ST. PAUL, Minn. (GRAY) – Minnesota’s firearm deer opener is Nov. 8, and ahead of opening weekend, Minnesota state leaders and outdoor voices met to discuss the importance of the state’s hunting economy.

“Outdoor activities in Minnesota are about $13.7 billion [in] investments,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL-Minnesota) at a roundtable discussion Wednesday, “They have a trickle effect.”

According to Minnesota DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, the state has sold about 200,000 licenses so far this year. Sales are down slightly from past years at the same point, but the numbers still represent a consistent interest in recreation.

“[Hunting] is a very important economic revenue to fund conservation and deer habitat work in Minnesota, to fund [the] DNR,” said Strommen.

Outdoor recreati

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