Madelia Hosts Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener

MADELIA (AP) - The festivities begin Friday as the south-central Minnesota city of Madelia hosts the third annual Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener.

Madelia city administrator Dan Madsen says they're looking forward to showcasing their community as the pheasant capital of Minnesota.

Friday's activities include a series of shotgun shooting events, dedication of a veterans memorial, a banquet and a free concert. Saturday's events include a community breakfast before hunters take to the field.

Madsen points out there are 8,600 acres of public hunting land within 20 miles of Madelia. Pheasant research for the Department of Natural Resources is headquartered in the community, which is about 20 minutes west of Mankato and 90 minutes southwest of Minneapolis.

More than 80,000 people are expected to hunt pheasants this year across Minnesota.