Home of THE 2023 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener
OCtober 13 & 14, 2023
MNGPHO2023
The Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener was initiated by Governor Mark Dayton in 2011.
The State Office of Tourism, Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources assist local partners in planning the event.
The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism submitted an application to host the 2023 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener (GPHO) and was selected through an application process that considered available hunting land, event facilities, travel recreation opportunities and community support.
The 2023 GPHO is scheduled for Oct. 13-14 in Owatonna.
Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener is part of a weekend of festivities in Owatonna that will showcase the many hunting, recreational, and travel opportunities the area has to offer visitors.
This event would not be possible without the generous help of our sponsors! Thank you for your contribution to making this a wonderful celebration of our community and outdoor recreation opportunties.
Our sponsors
Souba Greenhouse
Southern Minnesota Hunting Retrievers Association
Sparetime Entertainment
Thrivent- Nick Lewis
VFW- Post 3723
Wenger Corporation
West Bank
Wottreng Family Dental
2023 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener Gallery
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Event Goals
- Promote the intersection of tourism, outdoor recreation, and hunting/hunting-related activities to the general public.
- Introduce and promote pheasant hunting to a broad and diverse cross-section of Minnesotans.
- Highlight the many benefits of public and private grasslands in Minnesota and tie to Governor’s conservation and climate agendas.
- Build and maintain short-term and long-term relationships with communities, stakeholders, and elected leaders.
Schedule of Events
Due to the weather forecast, Friday’s Land Celebration, and Friday Night Festivities have been moved to the Beer Gardens at the Steele County Fairgrounds. See Event info and flyer below.
***Come join the fun!**
Check out these events open to the public as a part of this celebration of our outdoor recreation and hunting activities, and area attractions.
Become a Hunter Host
- Embrace the role of an ambassador of our great Minnesota pheasant hunting tradition, and share your pheasant hunting skills with invited guests coming to the Owatonna area this fall.
- Guests have a range of hunting skills; some are proficient hunters while others are novices. As a Hunter Host, you will help your guests have the best hunting experience possible.
- Each Hunter Host, will lead two to four GPHO guests on a hunt. Hunter Hosts are asked not to carry a gun during the hunt. The guests in each party and the hunting locations will be determined by the GPHO Hunt Committee.
Owatonna Area Public Hunting Lands
Click on Image Below for a map of Owatonna Area Public Hunting Lands
PARTNERS
