WCCO Outdoors

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...

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 e...

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 ge...

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 accompl...

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, wit...

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...

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 & An...

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...

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 retur...

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 i...

No Kings rallies are set to take over US cities this weekend amid a swirling mix of political hot topics: Hamas hasn't released hostage bodies, which Trump says could make him 'green light' Israel to start bombing again. John Bolton was indicted. Oh, and the government is shut down and some experts say it could become the longest shutdown in history.

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, explai...

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...

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 curre...

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 Tr...

Many health professionals are steaming mad about what's going on in the Trump Administration where vaccines are concerned as new guidelines are confusing, at best, and leave people wondering what to do. There's so much turmoil and conflicting information that CVS is requiring prescriptions for some vaccines in some states.

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...

Labor Day is over, which means it's officially back to school for all of America. Here, we dive into the latest in topics, including tech that can save lives ... and shorten lifespans. Plus, how much help with homework is okay and how to teach your kids about AI.

Hear from kids who got away, a father who ran in alongside first responders, and Minnesota's top political leaders as we grapple with something all-too familiar: a school shooting. Get the latest on the perpetrator, and insight into what -- if anything -- may finally change.

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 sta...