Governor Mark Dayton Announces the Hinckley Area to Host 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Deer Opener
Release from the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association
To help kick off the season and celebrate Minnesota’s rich hunting heritage, Gov. Mark Dayton announced this evening that the Hinckley area will host next year’s Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener from November 1-4, 2018.
“Deer hunting is a proud Minnesota tradition. I look forward to celebrating it again next year at the Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener in Hinckley,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Nearly 500,000 Minnesotans enjoy deer hunting in our state every year, beginning with this great event. I wish Minnesota hunters a safe and successful season.”
The Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener is coordinated by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota. It showcases Minnesota’s time-honored tradition of deer hunting, deer hunting’s positive economic impact on the state and the outdoor recreation and travel opportunities the host community offers.
Each year, the event also focuses on educating youth about hunting, promoting safe hunting practices and celebrating hunting in Minnesota. The event began in 2003 and is conducted at a different location around the state each year.
“We look forward to hosting the 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Deer Opener in Hinckley,” said Tim Williams, executive director of the Hinckley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “With Grand Casino as a great host location and our great area hunting opportunities, we’re offering a combination of world-class amenities and hometown hospitality that makes this destination Distinctly Hinckley.”
This is the first stop in Hinckley for the 16-year-old event. Located roughly one hour north of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the east central Minnesota offers an abundance of hardwood forest and wetlands, lakes and rivers.
The Chengwatana State Forest, General Andrews State Forest, Banning State Park and St. Croix State Park provide ample room and scenic backdrops for a myriad of outdoor activities, including deer and grouse hunting and forest wildlife watching. Miles of hiking, ATV, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails only add to the experience.
Minnesota has a rich hunting heritage. It’s a favorite fall activity for many families and part of the culture in many communities across the state. Each November, an estimated 500,000 deer hunters take to Minnesota’s fields and forests. Deer are ecologically, socially and economically important in a state where hunting and wildlife watching generate more than $1.3 billion in annual economic impacts.
