Gov. Mark Dayton announced that the 14th annual 2016 Minnesota Governor's Deer Hunting Opener will be Nov. 3-6 in Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes, in the heart of the Brainerd lakes area.
The event will be coordinated by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Explore Minnesota and the local Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce. It showcases Minnesota's tradition of deer hunting and its positive economic impact.
The Governor's Deer Opener focuses on educating youth and families about hunting, promoting safe hunting practices and celebrating the long-held tradition of hunting in Minnesota. The event began in 2003 and is held at a different location around the state each year. The Brainerd lakes area is the home to 100,000 year-round and thousands of seasonal residents, and attracts large numbers of visitors year-round for its abundance of lakes, forests and travel opportunities.
"We are thrilled to host the 2016 Minnesota Governor's Deer Hunting Opener and celebrate our fall heritage in Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes," said Matt Kilian, president of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. "We look forward to welcoming Gov. Dayton to the heart of the Brainerd lakes area, which has always been a trophy destination for outdoor sports."
Minnesota has a rich hunting heritage. The economic contribution of all hunting-related expenditures in Minnesota totals $725 million, and big game hunters spend a total of nearly $260 million each year on hunting trip and equipment expenses, according to a 2011 report published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
