WTMJ Outdoors

As we close out a fantastic year exploring the great outdoors in Wisconsin, WTMJ Outdoors continues its Best of 2025 series. This week’s episode revisits some of our favorite moments from the year. Featured in this edition is a memorable live deer camp broadcast from Waupaca County, with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Outdoors Writer Paul Smith and deer camp owner and avid sportsman Nate VanZeelen. Join us as we celebrate the traditions, people, and places that make Wisconsin’s outdoors so special, and look ahead to more great stories in 2026.

The calendar has flipped to December, the snow is here, and WTMJ Outdoors is still talking about the hunt — from Wisconsin’s whitetail woods to a once-in-a-lifetime African safari. Host Steve Scaffidi welcomes Cole Gander from the National Deer Association to discuss what makes a successful hunt and how new technology is changing the experience. Rose Gray from Fox World Travel shares the thrill of exploring Africa’s natural wonders, and author Brian Reisinger reflects on the deep connection between farming and hunting traditions in Wisconsin. It’s an episode that celebrates the spirit of the outdoors, near and far. Presented by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

The snow is flying across Wisconsin, and WTMJ Outdoors is diving into all your favorite winter activities! Host Steve Scaffidi talks with Rick Schmitz of Crystal Ridge Ski Area in Franklin about skiing, snowboarding, and family fun on the slopes. Then, Ken Leiviska from the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce shares the magic of the Ice Castle and why Eagle River is the snowmobile capital of the world. Finally, Shawn Connelly of Birkie.com previews the upcoming events in the Cable-Hayward area — home to one of the Midwest’s biggest winter celebrations. It’s a snow-packed, can’t-miss episode of WTMJ Outdoors, presented by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

It’s opening week of Wisconsin’s gun deer season, and WTMJ Outdoors goes live from a deer camp in Waupaca County. Host Steve Scaffidi joins Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Outdoors Editor Paul Smith and hunter Nate Van Zeeland for a behind-the-scenes look at the traditions, stories, and camaraderie that make this November weekend so special. Plus, two local chefs share how they fed more than a dozen hunters on Saturday night. Don’t miss this must-listen edition of WTMJ Outdoors, presented by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

As Thanksgiving approaches, WTMJ Outdoors celebrates Wisconsin’s great outdoors and local traditions — from deer hunting and skiiing to the 100-year legacy of Kegel’s Inn. Host Steve Scaffidi talks with Dusty Weiss about how social media shapes modern hunting, Greg Fisher on what’s new at Little Switzerland, and Julian Kegel on a century of great food and community in West Allis.

WTMJ Outdoors gears up for Wisconsin’s gun deer season and a midwinter escape at the Milwaukee Boat Show. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Outdoors Editor Paul Smith shares his 2025 plans, opening-weekend deer camp insights, and stories from 40 years covering Wisconsin’s wild places. Peggy Farrell of UW–Stevens Point’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman program explains how workshops open the outdoors to more women, and Ben Nielsen previews the Boat Show’s 56th year. Listen Saturdays at 2 p.m. on 620 WTMJ or on our podcast page.

As Wisconsin gears up for cold-weather adventures, WTMJ Outdoors host Steve Scaffidi talks with Outdoor Living Unlimited’s Eric Brown about his passion for the outdoors, Dave Schlabowske on blending biking and hunting, and USA Archery’s Rod Menzer on the competitive side of bow season.

From gear storage tips with Decked’s Bridget Noonan, to preserving Wisconsin’s lakes with Lake Tides editor Amy Kowalski, to exploring Eagle River’s Chain of Lakes with Kim Emerson — this week’s WTMJ Outdoors celebrates Wisconsin’s outdoor spirit from shore to shore.