The Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener (GPHO) was established in 2011. The purpose of the event is to focus on Minnesota’s hunting heritage, cultural traditions and the economic impact of the sport, as well as to generate associated travel and tourism.
The GPHO is a cooperative promotion between the host community, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) and Explore Minnesota Tourism. State government, local communities, hunting organizations, and the tourism and hospitality industry work together to promote Minnesota hunting and outdoor activities to the media.
The GPHO provides the host community with an opportunity to highlight area hunting and other recreational activities, attractions and points of interest.
The 2017 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener (GPHO) took place in Marshall on Oct. 13-14, marking the seventh year of the annual event that showcases Minnesota’s pheasant hunting and tourism opportunities.
On Friday, Gov. Dayton and Lt. Gov. Smith, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr and Director of Explore Minnesota John Edman spoke at the James Meger Wildlife Management Area (WMA) with a dedication of the newest Minnesota WMA. 384 guests attended the community banquet at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall following the dedication, which included remarks by Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Saturday’s activities kicked off at the Red Baron Arena & Expo with a hunter’s breakfast, media interviews and a warm send-off by the Governor and Lt. Governor. 153 hunters and 47 hunter hosts took to the fields and harvested a total of 28 roosters. More than 40 media personnel were in attendance, representing print, broadcast, radio and social media outlets.
A big thank you to the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, community, and surrounding area for an outstanding event!
The 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener will be hosted by Luverne. Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will assist local partners in planning the event.