WCCO Outdoors

There's some sad news to start this week's edition, as Rob Drieslein comments on the passing of Hall-of-Fame fishing guide Tom Neustrom. The following guests help out the show afterwards: Rob sticks with Summer fishing topics when he chats with Meateater.com contributor Tony Peterson. MN DNR grouse project leader Charlotte Roy provides a review of the department's latest ruffed grouse report.

Even on this holiday weekend, Rob Drieslein is in to bring us the top headlines from the last week. He also has time to chat with the following guests: Outdoor News contributor Ryan Rothstein talks the latest news about Whitetail deer. Mike Sidders, Chief Marketing Officer of Delta Waterfowl, joins to preview the organization's annual Duck Hunters Expo (July 24-26 in Des Moines).

This week, Rob Drieslein offers his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. After that, the conversation returns to Outdoors sports. Outdoor News contributor Colleen Foehrenbacher explains her day job as executive director of the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. Ron Hustvedt returns to talk fishing and tackle some other Outdoors topics.

On this Father's Day, Rob Drieslein opens the program by previewing the licenses you can apply for to hunt elk this season. After that, he goes to the water to chat with the following guests: Trout Unlimited Public Lands policy director Corey Fisher explains his organization's stance in opposing the removal of the USDA's long-standing Roadless Rule. MN DNR Fisheries Rules & Regulations coordinator John Dunn tells us more about the new changes to look out for on the state's waterways.

Rob Drieslein opens up this week's edition by reviewing his interaction with the MN DNR's new electronic licensing system mobile app. Later, he dives into varying topics with the following guests: Outdoor News contributor and Blue Water Science owner Steve McComas (a.k.a. The Lake Detective) is back to discuss topics affecting our lakes in 2026, including fish populations, algae bloom concerns, and an update on Zebra mussels. Author and retired professor Dr. Curtis L. DeBerg offers the story of how he came across an inscribed edition of Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and The Sea" in southeastern Minnesota.

To start this week's episode, Rob Drieslein provides an update on research of Chronic Wasting Disease. After that, he spends the majority of the show chatting with MN DNR Fish & Wildlife director Kelly Straka about the new electronic licensing system that goes into effect this week.

Rob Drieslein ends the month of May by going through some of the Outdoors headlines. Then, he chats with the following guests: Seth Owens from Pheasants Forever discusses his longtime passion for taking wildlife photography. MN DNR northeast region fisheries manager Leslie George tells us about the department finalizing long-range plans for muskie fishing across the state.

On this Memorial weekend episode, Rob Drieslein looks back at the state legislature passing the Outdoor Heritage bill in the last hours of the 2026 session. Afterwards, he opens up the lines to speak with the following guests: Outdoors journalist Mark Neuzil talks about the prevalence and importance of small-mouth bass in the Boundary Waters area of Northern Minnesota. Outdoor News contributor Stan Tekiela returns to focus in on a couple of apex predators in the state...cougars and bears.

To kick off this week's edition, Rob Drieslein brings us up-to-speed on the outdoor Legacy bill over at the State Capitol. Then, he chats with the following guests: While the focus is on Walleye at this time, angler and journalist Gord Ellis updates the conditions across the region for Lake Trout fishing. Outdoor News contributor and Nature Smart founder Stan Tekiela is in to talk migratory birds, including owls and orioles

As the opening weekend of Walleye fishing season wraps up, Rob Drieslein begins the program by discussing work at the State Capitol that could affect bow and firearms hunting. Afterwards, he opens up the lines for the following guests: Ed Hahn, Director of Advancement & Marketing at the National Eagle Center, explains how the U.S. Postal Service is connected to an upcoming event for the Wabasha-based organization. Minnesota Conservation Federation executive director Brad Gausman talks about legislation in St. Paul and what it means for the outdoors across the state.

On this week's edition of the show, Rob Drieslein pays tribute to late painter and visual artist David Maass. Then, our host turns the program over to angling. He welcomes MN DNR Mille Lacs fisheries supervisor Greg Berg and St. Cloud-based fishing guide Capt. Josh Hagemeister to talk fishing ahead of next weekend's Governor's Fishing Opener.

At the beginning of this week's edition, Rob Drieslein goes through a few headlines in the world of the outdoors. Then, he talks to the following guests: MN DNR Large Carnivore Specialist Dan Stark tells us about the looming deadline to apply for bear hunting licenses. The talk shifts to clay target shooting with Drew Tri, spokesperson for and marketing director of the MN High School Clay Target Shooting League.

