The Twin Cities are known for more than just a vibrant cultural scene – the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities is also something to marvel at. From hunting and fishing to camping and hiking, the Twin Cities offer a plethora of options for outdoor enthusiasts. However, for those who want to take their passion for the outdoors to the next level, attending some of the best hunting and fishing events in the Twin Cities is a must-do.
Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman, or just looking to learn more about these activities, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, grab your gear and get ready to experience the best of the Twin Cities’ hunting and fishing community!
Top Gun Dog Challenge
April 14-16, 2023
Location: Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club
More information: hhgundog.com
Looking for a fun way to get your gun dog out of the house and onto the field? Look no further than the Gun Dog Challenge! This friendly competition is a great way to showcase your dog’s skills and create lasting memories with Fido in the field. Hosted at the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, this event features five different tournaments held from December to April, culminating in a year-end prize of over $13,000! Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time competitor, the Gun Dog Challenge offers a unique opportunity to bond with your dog and enjoy some friendly competition. And with prizes and bragging rights up for grabs, there’s even more reason to come out and join the fun. So mark your calendars for the Challenge this April and get ready to show off your skills with your trusty gun dog by your side.
River Fishing For Fun
Date: May 27, 2023
Location: Fort Snelling State Park
More information: dnr.state.mn.us
Join in on a fun-filled day on the Mississippi River, and learn the secrets of catching fish in its vast waters during the beautiful late-spring season. With a wider range of species, river fishing is sure to keep you excited. All equipment and bait will be provided, and there’s no need for a MN fishing license during this program. Upon confirmation of registration, you’ll receive the program location and additional information to prepare you for this adventure. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to fish on the Mississippi River!
Fishing 101
Date: May 28, 2023
Location: Father Hennepin State Park
More information: dnr.state.mn.us
Another great learn-to-fish event, Fishing 101 is a program designed to introduce you to the joys of the sport. Here, you’re provided the fishing poles, bait and an experienced instructor to teach you everything you need to know. Meet at the Public Boat Access Parking Lot and head out to the lake from there, at Father Hennepin State Park. This is a great event for the beginner who’s never even cast a line, although it is sure to be a fun time for everyone. Fishing 101 is the perfect opportunity to learn from the experts and experience the fun of fishing.
2023 Denny’s Super 30
Date: Monthly, First tournament is May 30, 2023
Location: Lake Minnetonka
More information: dennyssuper30.com
Check out the 2023 Denny’s Super 30 Tournament, which takes place every month, starting on May 30th at Lake Minnetonka. This exciting tournament is a must for all bass fishing enthusiasts who are looking for a challenge and the chance to win big! The tournament features three different bass species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and general bass, making it a great opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to compete. The payout for this tournament ranges from $10,000 to $24,999, providing a great incentive to participate. Go for the cash-money by signing up for this competitive event!
Metro Muskie Tournament
Date: June 10, 2023
Location: Throughout the Twin Cities
More information: metromuskietournament.com
The Metro Muskie Tournament is an annual event that invites anglers to catch and release the biggest muskie fish in the Twin Cities metro area. Participants can fish in any lake within the designated metro boundaries, and must follow the rules and regulations set by the tournament, in order to qualify. The event features various prizes, including cash rewards for the top three teams, as well as raffles and auctions. The tournament also raises funds for local organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting muskie populations in the region. The entry fee is just $40 and cash prizes of over $18,000 have been awarded in recent years.
Greenhorn Bass Tour Advanced Series
Date: June 29, 2023
Location: Independence Lake
More information: greenhornbasstour.com
Get ready for an unforgettable day of bass fishing at the Greenhorn Bass Tour Advanced Series on June 29, at Independence Lake. This tournament is perfect for seasoned anglers looking for a challenge and a chance to win big. This event promises to be a day of exciting and competitive bass fishing. Independence Lake is known for its abundance of bass, and the tournament will feature advanced techniques and strategies to challenge even the most experienced anglers. The Greenhorn Bass Tour Advanced Series is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and compete against other talented anglers. Don’t miss the chance to take your place atop the winner’s podium at this exciting tournament. Register today and prepare to experience the thrill of competitive bass fishing at its finest!
