Minnesota Governor Tim Walz went hunting on the opening day of the state’s pheasant hunting season but did not get a shot off despite his efforts. Accompanied by a friend who made the sole kill of the day, Walz searched for the body of the birds in the thick brush but was unable to find it. The governor wore hunting gear and participated in the hunt in his official capacity. The hunt came on the heels of a recent campaign announcement regarding a new voting coalition of hunters, anglers, and gun owners that both Vice President Kamala Harris and Walz have leaned into.
During the hunt, many of the pheasants flew backward towards the press, prompting Walz to make a light-hearted comment alluding to a 2006 hunting accident involving former Vice President Dick Cheney. Walz commented that every vice president joke ever made was about to be made before taking his gun off safety. Despite his experience with guns, Walz acknowledged when a bird was too far for him to shoot. The governor joked about the hunting dogs’ reactions to the lack of successful shooting during the hunt.
Walz, who grew up in a rural area and often frequents farms and football games on the campaign trail, is seeking to appeal to male and rural voters. A CBS News poll conducted in August showed a gender gap among likely voters, with 45% of likely male voters supporting Harris and 54% supporting Trump. Walz has previously bragged about being the best shot in Congress during his time serving in the House. Reflecting on previous hunting experiences with the Minnesota congressional delegation, Walz joked about the lack of shooting skills among some members.
The governor purchased his Beretta shotgun when he was shooting a lot of trap and explained that it had features to reduce shoulder strain. He had a break during the hunt to switch out the hunting dogs and enjoyed some locally sourced venison and a Diet Mountain Dew. The hunt was followed by a campaign engagement and was part of the effort to appeal to male and rural voters. The new voting coalition of hunters, anglers, and gun owners seeks to highlight support for traditional activities while advocating for legislation like universal background checks.
Despite not getting a shot off during the hunt, Walz remained involved in the pheasant hunting experience. He referenced previous hunting experiences and joked about the lack of shooting expertise among some political counterparts. Throughout the hunt, Walz displayed his knowledge and experience with firearms, humorously interacting with hunting dogs and fellow hunters. The governor’s participation in the hunt, as well as his campaign efforts to appeal to specific voter groups, demonstrate his commitment to engaging with constituents and appealing to a diverse range of interests.
