Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has become a social media sensation for all the wrong reasons following his recent hunting trip, where his apparent trouble loading a shotgun sparked a wave of online ridicule.

Walz faced a deluge of humorous and critical reactions online after a video showed him struggling to prepare his shotgun while on a Minnesota pheasant hunt that included journalists, as the Washington Times reports.

In the video, Walz is seen wearing a high-visibility hunting vest and cap, appearing to fumble while loading his Beretta A400, a semi-automatic shotgun.

During the event, Walz provided clarification about his choice of firearm.

He explained to a reporter that he chose the Beretta A400 for trap shooting due to its recoil-reducing features, which make it more comfortable on the shoulder.

Beretta shotguns, he said, are noted for their unique recoil-reducing mechanisms that help minimize the impact and muzzle rise when fired.

Social Media Reactions to Video

Despite his explanations, Walz did not manage to bag any pheasants during the three-hour outing, according to CBS News. This detail only added fuel to the fire of online mockery.

Social media users wasted no time in drawing comical comparisons between Walz and iconic cartoon character Elmer Fudd.

Side-by-side images, as well as an animated gif incorporating Walz into the classic arcade game "Duck Hunt," ran rampant across various platforms.

Further extending the ridicule, the Trump campaign’s Tim Murtaugh humorously celebrated the online "resurgence" of Elmer Fudd, attributing it to Walz's hunting mishap.

Political Commentary Sparks Debate

The incident also caught the attention of conservative voices and firearms experts. Author Larry Alex Taunton offered insight into why semi-automatic shotguns like the A400 are often not favored by hunting guides.

He elaborated that break-action shotguns are generally preferred for hunting expeditions since they can be clearly seen as safe from a distance when opened. In contrast, semi-autos may not provide the same level of visible assurance.

In addition to being a subject of humor, Walz encountered criticism over his firearm expertise from commentators like Buck Sexton, who drew a parallel between Walz's gun-handling ease and Vice President Kamala Harris navigating basic inquiries.

Links Between Gun Policy aPublic Image

Adding another layer to the situation, the Harris campaign spotlighted Walz’s gun ownership to bolster his appeal to Midwestern and firearms-friendly voters, despite his progressive gun control stance.

This is not the first time Walz’s stance and history with firearms have come into the limelight. In 2018, he was scrutinized for a comment about carrying "weapons of war" during his National Guard service -- a claim that was later discovered to be incorrect, as he never engaged in combat.

The Bottom Line

Gov. Tim Walz's recent hunting trip has inadvertently captured the internet's attention, sparking a mixture of humor and analysis.

From comparisons to beloved, yet goofy cartoon figures to becoming a talking point for political narratives, Walz's struggle with his shotgun has opened discussions on firearm familiarity and political identity.

The incident illustrates the multi-layered scrutiny public figures face when engaging in such pursuits.