Minnesota Governor Tim Walz embarked on a pheasant hunting adventure in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, armed with his trusty Beretta shotgun. Despite his efforts, he did not manage to take a shot during the three-hour expedition on the opening day of the state’s pheasant hunting season.
Accompanied by his friend Scott Rall, who made the sole kill of the day, Governor Walz emphasized the importance of recovering the birds after they were shot. However, the hunting party struggled to locate the carcass in the dense brush that sometimes reached the height of Walz himself.
Throughout the hunt, numerous pheasants and other animals emerged from the tall grass and straw, often flying backward towards the press. This prompted Walz to make a light-hearted reference to the infamous 2006 hunting accident involving former Vice President Dick Cheney, where Cheney accidentally shot a fellow hunter in the face. Walz joked about the potential for every vice president joke to be made in that moment.
Dressed in Carhartt hunting chaps and an orange vest marking the season opener, Governor Walz participated in the hunt in his official capacity. The hunting excursion was followed by a campaign engagement and coincided with the announcement of a new voting coalition comprising hunters, anglers, and gun owners.
This new coalition aims to highlight Governor Walz’s support for traditional activities while advocating for legislation such as universal background checks. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Walz have recently emphasized their status as gun owners while continuing to push for gun control measures. Harris revealed owning a Glock in an interview with “60 Minutes,” while Walz shared that he purchased his Beretta A400 during his trap shooting days.
During a break to switch out hunting dogs, Walz enjoyed locally sourced venison and a Diet Mountain Dew. He bantered about the dogs’ disappointment at the lack of successful shots during the hunt, particularly highlighting Sarge, one of the three black labradors leading the expedition.
Governor Walz, who hails from rural Nebraska and frequently engages with farm communities and football fans on the campaign trail, is actively seeking to appeal to male and rural voters. A CBS News poll conducted in August indicated a significant gender gap among likely voters, reminiscent of the trends observed in the 2020 election. While 45% of likely male voters expressed support for Harris, 54% favored former President Donald Trump.
Reflecting on his past shooting experiences with the Minnesota congressional delegation, Walz boasted about being the best shot during his time in the House. He recalled the dangers of a congressional shoot populated by Second Amendment supporters who lacked shooting skills. When asked about Senator JD Vance’s hunting prowess, Walz expressed uncertainty about the Republican vice presidential candidate’s shooting abilities.
In response to the hunt, the Trump campaign labeled it as “staged,” with campaign co-chair Chris LaCivita criticizing Walz for fumbling with his shotgun. Despite the criticism, Governor Walz remains committed to his efforts to connect with voters through shared interests and experiences.
Overall, Governor Tim Walz’s pheasant hunting expedition not only showcased his passion for outdoor activities but also underscored his commitment to engaging with diverse communities and advocating for important legislative measures. As he continues his campaign and outreach efforts, Walz remains focused on bridging the gap between different voter groups and promoting unity through shared experiences and values.
