GRANITE FALLS, Minnesota, April 30, 2026 —A veteran deer hunt, native mussels and foraging for wild mushrooms are featured on the next episode of Prairie Sportsman, which airs Sunday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. on Pioneer PBS.
Host Bret Amundson joins a group of veterans invited to a muzzleloader deer hunt with Warriors and Walleyes; the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs relocates native mussels to support restoration efforts on Olson’s Island in the Mississippi River; and forager Nicole Zempel demonstrates how to identify and prepare the fall/winter oyster mushroom.
In the segment “Muzzleloading with the Military,” Warriors and Walleyes hosts a muzzleloader deer hunt near Appleton to honor those who have served. The event brings together veterans from different branches of the military to share their common bond.
The importance of native mussels to aquatic ecosystems is highlighted as the Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs works to relocate mussels out of harm’s way in the second segment “Moving Mussels.” Unlike invasive zebra mussels, native species play a vital role in maintaining healthy waterways.
“Citizens can help the DNR gather data on Minnesota Mussels through an app called Clam Counter Minnesota. It helps identify all 51 freshwater mussels found in the state and you can report findings to help scientists learn more about species distribution within Minnesota,” said Tom Desch, Prairie Sportsman producer.
Finally, in “Fast Forage: Fall/Winter Oyster Mushroom, Harvesting Nature’s Bounty,” Nicole Zempel demonstrates how foraging can continue into colder months.
“Nicole suggested our crew try cooking with the oyster mushroom to experience it firsthand, so I paired it with some rotini, and it made a great dinner,” said Tom Desch, Prairie Sportsman producer.
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.
