Walz Kicks Off Minnesota's Pheasant Hunting Season

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, joined by Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, commenced Minnesota's pheasant hunting season near Sleepy Eye without bagging any birds themselves. Nonetheless, the outing highlighted Walz's rural upbringing and passion for outdoor activities. The Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, a tradition since 2011, celebrates the state's hunting culture. The event coincided with the Friday launch of the "Hunters and Anglers for Harris-Walz" initiative, a nationwide campaign aimed at engaging outdoor enthusiasts and rural voters in key states.

The Trump campaign labeled Walz's outing as a desperate bid to win over male voters. They claimed no guns could be seen during the hunt, flagging that as "a sign of the future under a Harris-Walz administration." They circulated a 36-second MSNBC clip that was absent firearms, but it was recorded before his party put on their safety gear and entered the field. Walz, who once had strong National Rifle Association support, has since shifted his stance on gun legislation after several school shootings. He signed a 2023 law for expanded background checks and a red flag law. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)