On this week's episode, Rob Drieslein shares his thoughts on Washington's passage of the mining ban repeal around the BWCA. Afterwards, he welcomes the following guests on the show: Outdoor News contributor Mark Strand tells us what we should know as the turkey hunting season is now underway across the state. Fishing guide extraordinaire Brian "Bro" Brosdahl explains where you can still do a little ice fishing as Winter weather fades.

Rob Drieslein takes a few minutes at the start of this week's episode away from outdoor gaming, as he explains his recent trip to the U.K. Then, he gets back to business by chatting with the following guests: MN DNR fisheries biologist Dean Paron updates us on stream trout fishing across the state. Tony Jones (a.k.a. The Reverend Hunter) recaps his recent trip to the Dakotas for snow goose hunting.

On this Easter holiday, Rob Drieslein gets secular. He opens the show by discussing how legislature has affected outdoor activites (for good & bad). Then, he opens up the lines to the following guests: Sharon Stiteler returns to talk about birds, including something Hollywood does that raises her eyebrow. Wisconsin Outdoor News editor Dean Bortz offers an update on what's happening east of the St. Croix River.

This week, Rob Drieslein opens up by explaining moose population numbers from the latest surveys across the state. Then, he floats a feather out to the following guests for this episode's interviews: Meateater.com Tony Peterson returns to preview the upcoming turkey hunting season. Spring migration season is getting underway. Sharon Stiteler (a.k.a. The Bird Chick) joins to talk about the species we should be looking for.

Rob Drieslein touches on a couple topics to begin this week's edition. However, the episode is quite guest-loaded. Regular guest Tony Peterson is back to discuss a slew of topics, with a focus on turkey hunting. Maple River elementary school teacher Cory Roeker explains the importance of helping his students learn to build wood duck nesting houses. Minnesota Native Landscapes project manager Logan Riedel tells us what the company does to turn your lawn into an inviting space for natural life (plant, animal, and insect).

As another hit of Winter rolls across the region, Rob Drieslein continues to have the Outdoors on his mind. This week, he starts by remembering the life and impact of the late hunter and author Milo Hansen. Afterwards, he welcomes two MN DNR guests on the show: Lt. Michael Lee talks about the organization's Conservation Officer Academy and how people can start the process if they want to become an enforcement officer. Assistant Southern Regional fisheries manager Nate Hodgins tells us how we can participate in the current comment period on how the department's management should regulate nearly 200 lakes across the state.

Rob Drieslein opens up the episode by discussing why hunters aren't able to sell the venison they may kill and break down. Then, he welcomes the following guests on the show: Star Tribune Outdoors columnist Dennis Anderson previews the upcoming Duck Summit (which he talked about on the program last Summer). Native Fish for Tomorrow co-founder Tyler Winter talks about angling for various species or Rough fish across the state.

This week, Rob Drieslein starts the show by touching on issues that are more broad in national scope. Then, he welcomes the following guests on the show: MN DNR area supervisor Nick Schlesser looks at fishing out on the Mississippi River. Outdoor News contributor and Nature Smart founder Stan Tekiela returns. This time around, he talks about various owl species.

This week, Rob Drieslein hops to it with a few minutes on jackrabbits. Then, he opens up the lines to chat with the following guests: Outdoorsman Joe Shead takes us into the annual shed antler season. Outdoors News contributor Stan Tekiela gives us a recap of his recent trip to Yellowstone National Park.

On this week's edition of the show, Rob Drieslein dotes on a few topics. Then, he opens up the meat of the program to the following guests: Mike Christensen, Director of Operations for Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors, explains how this Kansas-based organization helps get younger people into the world of Outdoors sports. Matt Schultz, Program Manager for Sportsmen of the Boundary Waters, discusses what impacts could be expected from recent work to reverse the mining ban in that region.

Rob Drieslein starts this week's episode by taking to the water and discussing new perch limits that will take place. After that he brings on a more feathery touch with the following guests: Jared Wiklund from Pheasants Forever wraps up the latest hunting season across the state line in South Dakota. International Own Center executive director Karla Bloem talks about the species you can see across the Upper Midwest.

Starting this week's edition, Rob Drieslein details the squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons the continue into February. After that, he turns over the show to discussions with the following guests: Outdoor News' Sales & Marketing Director Brian Knutson reviews his first trip to the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Sarah Middleton, Wildlife Section Rules & Regulations Coordinator of the MN DNR. takes us through the process of how the organization builds its hunting and fishing regulation booklets.

This week, Rob Drieslein looks at some lesser-known realities in the Outdoors sporting realm. He starts the episode by discussing the successful repeal of the 20-year mining ban and the effect it will have on the Boundary Waters region. Then, he reaches out to the following guests: Capt. Jarrid Houston, founder and owner of Houston's Guide Service, describes fishing on Lake Superior and its surrounding tributaries. Durell Smith, president of the Minority Outdoor Alliance, explains the group's goal to introduce more minority populations to the world of hunting and fishing.

