Celebrating Conservation & Community in Northfield, Minnesota
This fall, Northfield is proud to host the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener, a long-standing tradition that celebrates our state's rich outdoor heritage, strong conservation partnerships, and ongoing commitment to wildlife habitat.
While the hunt itself includes invited participants and conservation partners, the event is about much more than hunting. It recognizes the importance of responsible land stewardship, highlights habitat preservation efforts, and shines a spotlight on the communities that make these initiatives possible.
Become a Hunter Host *
Become a Hunter Host *
The Northfield area is proud to host the 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener, and we are looking for passionate local hunters to serve as Hunter Hosts for this exciting and historic event on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Hunter Hosts act as community ambassadors, guiding invited guests—including elected officials, sponsors, community leaders, and media representatives—on a memorable pheasant hunting experience in and around the Northfield area.
Whether guests are experienced hunters or first-timers, Hunter Hosts help showcase Minnesota’s outdoor traditions, conservation efforts, and local hospitality. Hosts will lead groups of two to four guests on public or approved private land within 25 miles of Northfield, with trained hunting dogs provided for each group. This is a unique opportunity to share your love of pheasant hunting, represent the Northfield community, and be part of a once-in-a-generation event.
Sponsorship Opportunities *
Sponsorship Opportunities *
The Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener is an exciting opportunity to showcase Northfield and Rice County as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, conservation, tourism, hospitality, and authentic Minnesota experiences. This highly visible statewide event will bring together community members, visitors, hunters, conservation supporters, media, and state leaders for a memorable weekend of celebrations and outdoor traditions. We invite businesses, organizations, and community supporters to partner with us in helping make this landmark event a success.
Support a statewide event celebrating Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, wildlife habitat, conservation leadership, and rural economic vitality
Receive visibility through television, newspapers, radio, social media, banners and more!
Help support event operations, hospitality, youth engagement activities, community celebrations, educational programming, and conservation education
Sponsorship opportunities include:
Financial sponsorships
In-kind donations such as food, beverages, signage, printing, equipment, transportation, décor, venues, and supplies
Raffle and auction donations including gift baskets, gift cards, hunting/outdoor items, lodging or dining packages, merchandise, artwork, and local products
Volunteer involvement and community participation opportunities
Showcase your business or organization as a supporter of tourism, conservation, outdoor recreation, and community partnerships
Help strengthen Northfield’s visibility as a welcoming destination rich in outdoor opportunities and authentic visitor experiences
Customized partnership and recognition opportunities are available for sponsors and supporters
Kick off the weekend of the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener with the Rooster Roundup, a community celebration in the heart of downtown Northfield. Locals and visitors alike are invited to enjoy an evening filled with live entertainment, great food, shopping, and family-friendly fun as the community comes together to celebrate this exciting event.
Stroll through downtown while enjoying live music, delicious food from local vendors, and beverages from Fermentation Friends. Non-alcoholic refreshments, including water, pop, and freshly popped popcorn, will also be available from the FiftyNorth Popcorn Wagon. Be sure to explore Northfield's unique shops, many of which will feature creative hunting-themed window displays celebrating the season.
The Northfield Historical Society will also be open late, giving guests the opportunity to experience the museum and learn about Northfield's rich history while taking part in the evening's festivities.
The Northfield Outdoors Podcast Series
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Northfield Outdoors with Jane Bartho and Rachel Trnka of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce 8/1/26
In this introductory episode, the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jane Bartho and the Chamber’s Outreach Director Rachel Trnka discuss the upcoming Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opneing Weekend which will be celebrated in the Northfield, MN area this year on October 9th & 10th.
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Northfield Outdoors with Benji Kohn of the Minnesota DNR and Hunter Host Dave Vesledahl 8/8/26
Leading up to the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener on October 10th, Dave Vesledahl and Benji Kohn discuss the Hunter Host program and the importance of having local hunters participate in the big event.
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Northfield Outdoors with Lauren Borer and Sophia Maruska of Clean River Partners 8/16/26
Hosts Rich Larson and Jane Bartho talk with Clean River Partners’ Community Engagement Manager Lauren Borer and Conservation Program Manager Sophia Maruska about the Cannon River Watershed, the organization’s efforts with conservation, the Cannon River Watershed Cleanup on September 19th and other events leading up to the Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener on October 9th & 10th.
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Northfield Outdoors with Lisa Havelka of Explore Minnesota and Phillip Weyhe of the Minnesota DNR 8-23-26
Hosts Rich Larson and Rachel Trnka of the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Northfield Convention & Visitors Bureau speak with Lisa Havelka of Explore Minnesota and Phillip Weyhe of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the upcoming Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Openr, which will be in Northfield on October 9th & 10th.
About the Tradition
The Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener has been held in communities across Minnesota for decades. The event brings together conservation leaders, outdoor organizations, and community representatives to spotlight:
Wildlife habitat protection
Conservation partnerships
Agricultural land stewardship
Outdoor recreation and heritage
In collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism, Northfield has the opportunity to share our natural resources, local character, and commitment to preserving Minnesota’s landscape for future generations.
Conservation at the Core
Pheasant habitat represents much more than a single species — it reflects healthy grasslands, clean water systems, and strong partnerships between landowners and conservation professionals.
Efforts highlighted during the event support:
Sustainable land management
Wildlife habitat restoration
Soil and water conservation
Rural economic vitality
Northfield and the surrounding Rice County area are proud to be part of Minnesota’s conservation story.
Why Northfield?
Nestled along the scenic Cannon River, Northfield offers a unique blend of outdoor beauty, agricultural heritage, and vibrant downtown charm.
From rolling countryside and river views to locally owned shops and welcoming gathering spaces, Northfield reflects the spirit of stewardship and community that defines this event.
Hosting the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Opener allows us to:
Showcase our natural landscapes
Highlight our agricultural and conservation partnerships
Share our local businesses and hospitality
Celebrate the people who care deeply about Minnesota’s outdoors