Mitchell welcomes hunters

Talk about it

The Mitchell Convention and Visitors Bureau is rolling out the blaze-orange carpet for hunters in anticipation of a successful pheasant hunting season.

“When it comes to pheasant hunting, Mitchell is a premier destination,” said CVB Director Jacki Miskimins. “So we’re acting accordingly.”

Staff will be on hand at the Mitchell Regional Airport and outside of Cabela’s to distribute promotional items for hunters and their four-legged companions. T-shirts, “Hunt Mitchell” playing cards and field cases, blaze-orange popcorn balls, outdoor guides, city maps and dog biscuits will be available.

In addition to the greeting booths, the CVB has also worked to ensure that the welcome message continues throughout town.

“Billboards will welcome the hunters to town, sidewalks have been painted in front of various businesses, and many hotels will be using customized door hangers to extend the ‘Welcome to Mitchell’ message,” Miskimins said. “Even Cornelia will get in on the fun.”

Posters bearing the “Welcome Hunters” message were also distributed throughout town, Miskimins added. Additional posters are available for pickup from the CVB office.

The pheasants per mile count for the Mitchell area is up 38 percent from 2.83 in 2011.

Out-of-state hunters contributed $6.6 million to the local economy last year, Miskimins said, adding “We definitely make them a priority.”

The 2012 pheasant hunting season officially opens at noon Saturday and runs until sunset on Jan. 6, though several area hunting preserves enjoy expanded seasons.

Tags: outdoors, life, updates, hunting, local, mitchell, tourism