WTMJ Outdoors

This week’s WTMJ Outdoors covers everything from a major outdoor expo to the art of taxidermy and the science behind finding deer sheds.

Brandon Censky previews the Open Season Sportsman’s Expo at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, featuring 300 vendors, national exhibitors, and seminars for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kyle Schmidt of Northwoods Taxidermy shares how experience and attention to detail help turn trophy deer into lifelike mounts hunters can treasure for years.

And Lindsay Thomas, Chief Communications Officer for the National Deer Association, offers science-based tips to improve your odds when searching for deer antler sheds.

Sponsored by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

It may only be March, but golf season is already on the minds of Wisconsinites — and this week’s WTMJ Outdoors goes all in on the game. Award-winning golf writer Gary D’Amato shares his perspective on the rise of Wisconsin golf, from world-class public courses to hosting major championships like the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup. Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association, discusses promoting the game statewide — from tournaments to helping everyday golfers manage their handicap. And Gabe Neitzel of 94.5 ESPN, who played more than 70 rounds last year, talks about his favorite public courses and why Wisconsin truly is a premier golf destination.

This week’s WTMJ Outdoors takes you to one of the biggest outdoor sportsman’s events in Wisconsin coming up in March, to the latest conditions on the ATV/UTV and snowmobiling trails of the state, to one of our favorite Wisconsin traditions, maple syrup season!

From trophy musky fishing to conservation efforts across Wisconsin and the return of one of the state’s most popular winter traditions, this week’s WTMJ Outdoors covers it all.

Steve Heiting of Minocqua — Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame member, guide, and outdoors writer — shares insight on musky fishing and his work educating anglers across the Midwest.

Stephen Buzza, Event Director of the 85th Annual Milwaukee Sports Show (March 6–8 at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo Center), previews this year’s show featuring more than 200 exhibitors, the lumberjack show, trout pond, and more.

And Eric Norberg of the Milwaukee Audubon Society highlights conservation projects, including prairie seeding near Horicon Marsh.

WTMJ Outdoors airs Saturdays at 2 p.m. on 620 WTMJ or anytime on the podcast page. Sponsored by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

Even if winter weather has you bundled up, WTMJ Outdoors is bringing the heat with a special “Summer in Winter” edition. From waterskiing and kayaking to Great Lakes surfing, this episode celebrates Wisconsin’s warm-weather adventures.

Luke Raymer, President of the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation, previews major events including the Think Tank Water Ski Convention & Expo in Wisconsin Dells and the Wisconsin Water Ski Show Championships in Wisconsin Rapids.

Beth Handle, owner of Milwaukee Kayak Company, shares her passion for kayaking and canoeing along Milwaukee’s waterways.

And Shawn Knitt, owner of The Board Shack in Port Washington, talks Lake Michigan surfing and embracing beach culture on Wisconsin’s shores.

Presented by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

On this week’s episode of WTMJ Outdoors, we explore the connection between conservation, fishing, and a lifelong love of the outdoors in Wisconsin. Aaron Schiller, Senior Fisheries Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR, provides an update on fish populations and explains how anglers help supply real-time conditions across the state. Paul Reith, Vice-Chair of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, previews topics facing hunters and anglers and how Wisconsinites can share feedback at upcoming Spring hearings. And Dusty Weiss, President of PodCamp Media, reflects on returning to scouting and how parenting has renewed his appreciation for time spent outdoors. WTMJ Outdoors airs Saturdays from 2–3 p.m. on 620 WTMJ, or anytime at WTMJ.com. Sponsored by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

On this week’s episode of WTMJ Outdoors, we highlight the people and organizations that help connect Wisconsinites to the outdoors — from ATV and UTV trail volunteers, to veterans and first responders, to the heart of the Northwoods.

-Randy Harden, President of the Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association, joins host Steve Scaffidi to discuss one of the state’s most popular recreational activities and the dedicated volunteers who make trail management possible across Wisconsin.

-Tom Fischer, Event Coordinator for Wisconsin Hero Outdoors, shares how the organization connects military veterans and first responders with meaningful outdoor experiences, including recent ice-fishing outings on local lakes.

-And we wrap up with Craig Kusick, owner of Bent’s Camp in Land O’ Lakes, who provides the latest snowmobiling and ice-fishing conditions in the Northwoods — plus a look inside his iconic resort (including the famous Bent’s Bobbers appetizer).

Winter is in full swing across Wisconsin, and WTMJ Outdoors is celebrating the season with an episode dedicated to hunting, skiing, and getting outside. Host Steve Scaffidi is joined by Jeff Adee, owner of Headhunter Bow Strings, who shares his expertise on archery and how testing and technology have helped his company become a leader in bow string manufacturing. Brandon Wagner, Marketing Director at Little Switzerland, provides an update on snow conditions, slope offerings, and introduces snow bikes as a new way to enjoy the hills. And Andrea Wallace, Assistant Director of Recreation for Milwaukee County Parks, highlights winter activities happening in local parks.

It’s winter in Wisconsin, and ice fishing season is underway — though conditions vary widely across the state. On this week’s episode of WTMJ Outdoors, host Steve Scaffidi checks in with fishing guides from around Wisconsin to get the latest on ice conditions, fish activity, and safety on the ice.

Jim Stewart, owner of Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop in Minocqua, shares what’s shaping up to be a more traditional winter for ice fishing in the Northwoods. Dave Duwe, a Walworth County fishing guide, breaks down ice depth, what’s working for walleye and perch, and why insurance matters when heading onto the ice. And Bret Alexander from Ice Fish Green Bay offers insight into variable ice conditions on Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay — plus tips on finding fish and staying safe in northeastern Wisconsin.

On this week’s episode of WTMJ Outdoors, we take a comprehensive look back at the 2025 Wisconsin whitetail deer hunt and look ahead to one of winter’s biggest traditions — the Milwaukee Boat Show.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Outdoors Editor Paul Smith joins host Steve Scaffidi to break down the final harvest and hunter numbers, and to discuss the important relationship between Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season and small businesses across the state.

Author Brian Reisinger (Land Rich, Cash Poor) explains the environmental role of deer hunting and how conservation efforts help protect Wisconsin’s land and natural resources.

And Ben Nielsen previews the Milwaukee Boat Show, running January 16–25 at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo Center, featuring 300 boats and 80 manufacturers — Wisconsin’s premier water sports expo.

Listen Saturdays at 2 p.m. on 620 WTMJ, or anytime on our podcast page. WTMJ Outdoors is presented by Outdoor Living Unlimited.