MANKATO (AP) -- Mankato will host the 2015 Governor's Pheasant Opener.

The announcement was made at this year's opener banquet Friday in Worthington.

There are 9,100 acres of public hunting land within 20 miles of Mankato.

Anna Thill, president of Visit Mankato, says the event on October 9th and 10th in 2015 will allow Mankato to also show off its land for fishing, biking and kayaking.

Between 400 and 500 people are expected to participate in the Worthington hunt Saturday.

Thill expects Mankato to draw a larger group because it is a regional hub where family members can find things to do if they don't enjoy hunting.

The annual event was started by Governor Mark Dayton, an avid pheasant hunter, in 2011.

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