MINNEAPOLIS — On the inaugural day of Minnesota’s pheasant hunting season, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz embarked on a morning adventure through tall grass, showcasing his connections to rural life and passion for outdoor activities. Along with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Walz went hunting near Sleepy Eye, a quaint town about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Although neither managed to catch any pheasants themselves, the hunting party collectively scored six birds on a picturesque autumn day, according to the governor’s office.
As they searched for a fallen bird, Walz remarked, “They can hide, they can get under the grass,” highlighting the challenges that come with the sport. Meanwhile, the campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris has openly addressed the issue of whether her gender may deter some men from supporting her. Key supporters have begun to directly appeal to male voters as Election Day nears, aiming to combat both sexism and a sense of indifference. Harris also shared during her recent debate with former President Donald Trump that she is a gun owner, which may serve to bolster her appeal amongst hunters and sports enthusiasts.
Recently, the Democratic campaign announced the initiation of Hunters and Anglers for Harris-Walz, a nationwide organizing strategy designed to engage sports enthusiasts, conservationists, and rural voters in critical states.
In reaction to Walz’s outing, the Trump campaign ridiculed the event, suggesting that Walz was making desperate attempts to connect with male voters. They also claimed misleadingly that no firearms were visible during the hunt, insinuating it foreshadowed policies under a Harris-Walz administration. While a brief video posted by the Trump camp showcased the absence of guns, it was filmed prior to Walz and his party donning their blaze orange safety gear and heading into the field after a briefing by a conservation officer. The hunters were careful to keep their shotguns elevated to assure the safety of enthusiastic pointers and Labradors working to locate birds.
Although Walz received a high rating from the National Rifle Association during his twelve years in Congress, he shifted his stance on gun-related issues in light of numerous school shootings. As governor, he enacted legislation in 2023 to broaden background checks for gun transfers and established a “red flag law,” enabling courts to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals assessed as immediate threats to themselves or others. His advocacy for gun safety is further bolstered by his wife, Gwen, who has been vocally supportive of related measures.
In response to Walz, the Trump campaign tweeted, “Sorry Tim, men aren’t voting for a gun grabber,” reflecting their positioned narrative. The Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener, a celebrated tradition since 2011, was modeled after the state’s long-established fishing and deer season opener events. The event travels across various host towns situated in Minnesota’s pheasant-rich southern and western regions.
On the morning of his hunting trip, Walz had attended a football game in Mankato, where he previously served as an assistant coach.