hibbing area on Saturday, November 3.

“I look forward to enjoying Minnesota's great outdoors on the Iron Range during this year’s Deer Hunting Opener,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Northeastern Minnesota and the Hibbing area are home to some of the finest deer hunting in the state. The Deer Hunting Opener is a great way to celebrate this Minnesota tradition, which brings families and friends together and benefits Minnesota’s economy.”

This year’s event will build on the success of the past four Governor’s Deer Hunting Openers, which have raised thousands of dollars for habitat and conservation projects in Minnesota. The event will also highlight opportunities to enjoy the natural resources of Minnesota and the Hibbing area.

Minnesota's 475,000 deer hunters spend $240 million in retail sales every year and create nearly 5,000 jobs in Greater Minnesota, according to the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Governor Pawlenty began this new tradition in 2003 as an opportunity to showcase Minnesota’s great deer hunting heritage and the economic benefits. The first four Governor’s Deer Hunting Openers were held in the Brainerd Lakes area, the Grand Rapids area, the Perham area and the Rochester area.

At the Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener this year, radio stations are invited to broadcast live from the event headquarters throughout the morning on Friday, November 2. Radio stations and other media wishing to broadcast from the Opener should email Alex Carey in the Governor’s office at Alex.Carey@state.mn.us.

For more information, please contact Matt Maurer with Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) at 218-327-1103, ext 14.