Minnesota’s 2024 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener to be held in Sandstone

St. Paul, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced that the 2024 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener will take place in east-central Minnesota at the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone.

“The season opener is a treasured event that brings communities together and connects us with the outdoors,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful to the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone for hosting this year’s deer hunting opener. Their exceptional natural resources and world-class educational facilities will make for a great opening weekend.”

This year’s celebration is organized by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota, in partnership with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Bluffland Whitetails Association, and the Minnesota Conservation Federation.

“I am thrilled that the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center will host this year’s Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener. They offer a phenomenal location to showcase Minnesota’s beautiful natural resources and hunting lands,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I wish the best of luck to the 400,000 hunters who will participate this season.”

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The Governor’s recognition and celebration of Minnesota’s firearms deer hunting season opener will be on Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9, at Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, a nonprofit organization that provides children, adults, and families with outdoor learning and experiences year-round at their 780-acre nature campus.

“Each year I look forward to welcoming Minnesota deer hunters to deer camp, wherever that deer camp may be. It’s a Minnesota tradition that is as much about the memories made with friends and family, both old and new, and our connections to the outdoors as it is about the harvest,” said Minnesota DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “I am excited to join partners and members of the Sandstone community to make those memories and connections.”

“The location of this year’s Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener provides the opportunity to highlight Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, an education facility with historic roots on Grindstone Lake that serves more than 15,000 children, adults and families each year,” Explore Minnesota Director Lauren Bennett McGinty said. “Minnesota’s annual deer hunting season is a significant driver of spending at tourism-related businesses beyond summer and fall color seasons. The dollars invested by deer hunters provide crucial support to local businesses, serving as a cornerstone for the overall economic well-being of our state.”

Highlights of the 2024 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener include a listening session, lymph node extraction demo, deer processing demo and venison sampling, and a tour of Sandstone Wildlife Management Area.

“We were impressed with the event last year and we’re thrilled to participate as a partner again this year,” said Taylor Bestor, Bluffland Whitetails Association president. “The Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener shines light on the great tradition of the Minnesota deer hunting opening weekend. Helping new hunters continues to be a highlight for me.”

“At Minnesota Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we love helping people form connections to other people and to the natural world. One of the best ways to make those connections is by sharing food that we hunt. At this year’s Governors Deer Hunting Opener, Minnesota BHA is proud to present a venison sampler meal,” said Neal Jacobson, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Minnesota chapter board member. “Communing over meals is where stories are shared, traditions are honored, and new friendships are forged.

“As hunters begin their preparation for opening day, consider the impact you can make by guiding a newcomer into the world of hunting,” said Brad Gausman, Minnesota Conservation Federation executive director. “Introducing someone to hunting is an investment in our shared legacy. Let’s ensure that Minnesota’s hunting traditions endure by sharing the passion this year.”

The Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener, now in its third decade, celebrates the state’s white-tailed deer hunting heritage. Beyond tradition, it also fosters conversations on deer management, promotes outdoor skills, encourages new participants, and underscores the economic benefits of hunting and tourism.

“Minnesota is known nationwide for its natural resources and outdoor recreation. Hunting is even enshrined in our state’s constitution. At Osprey Wilds, we are both excited and honored to host this year’s annual Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener,” said Bryan Wood, Osprey Wilds executive director. “Hunting plays a vital role in our state’s conservation efforts and provides an avenue for people of all backgrounds to connect with the outdoors.”