B.A.T.S. Open (Bassinator Anglers Tourney Trail)
Date: July 8, 2023
Location: Lake Minnetonka
More information: mnbats.org
B.A.T.S, or the Bassinator Anglers Traveling Series, is a TBF affiliated Junior Trail. The program is open to students in grades two through eight, with an objective to provide an opportunity for small junior clubs to compete against each other. The tournament consists of four qualifying rounds that will take place across Minnesota. The top 25 percent of teams from each tournament move on to the Tournament of Champions. To maintain fairness, the tournaments are capped at 50 boats, and all teams will use the FishDonkey app’s catch, record and release format. Each team will consist of two junior anglers and a boat captain. For participation, each angler must be a TBF member, and teams are responsible for finding their own boat captain.
Game Fair
Date: August 11-20, 2023
Location: Armstrong Ranch Kennels
More information: gamefair.com
Game Fair is an outdoor sporting event suitable for the whole family. Spread across 80 acres of picturesque woods and water, the event features a range of exciting activities and exhibitions for hunting enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. Visitors can try out and purchase the latest hunting gear, while also learning from seasoned sportsmen and sportswomen. The event offers special exhibits on archery, decoys, duck boats, dog accessories, taxidermy and other hunting equipment. At this yearly family tradition, attendees are welcome to bring their leashed dogs and cased guns or bows to partake in the many activities. Younger visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as slingshots, air rifles, archery and darts, while concession stands offer a variety of tasty home-grown treats.
2023 Hunt Upland Birds
September 9-10, 2023
Location: Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club
More information: metroareapf.org/events
The 2023 Adult Learn to Hunt Upland Birds Program has been designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to hunt upland birds safely and independently. The program provides a unique learning experience by offering hands-on training and online content that can be completed at home. Participants will learn about the hunter’s role in conservation and how to be a steward of the resource and habitat. Additionally, the program presents an excellent opportunity for participants to meet other adult-onset hunters and experienced hunters who can offer valuable insights beyond the program. The program is structured over two weekends, as well as one Saturday morning.
Minnesota Deer & Turkey Classic
Date: March 8-9, 2024
Location: Canterbury Park
More information: mndeerclassic.com
Every year, the Minnesota Deer Classic is a highly anticipated event for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. This three-day event features a variety of attractions, including hunting seminars, deer scoring and vendors selling the latest hunting gear. Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the Minnesota Deer Classic draws a large crowd of passionate hunters from around the region. Beyond hunting seminars, there are also special events and activities for kids, such as archery and BB-gun shooting ranges. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and refreshments from various vendors throughout the event. Vendors offer a wide range of products, from deer stands and blinds to hunting clothing and accessories. Whether you’re interested in learning new hunting techniques, getting your trophy deer scored, or simply enjoying a day of outdoor fun, the Minnesota Deer Classic is the event for you.
Northwest Sportshow
Date: March 21-24, 2024
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
More information: northwestsportshow.com
The Northwest Sportshow is an annual event that takes place in Minneapolis, and is one of the largest outdoor recreation shows in the country. The event features over 700 exhibitors showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and equipment for fishing, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities. Attendees can also participate in seminars, demonstrations and hands-on activities, or take the little ones to the fishing pond. The Northwest Sportshow is an event catered toward outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to learn more about outdoor recreation and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Do you want to travel to these hunting and fishing events?
There are a multitude of ways to celebrate wildlife, nature and outdoor recreation that’s happening locally, all year round in the Twin Cities. From fishing tournaments to sportsmen shows to hunting extravaganzas and everything in between, there’s always something new to see. Are you an avid hunter or fisher who never wants to miss out on the exciting events and competitions happening throughout the Twin Cities?
To give yourself the freedom to travel to any event at a moment’s notice, think about learning to fly a plane with Inflight Pilot Training. With our comprehensive training programs, you can achieve your dream of flying, while simultaneously gaining the ability to travel to events throughout the country. Don’t let distance keep you from experiencing all the outdoor fun you’d otherwise miss out on in the Twin Cities and beyond.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.