LANESBORO, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz, one of 400,000 Minnesotans with a state deer-hunting license, went to field in southeast Minnesota to mark the opening of the season. The opening was at 6 a.m. No, Walz didn’t bag a buck. The night before the governor met at Sylvan’s brewpub with members of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Bluffland Whitetails Association, and the Minnesota Conservation Federation. It was the 21st annual governor’s deer-opening event dating back to Jesse Ventura’s time as governor. The site rotates. Walz told fellow hunters he saw the event as important because it underscores values like conservation and preservation of the land – and also is an economic boost in hunting areas. “It’s encouraging to see businesses full on a Friday night in downtown Lanesboro, folks spending some money in the community — just really what we want to see.” Accompanying Walz were several state executives, including Sarah Strom, state natural resources commissioner. On the downside, Strom noted that, that the number if deer licenses this fall is off about 4%. Yet, she added, 400,000 Minnesotans can’t be wrong.
Tales from the hunt. The governor shared a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage on Coffee Street and regaled each other about the pleasures of the outdoor life. Touristy Lanesboro, population 800, was full up for the weekend with hunters and autumn visitors.