Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that the fourth annual Governor's Deer Hunting Opener will be held in the Rochester area on Saturday, November 4.

"I look forward to the opportunity to enjoy Minnesota's great outdoors during this year’s Deer Hunting Opener," Governor Pawlenty said. "Southeastern Minnesota and the Rochester area are home to some of the finest deer and turkey 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 three Deer Hunting Openers, which raised thousands of dollars for habitat and conservation projects in Minnesota. The event will also give families a chance to enjoy the natural resources of Minnesota and the Rochester 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. The first three Governor’s Deer Hunting Openers were held in the Brainerd Lakes area, the Grand Rapids area and the Perham area.

For more information, please contact David Bergman with Explore Minnesota Tourism at 888-563-7777, or Ryan Bronson with DNR at 651-296-0776.