In Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz participated in the state’s pheasant hunting season opener, armed with a Beretta shotgun. Despite his three-hour effort on Saturday, he did not manage to shoot any pheasants.

“There are good days and great days in pheasant hunting,” said Walz, reflecting on the day’s activities. His hunting companion, Scott Rall, was the only one to secure a kill that day. The retrieval of the birds was a major focus of the hunt, but the thick, waist-high brush made it impossible to locate the downed bird.

Walz, who was dressed in Carhartt hunting chaps and an orange vest to mark the season’s kick-off, was also actively involved in campaign activities. His participation in the hunt was part of a larger effort to rally a new voting coalition comprising hunters, anglers, and firearm enthusiasts.

Throughout the hunt, several pheasants and other animals soared towards the press crew. On one occasion, Walz humorously referred to the infamous 2006 hunting incident involving former Vice President Dick Cheney, who accidentally shot a hunting partner.

Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris have recently emphasized their status as gun owners while continuing to support measures like universal background checks. In his interview with CBS News, Walz mentioned that the Beretta shotgun he used was one he bought when he was frequently engaged in trap shooting.

During a break, Walz enjoyed some locally sourced venison and a Diet Mountain Dew. He made light of the situation, joking about the hunting dogs’ hard work despite the absence of kills. Walz, who originates from rural Nebraska, is working to appeal to male and rural voters ahead of the upcoming elections.

While the Trump campaign labeled Walz’s hunting trip as “staged”, the Governor seemed unfazed, reminiscing about previous hunting excursions with his Minnesota congressional delegation. His love for hunting is part of his broader strategy to connect with voters who share similar interests.

Despite the lack of success on the hunt, Walz remains optimistic about the future. His focus remains on advocating for traditional activities and connecting with his constituents on a personal level.