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Tim Walz Hunting Photo Op Backfires When He Has Trouble Loading His Own Gun [WATCH]

Posted By RVM News Staff On In News | 4 Comments

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz found himself in an awkward [1] moment during his participation [2] in the annual Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener near Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.

While attempting to load a semi-automatic shotgun, Walz struggled with the process, an incident captured in a video that quickly spread on social media.

As he fumbled with the gun, Walz was heard saying, “It never fits quite right,” while speaking to reporters. When asked by a reporter about the firearm, Walz identified it as a Beretta A400, explaining that he had chosen the model for its patented “KickOff” technology, designed to reduce recoil and make shooting more comfortable.

“I bought it when I was shooting a lot of trap,” Walz added, noting that the reduced recoil meant “it doesn’t hurt your shoulder as much.”

According to Beretta’s website, the semi-automatic A400 Xcel retails for over $2,000, with an additional $1,141.96 for the recoil-reducing stock.

Despite his participation in the pheasant hunt, Walz did not manage to bag any game, as reported by the Associated Press.

The video and his struggle with the shotgun led to widespread mockery on social media, where many questioned Walz’s hunting experience and firearm handling skills.

Some users pointed out that Walz’s performance during the event seemed like a failed attempt at a photo op intended to appeal to Minnesota’s hunting and outdoor community.

The incident also brought renewed attention to previous criticisms of Walz, particularly regarding his military service.

Questions about Walz’s 2005 retirement from the Minnesota National Guard resurfaced after a 2018 Facebook post by retired Army Command Sergeant Major Thomas Behrends.

The post questioned the timing of Walz’s retirement, which came just before his unit was deployed to Iraq.


This critique was amplified by Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, who accused Walz of “stolen valor” during an August 7 campaign event, citing the governor’s remarks about gun control and his claim to have carried weapons “in war.”

Walz’s attempts to engage the hunting community also drew criticism from outdoor and hunting groups.

The Twitter account Old Row Outdoors, which focuses on hunting and fishing, sarcastically commented on Walz’s handling of the firearm, stating, “He doesn’t even know how to load his own gun properly. What a disaster of a photo op.” The account, like others, suggested that this attempt to connect with voters who enjoy hunting likely backfired.

The situation wasn’t helped by the fact that this wasn’t Walz’s first misstep during the hunt.

An MSNBC video showed Walz without a firearm, prompting viewers to question how he planned to participate in the hunt at all.

Even the typically left-leaning MSNBC commented on the governor’s apparent difficulties, acknowledging that the hunting event appeared to be more about gaining male voters than anything else.

Walz’s attempt to relate to hunters was seen by many as a failed political strategy.

The hunting community in Minnesota, which is typically skeptical of left-leaning politicians, seemed unconvinced by Walz’s efforts.

Critics argued that his performance during the hunt only further highlighted the disconnect between his image and his actual experience with outdoor sports, calling into question whether this approach would gain him any traction with voters who prioritize Second Amendment rights and hunting culture.

As the incident gained attention, it became clear that Walz’s struggle with the shotgun and the subsequent fallout from the failed photo op could impact his broader campaign efforts, particularly among voters who value authenticity and competence in areas like gun ownership and outdoor activities.