It's an "in-house" edition of the episode, as two Outdoor News contributors join Rob Drieslein to discuss some trending topics. Editor Tim Spielman offers a recap of the annual MN DNR Roundtable event. Then, writer Glen Schmitt provides the latest news on the current ice fishing season.

To open up this week's show, Rob Drieslein pours through the number from the 2025 state deer hunting sessions. Then, he pulls in the following guests to fill out the episode: Hunting expert and communicator Ron Spomer discusses what to expect when going firearms hunting. Scott Sparlin, executive director for the Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, tells us about the group's efforts to keep the state's namesake waterway healthy.

In this first episode of 2026, Rob Drieslein takes us out angling. He focuses on fishing seasons and topics, with guests including OnX Fish owner Joel Nelson (an update on the ice fishing season) and MN-FISH executive director Mark Holsten (what topics the group would like to tackle with the 2026 legislature).

It's the final show of 2025! To kick things off, Rob Drieslein offers some books you can check out with the outdoors in mind. After that, the episode is full of guests: Sharon Stiteler (a.k.a. The Bird Chick) returns for a second straight week. This time, she'll give us some tips on spotting owls and some other bird species around the Twin Cities metro area. Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council executive director Mark Johnson explains what plans the council will continue to move on as he sets to retire next month. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers MN chapter chair Chance Adams provides a preview of next month's North Country Icebreaker event.

To kick off this holiday edition of the show, Rob Drieslein dives into the wild turkey population numbers across the state. Then, he catches up with a couple old friends: Sharon Stiteler (a.k.a. The Bird Chick) returns to offer the latest news on our fine, feathered friends. Outdoorsman extraordinaire Tony Roach describes his transition from open-water to ice fishing as the frozen season really gets rolling.

During this episode of the program, Rob Drieslein digs into several topics with the following guests: Outdoors photographer and contributor Mark Morrison discusses what we should expect during the last couple of weeks of archery deer hunting. Our host continues his talk with incoming Backcountry Hunters and Anglers CEO Ryan Callaghan.

On this edition of the show, Rob Drieslein updates the deer hunting tallies as the seasons continue. After that, we hear from the following guests: Activist and conservationist Robin Greenfield explains why he decided to truly live off of foraging the land for an entire year. Incoming president of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Ryan Callaghan describes what he wants to help the organization accomplish in the first portion of this two-week interview.

To open up this holiday weekend episode, Rob Drieslein starts the transition to the ice fishing season. After that, he welcomes the following guests: Outdoor News contributor Stan Tekiela is back to talk more non-game topics. This time around, he digs into migrating bird species and the flying squirrel project he's involved in. Outdoor guide Matt Johnson switches the focus back to ice fishing, with the weather conditions becoming more amenable to the season getting underway soon.

To start this week's edition, Rob Drieslein updates the numbers as the Minnesota firearm deer hunting season winds down. Then, he welcomes the following guests on the show: Outdoor News contributor Pat Durkin lets us know what's happening with the Wisconsin firearm deer hunting season as it opens up for 2025. Outdoor News contributor Stan Tekiela is back. This time, he's talking wild turkeys as we head toward the Thanksgiving holiday.

To kick off this episode, Rob Drieslein goes through the numbers when it comes to license sales during the opening weekend of the firearms deer hunting season. After that, he opens up the show to the following guests: Dawn Reding, associate professor of Biology at Luther College, tells us about her ongoing research of bobcats around the Upper Midwest. Aaron Murphy, the COO of American Hunters & Anglers, discusses the push to pass the controversial Borderlands Conservation Act in Congress.

It was a big couple of days on the outdoors calendar, so Rob Drieslein devotes quite a bit of time to the opening weekend of the firearm deer hunting season. Jared Mazruek, executive director of the MN Deer Hunters Association, joins to help with the recap. We also get some information on the water. MN DNR fisheries supervisor Brett Flatten provides some updates on the current sport netting season for Whitefish.

On this week's edition of the program, Rob Drieslein digs into the latest attempt in Congress to open public lands to development. After speaking on that, he chats with the following guests: Grace Milanowski, U of M extension researcher and program coordinator for Offal Wildlife Watching, provides an update on the study on scavenging of deer gut piles. Meateater.com contributor Tony Peterson returns as the deer hunting focus switches from bows to firearms.

This is an episode more focused on the Fall hunter. After Rob Drieslein digs into a government decision that will be helpful to outdoors sporting, he dives into the hunting chatter. Pheasants Forever editor Tom Carpenter speaks on the current pheasant season. Meateater.com contributor Tony Peterson returns to discuss the ongoing bow hunting season.

