Event Features
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show is back, and it’s better than ever. With the return of favorites like the Trout Pond, Lumberjack Show and special guests the show truly has something for everyone. Don’t miss the amazing events, features, seminars and demonstrations at this year’s event, which is sure to be a show for the ages.
Featured Appearances
This year’s show is all about fun, but you’ll also have a chance to learn quite a bit from the experts that will be in attendance. There are many speakers with expertise in fishing, cooking, hunting and more. You won’t want to miss these special appearances.
Exhibitors
More than 100 of your favorite companies will be at this year’s show to show you the latest in gear and technology, offer you tips, and basically help you get the most out of your outdoor adventures. Just want to fish or hunt? We’ve got that. Want to go on a safari? We’ve got that. Guns, boats, fishing rods, vehicles, grilling, socks, dogs, beer – it’s all here this year!
Lumberjack Stage
If you like dogs and lumberjacks (and, frankly, who doesn’t?), you’ll want to visit the Main Stage. Here you’ll find our Fastest Retriever Contest and agility demonstrations with the Milwaukee Dog Training Club, Timberworks Lumberjack Show and so much more! These featured shows no doubt will be some of the most talked-about events on the ride home!
Hawg Trough Fishing Stage
Cooking Stage
If you’re into grilling, turkey hunting or safaris, stop by the cooking stage. Here you’ll get turkey tips from the legendary Loren Voss, grilling tricks from the fun-loving duo Mad Dog & Merrill, wild-game cooking techniques from Starla Batzko herself, and many more!
Air Rifle Tournament
Take your best shot and compete for prizes at the air rifle competition at the Milwaukee Sports Show Journal Sentinel. The top 3 youth and top 3 adult shooters from each day will advance to the finals on Sunday (with free return admission, excludes parking).
Cash Prizes
Youth (10 -17)
1st Place: $750 Gift Card
2nd Place: $500 Gift Card
3rd Place: $250 Gift Card
Each day the top three youths will qualify for the final tournament Championship and will receive free admission + one adult ticket to the show.
Adult (18+)
1st Place: $500 Gift Card
2nd Place: $250 Gift Card
3rd Place: $100 Gift Card
Each day the top three youths will qualify for the final tournament Championship and will receive free admission to the show.
Tournament courtesy of the Daniel Boone Conservation League. No advance registration required. Enter onsite! $3 entry fee for 3 shots.
Fastest Retriever Contest
A returning favorite to the show is the Fastest Retriever Contest (which is for dogs, not people, just to be clear). The whole family will enjoy this event, as the top amateur retrievers (regardless of breed) compete in daily contests to show off their skills. And you won’t want to miss the Sunday show, as winners will be crowned then. It’s sure to be a paws-itively amazing experience! Read more about the rules and regulations!
Registration for the Fastest Retriever Contest is will open soon!
WBBC Trophy Deer Contest
Attendees are invited to bring in their own trophy deer for the Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club Trophy Deer Contest. There is a fee to participate but think of all the glory you’ll receive! All entries will be displayed for the public. Just bring your trophy deer to the show and sign up at Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club’s booth. Guests who enter with a trophy deer to enter in the contest or buy a Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club season pass receive free admission.
West Town Archery Tournament Series
Back by popular demand is the archery contest being held by West Town Archery. The contest (this one IS for humans) will pit the best archers against each other in eight different categories. Kids and adults can compete, as well as teams, for prize money. It’s like watching an Olympic event right at the show!
Participants must pre-register for the youth, adult, bowhunter and target shooting events. All participants will receive show admission with their paid registration!
Timberworks Lumberjack Show
One of the most exciting events at the show is the Timberworks Lumberjack Show. There’s nothing like watching trained lumberjack athletes compete in a variety of events, including cross-cut sawing, ax throwing, chopping, speed climbing, a chainsaw race and everyone’s favorite, the log rolling competition. Crowds love the show, as they get assigned a lumberjack to cheer on. This is something you’ll be talking about for days afterward. Watch a preview here.
Trout Pond
One of the oldest attractions at the show is still one of the favorites – the Trout Pond. The 73-foot pond is the largest indoor trout pond in the world, and many guests attend to fish in this pond. And you can keep your catches, too! Most of the state has a catch-and-release policy through mid-spring, but these guys you can keep and grill up for dinner after the show.
Mad Dog & Merrill
The fun-loving duo Mad Dog and Merrill will be doing several shows each day, and if you’re into grilling, be sure to attend a show. Mad Dog and Merrill are hosts of the popular “Mad Dog & Merrill’s Midwest Grill’n” TV show and key attractions at the many live events they attend across the country. At the sports show, they will focus on recipes and techniques for injectables, brines, and wild game rubs and marinades.
Kids Activities
Trust us: Kids won’t be bored at this show. There’s plenty for them to do, starting with a scavenger hunt for kids 12 years of age and younger. They can learn how to tie a fishing fly and get hands-on with a fly fishing lure demonstration. For those looking for adventure, there’s a rock wall to climb and bumper boats to enjoy. Kids can also test their aim at the virtual rifle range or with an air rifle. At the trout pond, they’ll have the chance to catch their own fish, adding to the excitement. Plus, the Outdoor Heritage Education Center (OHEC) will be on hand with more outdoor fun and educational activities. With so much to see and do, this show promises an unforgettable experience for young adventurers.
Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Induction
Outdoor Heritage Education Center
Department of Natural Resources Licensing
National Women’s Day
Free Admission for Military
This year’s show will celebrate military members as well. All military personnel and veterans get free admission. Just show your military ID or credentials at the ticket window to get your free pass. On behalf of the Journal Sentinel and USA TODAY NETWORK, Thank you for your service!
Brand Opportunities
Interested in exhibitor or sponsor opportunities or have a question about the event? Contact us.
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