WTMJ Outdoors

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...

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...

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. Jo...

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...

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...

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 hu...

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 w...

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.

As temperatures drop, outdoor adventures heat up on WTMJ Outdoors! Steve Scaffidi visits Lake Lawn Resort to explore winter getaways, gets an archery season update from the DNR’s Brooke VanHandel, and talks conservation with the Milwaukee Audubon Society’s Maggie Szpot.

WTMJ Outdoors heads north this week as host Steve Scaffidi explores the heart of Wisconsin’s outdoor culture. From innovative hunting gear to storytelling from the deer camp, and the complex legacy of the gray wolf, this episode dives deep into the people and passions that shape the state’s wild spaces. Steve chats with Jeremy Moore, co-owner of Hodag Outdoors, about tools that elevate the whiteta...

From turkey hunting tips with the DNR’s Taylor Finger, to supporting veterans through Wisconsin Hero Outdoors, and protecting local waterways with Milwaukee Riverkeeper — Steve Scaffidi explores Wisconsin’s great outdoors and the people who make it thrive on this week’s WTMJ Outdoors.

Deer camp is more than hunting — it’s a Wisconsin tradition. In this special episode of WTMJ Outdoors, Steve Scaffidi shares stories and memories from hunters who gather each year to celebrate the camaraderie, food, and experiences of the hunt.

From hunting season tips with onX Hunt’s Jared Larsen, to a deep dive into the culture of chainsaws with author James Card, and a toast to Oktoberfest on Milwaukee’s lakefront with Mike Sampson — this week’s WTMJ Outdoors celebrates the season in true Wisconsin style.

Fall has arrived in Wisconsin, and WTMJ Outdoors is here to celebrate it! From deer hunting traditions with Outdoor News editor Dean Bortz, to Milwaukee County Parks’ fall festivals with Andrea Wallace, to Sherpers’ 90th anniversary with Nate Scherper — Steve Scaffidi takes you on a tour of all things outdoors this season.

It’s hunting season in Wisconsin, and this week’s episode of WTMJ Outdoors leans in to the deer hunting seasons in our state. Paul Smith, Outdoors Editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, walks through the traditions of deer camp with an emphasis on hunter safety as we head to the woods.  Dan Trawicki from the Southeast Wisconsin Bowhunters Chapter, on the specialness of the Deer archery and cros...

WTMJ Outdoors is rolling right through the summer, but there’s still time for camping, or the fancier version (glamping), here in Wisconsin. Plus, August nights make a lot of us think about cooler Fall mornings and the opening of the deer hunting seasons, and a local Conservation Warden with his observations on the tremendous response to recent record flooding in Wisconsin. Steve Spears, from Nort...

There's some great things happening outdoors in Wisconsin - and beyond - and on this week's edition of WTMJ Outdoors Steve Scaffidi introduces Eric Brown, owner of Outdoor Living Unlimited, on his love of the outdoors and how his company helps shape people's outdoor living experience.  Also on the program, Steve talks with Malorie Paine, Executive Director of the Plover Area Convention and Visitor...

On this week’s Special Edition of WTMJ Outdoors presented by Outdoor Living Unlimited, Steve Scaffidi takes you to the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair! Featuring live at-the-fair interviews with State Fair CEO Shari Black, Midwest Farm Report’s Pam Jahnke, Alice in Dairyland Sarah Hagenow, and representatives from the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resou...