The deer stands are set, the blaze orange is ready, and the Governor’s Deer Opener is finally here. For most Minnesotans the kick off to deer hunting season is bigger than any holiday all year, and hundreds of thousands of hunters across the state are expected to don their blaze orange and participate this year. Before hunters can bag that big buck on Saturday, they’re kicking off the season at the Welcome to Camp deer hunting expo and banquet. Governor Mark Dayton was supposed to attend, but had to cancel due to illness. The expo lets hunters catch up before the big kick off and join in on some fun for the entire family.

DNR officials are expecting a conservative season this year. There will be limited opportunities for hunters to harvest antler-less deer, so that they can protect the reproductive component of the population. But, that doesn’t mean that this year’s hunt won’t be worthwhile. Any legal buck will be open for harvest, and some hunters have their sights set on bagging a big one.

The firearm deer opener officially starts Saturday at sunrise. Officials want to remind everyone to stay safe, but have fun.

By — Lakeland PBS

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