Minnesota landowners with grassland or wetlands within 20 miles of Luverne are being sought to participate in the 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener (GPHO) in October.
Governor Mark Dayton will lead the event, taking place October 12-13, 2018, which showcases the many hunting, recreational, tourism, and community opportunities that the broader Luverne area has to offer visitors.
“I thank the people of Luverne for graciously offering to host the 2018 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener,” said Governor Dayton. “The Pheasant Opener has become a special Minnesota tradition, made possible by our tremendous host communities. I look forward to another fantastic opener in Luverne this year.”
The planning committee is reaching out to landowners who may be willing to grant access to hunters involved in the event.
The land will be hunted only on October 13, 2018 as part of the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. Invited hunters will be led by local hunter hosts, which may include local landowners. Ideal lands for the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener include grasslands or wetlands that support huntable pheasant populations.
Each landowner who grants access to their land will receive a pair of tickets for the October 12 GPHO Community Banquet, and will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $500 cash prizes.
Landowners interested in allowing hunting access for the event or seeking additional information should contact GPHO committee members. Email or call: pheasantopener@gmail.com; Arlyn Gehrke, 507-227-9193; Tim Plimpton, 605-759-6366; Kyle Oldre, 507-920-890.
The Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener was initiated by Governor Dayton in 2011. The event highlights the local hunting, recreational, and tourism opportunities host communities have to offer visitors.
Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are assisting the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other local partners, in planning the event.
Information and updates will be available at www.exploreminnesota.com/MNGPHO. Follow along for social media updates using the hashtags #MNGPHO2018 and #OnlyinMN.
