GRANITE FALLS, Minnesota, April 9, 2026 —Host Bret Amundson visits Shakopee’s Memorial Park Mill Pond, a hot spot for waterfowl viewing, and researchers at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory examine the impacts of powerboats on the lakes of the Upper Midwest on the next episode of Prairie Sportsman, which airs Sunday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. on Pioneer PBS.
“A Park Ducks Remember” follows host Bret Amundson as he explores the history of waterfowl hunting and regulations while visiting Memorial Park Mill Pond in Shakopee, highlighting its unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
“Making Waves” examines the effects of powerboats on lakes across the Upper Midwest, including watercraft used for wakesurfing, as researchers gather data on shoreline impact and water conditions.
"While working on our segment about powerboat impacts, it was fascinating to learn about hydrodynamic phenomena at play when a boat motors across a lake. The waves created are much more complex and potentially impactful than I realized," Prairie Sportsman producer Tom Desch said.
In the final segment, “Fast Forage: Plantain, Harvesting Nature’s Bounty,” forager Nicole Zempel explores the uses of plantain, demonstrating how the green leafy plant can be utilized for practical purposes such as making cordage and creating a soothing balm.
“Memorial Park and Powerboat Impacts” highlights both the beauty of natural environments and the ways human activity influences those landscapes.
Prairie Sportsman rebroadcasts Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. following the initial broadcast 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.
