This year I had the opportunity to attend the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant hunting opener that was held in Owatonna. When I was at the Governor’s fishing opener in Mankato in May, I spoke with Dan Ruiter, whom I had met a few years ago while working on the fishing opener that we hosted in Albert Lea. He encouraged me to attend this year’s pheasant opener because it was being held in Owatonna.
I was reluctant at first because I no longer hunt due to not being able to navigate uneven terrain very well. As a kid I hunted pheasant with friends, walking the train tracks looking for birds, which were abundant in those days.
When I registered at the Steele County History Center, I was greeted by some of the nice folks who were volunteering to help put this event on. I felt sorry for them because of the rain. Most of the outdoors events that were planned for the day had to be moved indoors or canceled. They didn’t seem worried, and they made this event happen. Kudos to Glenda Smith, director of conventions and tourism for the Owatonna Chamber for spearheading this event. They showcased their wonderful community and the folks in and around Owatonna should be proud of the job that they and all of the volunteers did. A lot of planning and hard work goes into pulling an event like this off and they did an excellent job.
When I first talked to Dan on Friday, he suggested that I attend the events that were being held at McKinley Elementary School. He said they were working with the 5th graders to help them learn about habitat and how to enjoy outdoors activities. I was sure glad he recommended this to me because it was fun to see those kids focused on what they were doing.
I first stepped into the classroom where the students were discussing bugs with Jessica Wyn Miller who is an entomologist that has a business Called Dragons Wynd. She makes it fun to help kids and adults learn about insects like pollinators, dragon flies and bugs in general. After watching her class, I couldn’t believe how she was able to hold those kids’ attention and involve them in the conversation.
I then moved on to the next room where two dog owners were teaching a class about dogs and how to approach a dog without startling it. After a classroom talk, they moved outdoors where they each showed the kids their dogs and how they trained them to obey and fetch on command. Again, all their eyes were glued on the instructors and their dogs. One of the instructors asked if anyone wanted to pet their dog and at least one of the kids did. This class was not only interesting for the children, but also educational.
There was another class about Game Management which was over before I finished the other two.
That evening we went to the ceremony for the dedication of new public land that was added to the Somerset WMA. Minnesota Pheasants, Inc.’s goal is to acquire and refurbish grasslands in this area of the state. The objective is to create habitat, not only for pheasants, but for mammals, birds and pollinators. They purchase corn to put out for pheasants each year.
Public land is expanding, thanks to the efforts of Minnesota Pheasants and many other worthwhile organizations that want to protect and restore habitat in the area and across southern Minnesota.
After the much-needed rain that we had gotten on Friday the skies cleared and the rain stopped on Saturday. Hunters were able to get out and enjoy the hunt. Not everyone got a bird, but, judging from what I observed, there were quite a few folks that did. Everyone hunted on public land that is in the Steele County area.
Until next time: After observing what went on at McKinley Elementary and listening to the speakers at the Somerset WMA land dedication, I believe that the future of our outdoors habitat will be in good hands for many years to come.
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