White Bear Lake, MN – On Saturday, October 12th, Governor Tim Walz will declare the 2019 pheasant hunting season opener in Austin, Minnesota. Celebrating with the MN DNR, MN Department of Tourism and local community, Wildlife Forever and conservation partners know the value hunting brings to MN. #OnlyInMinnesota

“Austin is a sportsmen’s paradise with ample opportunity to hunt public and private land. The local community truly represents what it means to be “Minnesota Nice,” said Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever.
Hunting in MN generates nearly 725 million dollars for conservation and local communities where hunters eat, sleep and enjoy the great outdoors.

The pheasant, a transplant from China, was brought to Minnesota in the early 1900s. Their population has experienced significant rise and fall over the years due to habitat changes, weather and farming practices. Western Minnesota’s prairie grasslands hold the most consistent populations, however many localized populations can be found throughout the southern and central part of the state.

Wildlife Forever has been a leader in upland habitat conservation for over 30 years and remains active in restoring prairie habitat for all wildlife including pollinators. Benefits of Wildlife Forever projects include removing invasive species like European Buckthorn and Canadian thistle, which can ruin native grasslands and eliminate food sources for game and non-game species. Countless pollinator species also benefit from Wildlife Forever projects which utilize localized flowers and plants.

Wildlife Forever also reminds all hunters to be aware of invasive species. Clean Drain and Dry all vehicles, hunting equipment and gear. Invasive species are a leading cause for habitat loss and diminished fish and wildlife. It’s critical hunters take care to clean their equipment after a hunt and before leaving the field.

To learn more about hunting opportunities in Austin, and updates on the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener, visit: exploreminnesota.com/mngpho.


About Wildlife Forever (WF): Wildlife Forever’s mission is to conserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. As a non-profit, 501c3 charity for over 30 years, WF supporters have donated millions of dollars in all 50 states plus Canada, to conduct fish, game and habitat conservation projects. By investing resources on the ground, recent audits reveal 94% of every dollar supports our conservation mission. Please Join Today! To become involved and learn more about the award-winning programs, including work to engage America’s youth, visit www.WildlifeForever.org

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Contact: Julia Luger JLuger@WildlifeForever.org