GRANITE FALLS, Minnesota, April 16, 2026 —Conservation in action and scientific research take center stage on the next episode of Prairie Sportsman, which airs Sunday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. on Pioneer PBS.
Host Bret Amundson explores the role of hen houses to support duck populations with Delta Waterfowl, while researchers from the University of Minnesota Department of Entomology track both harmful ticks and beneficial bumblebees across the state.
“A Home for Hens” follows Amundson in western Minnesota as volunteers install hen houses designed to protect nesting ducks from predators, providing a safer environment for hens to raise their broods. Organizations like Delta Waterfowl support these efforts by placing hen houses over water, where mallard hens are less vulnerable to predators such as raccoons, skunks and coyotes. In addition, wood duck boxes are installed to create nesting spaces in areas without trees, often equipped with predator guards to prevent animals from reaching and destroying eggs.
“Conservation groups like Delta Waterfowl do important work on the ground as well as at the capital. Supporting what they do is important to the preservation of our wildlife and our way of life,” said Amundson.
In “Bumblebee CSI,” researchers study bumblebee populations across Minnesota, working to better understand species distribution and health.
Amundson breaks down with bumblebees are so important to Minnesota and beyond in this segment.
“Bees are bellwether species and can offer indications of ecosystem breakdowns. Without their pollination we would lose valuable plants and crops,” he said.
The project aims to eventually identify bee populations through DNA sampling without the need to capture specimens.
“The Bloodsucker Survey” highlights ongoing research led by Dr. Ben Cull at the University of Minnesota, where scientists collect and analyze ticks to better understand their range and the risks they pose.
“Ticks are a nuisance to anyone who spends time outdoors. They are also a problem for dog owners. They pack a big punch despite their small size,” Amundson said.
Though tick-borne diseases can cause a variety of ailments, if you follow a few safety precautions, such as checking yourself and your dog after time outside, you can still enjoy the outdoors without worry.
The effort includes collaboration with veterinarians at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota.
Though tick-borne diseases can cause a variety of ailments, if you follow a few safety precautions, such as checking yourself and your dog after time outside, you can still enjoy the outdoors without worry.
Prairie Sportsman rebroadcasts Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. following the initial airing 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.
