Updated at: 11/10/2009 1:31 PM | KSAX.com
By: By Matt Standal KSAX Eyewitness News
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Pawlenty, Hunters Search for Trophy Buck at 7th Annual Governor's Deer Opener

Governor Tim Pawlenty hosted the Seventh Annual Governor's Deer Hunt in Thief River Falls on Saturday. 

A yearly event, the annual hunt brings thousands of visitors to a different community each year. The hunt celebrates Minnesota's hunting heritage, and according to Governor Pawlenty, is in the tradition of the Governor's Fishing Opener.

Pawlenty hunted in rural Pennington County and said he took several shots at a "good sized buck" right after daybreak. 

Appearing at a late-morning news conference, Pawlenty said he identified the deer at about 250 yards, "took two shots at it" and afterwards the buck "walked away awkwardly." However, Pawlenty also said he could not track the wounded animal because he was slated to appear at a GOP event in Iowa later that afternoon.

"We certainly hope, and we pray, but the search continues" Pawlenty said, noting that his hunting party, including his brother Dan Pawlenty, was currently looking for the wounded deer.

Pawlenty added that Minnesota deer hunting "is an incredible boost to Minnesota's economy" with over half a billion dollars in hunting revenue generated each year.  

There's also been no word of Pawlenty's mystery buck as of Monday.