GRANITE FALLS, Minnesota, March 12, 2026 —Host Bret Amundson hunts ducks with wounded Iraq War veteran, former Minnesota state legislator, and motivational speaker John Kriesel and Prairie Pothole Day, an event connecting people with the outdoors, celebrates its 42nd year on the fourth episode of season 17 of Prairie Sportsman. “An Inspirational Hunt and Prairie Pothole Day” airs Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. on Pioneer PBS.
“Motivational Mallards” follows host Bret Amundson and John Kriesel on a duck hunt in western Minnesota. Kriesel, who was severely wounded in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2006, shares his story of survival and resilience after losing both legs in an explosion that killed several of his fellow soldiers.
“I didn’t expect to survive,” Kriesel said. “Laying on the ground and seeing the injuries, there was no way. So I promised not to waste this second chance at life.”
In Kandiyohi County, “Prairie Pothole Day” highlights a unique fundraiser that supports waterfowl habitat and outdoor education. The long-running event was once on the verge of ending but was revived through the dedication of local volunteers.
“Fast Forage: Hedgehog Mushroom” features forager Nicole Zempel introducing viewers to the hedgehog mushroom, also known as the sweet tooth, a flavorful wild mushroom often used in dishes such as pasta and desserts.
Prairie Sportsman rebroadcasts Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. following the initial air date on Pioneer PBS.
How to Watch
Viewers within the viewing area can watch the live program on 10-1, 20-1, 8-1, Dish, DirecTV and Mediacom.
In addition to station broadcasts, viewers in Pioneer PBS’s viewing area can also stream the premiere live at pioneer.org/live, on YouTube TV, Prime Video, Hulu Live or via the “Live TV” button on the PBS app and pbs.org.
Full episodes can also be streamed at pioneer.org/prairiesportsman, the PBS app, the Prairie Sportsman YouTube channel and pbs.org/show/prairie-sportsman/.
Support
Due to recent funding cuts to Pioneer PBS and other PBS stations across the nation, shows, particularly local programming like Prairie Sportsman, that you love are in jeopardy. Consider becoming a member of Pioneer PBS or Friend of Prairie Sportsman to support the programs you love. For more information, including how to support Pioneer PBS, visit pioneer.org.
About Prairie Sportsman
Prairie Sportsman is an award-winning series produced by Pioneer PBS that celebrates the love of the outdoors by featuring topics on hunting, fishing and recreation while promoting environmental stewardship. The team of Prairie Sportsman consists of series producer Tom Desch, with producer, videographer and editor Bret Amundson returning as host. Additional videography and editing is provided by Dan Amundson, Jaryd Smith and Jacob Nubern. The 2026 season is made possible by funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Shalom Hill Farm, Big Stone County, Yellow Medicine County, Lac Qui Parle County, Swift County, Meeker County and members of Pioneer PBS. If you enjoy Prairie Sportsman, become a friend of Prairie Sportsman by filling out a Google Form.
About Pioneer PBS
Established in 1966 Pioneer PBS is an award-winning, viewer-supported television station dedicated to sharing stories from rural Minnesota with the world. For more than 60 years, Pioneer PBS has amplified local voices and reflected the people, places and issues that matter most to our region.
Headquartered in Granite Falls, Minnesota, with towers in Appleton, Worthington and Fergus Falls, Pioneer PBS reaches more than one million viewers across western Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas and northern Iowa. We are honored to be your television station—the only station in western Minnesota telling your stories. As we celebrate 60 years of storytelling, we invite you to help ensure these stories continue for the next 60 years and beyond.
Learn more at pioneer.org or call 800-726-3178.