On this week's edition, Rob Drieslein reacts to the annual Office of the Legislative Auditor report. After that, he welcomes the following guests: Dr. Andrew Farnsworth from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology details what birdwatchers can find when they visit BirdCast.org. Outdoors News contributor and Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame committee member Tim Lesmeister lets us know about the newly-named inductees to the Hall.

On this week's edition of the show, Rob Drieslein gives his thoughts on a high-powered D.C. meeting this past week with focus on the outdoors. Then, he gets into it with the following guests: MN DNR Wildlife Health Supervisor Erik Hildebrand updates how Chronic Wasting Disease is affecting the deer population across the state. Dr. Mike Brasher, Senior Waterfowl Scientist at Ducks Unlimited, explains how this Fall's weather is affecting the annual waterfowl migration patterns.

During this week's edition of the show, Rob Drieslein speaks about a recent commentary piece on the importance of the "Roadless Rule" and touches on declining turkey populations in the South. He aslo reaches out to the following guests: Famed duck stamp artist Jim Hautman describes the feeling of winning the annual national contest for the 7th time! Sabin Adams, the Minnesota state coordinator for Pheasants Forever, previews next weekend's state pheasant hunting opener.

During this week's edition of the program, Rob Drieslein congratulates the winner of the annual National Duck Stamp contest and looks at efforts to reduce the Emerald Ash Borer population. He also sits down with the following guests: Former MN DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr tells us what it was like to be a judge for the National Duck Stamp contest. Seasoned hunter Brad Fitzgerald updates the current bear season and previews the upcoming season for Fall ducks.

Rob Drieslein kicks off this week's episode by paying tribute to Robert Redford, discussing the many ways that the Hollywood icon inspired people in all walks of life. Then, Dr. Jonathan Gassett from the Wildlife Management Institute joins the show to talk at length about the recent "Poach and Pay" study done by the Boone & Crockett Club.

On this week's episode, Rob Drieslein lets us get to know award-winning Outdoors writer Hal Herring. They take some time to chat about potential changes that could be coming to public land conservation, including a possible repeal of the "Roadless Rule". Also, our host provides a public service announcement about heading out to the lake to hunt ducks.

It's another edition of the program dedicated to "birds of fancy". Rob Drieslein kicks things off by updating the ongoing effects of 2014 Minnesota Pheasant Summit. Then, he brings on the following guests to chat more on the winged creatures: Sharon Stiteler (a.k.a. The Bird Chick) is back to tell us what to look out for this Fall when it comes to birds and the season's migration patterns. Star Tribune Outdoors writer Dennis Anderson explains the reasoning behind his recent column calling for a Duck Summit in Minnesota.

As the State Fair wraps up, Rob Drieslein opens up this show by previewing the hunting seasons that will get going in the next few weeks. Then, he'll shift the focus with help from the following guests: Brad Parson, MN DNR fisheries section manager, chats about some of the headlines affecting anglers, including the announced walleye catch increase on Lake Mille Lacs. Outdoor News contributor Stan Tekiela returns with more stories from his trip to the Galapagos Islands.

To begin this week's episode, Rob Drieslein digs into the MN DNR's announcement that walleye limits on Lake Mille Lacs will increase. Then, we hear from the following guests: "Outdoor News" contributor Stan Tekiela is back to recap his recent global adventure...to the Galapagos Islands. MN DNR wildlife research biologist Andrew Tri provides the info you'll need to know when bear hunting season starts on Labor Day (September 1st).

With Game Fair wrapped up for another year and the State Fair around the corner, there's a lot for Rob Drieslein to dig into. To help him out, he welcomes Meateater.com contributor Tony Peterson back on the show to preview what hunters and anglers should expect during the Fall 2025 season across the state.

At the beginning of this episode, Rob Drieslein digs into how deer management is going across the state. Then, he turns the program over to ducks, with help from the following guests: MN DNR migratory game bird consultant Nate Huck discusses topics surrounding various types of the bird species, including Blue-winged teals and mallards. Scott Anderson, Director of Non-Traditional Fundraising & Promotions at Ducks Unlimited, chats about how conditions are for the birds in Northern Minnesota. Also, we hear about the organization's annual National Trip Auction.

To kick off this week's episode, Rob Drieslein looks ahead to a new MN DNR rule removing the "B" deer hunting seasons from the annual calendar. Then, he turns the show over to bird chatter and the following guests: MN DNR researcher Charlotte Roy details the organization's recent studies on Ruffed Grouse in northern parts of the state. WI DNR researcher Amy Shipley explains her recent study on how geese and swans are affecting wild rice that's grown in the area.