Opening of the pheasant hunt in Sleepy Eye

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. (KEYC) – The 2024 Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Weekend kicked off this morning in Sleepy Eye at the Sleepy Eye Sportsmen's Club.

The morning was full of excitement and excitement for opening day, including optimism for hunters heading out to hunt pheasants.

Joe Stangel, regional wildlife manager for MN DNR, said, “We went from barely any winter to a very early spring, and I think that actually helped the birds because I think they started nesting a little earlier. “ We noticed a lot of brooding pheasants early on. And by the time the deluge of rain began in June, these birds had mostly hatched and were flying well.”

The town of Sleepy Eye shines when it comes to small town living and supporting local hunters and businesses that want to keep rich traditions alive.

“Even before we started the application process, I of course contacted my chamber board directly, because it is their decision to pursue this, but also immediately contacted Brown County Pheasants Forever and the Sleepy Eye Sportsman's Club. Because I knew that both would play a very important role in making this weekend and the city of Sleepy Eye a reality,” said Christina Andres, executive director of the Sleepy Eye Chamber of Commerce.

Participants were old and young, including the Sleepy Eye Trap team, who had the opportunity to show off their skills in front of the camera.

“It’s great to see everyone out here. “Honestly, I think the fact that everyone is out here really shows that people care about trapping, and it's a big deal in this city,” said Sleepy Eye Trap team member Taylor Berkner .

Nick Huck, MN DNR Resident Game Bird Consultant, said, “When trying to recruit this next generation, it's just so important that they get something to see. Things like that and just being able to experience that and hopefully, yeah, we can recruit them into the next generation of hunters. I mean, the ultimate goal from the DNR’s perspective is to get them out into the open.”

“My dad sent me into the trap when I was younger and I've stuck with it until now and will stick with it until I graduate from college,” said Ari Krzmarzick, a member of the Sleepy Eye Trap team.

The day is filled with tours showcasing Sleepy Eye and all the city has to offer, leading up to opening day, when hunters gather with their four-legged friends in hopes of hearing “Rooster!”

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