2025 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.
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!
Hawg Trough Fishing Stage
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!
Usinger’s Cooking Stage
If you’re into grilling, turkey hunting or safaris, stop by the Usinger’s 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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Qualifying Rounds and Finals take place on the Lumberjack Stage.
Qualifying Round 1 Friday, March 7 at 2:00pm
Qualifying Round 2 Friday, March 7 at 6:00pm
Qualifying Round 3 Saturday, March 8, 2:00pm
Qualifying Round 4 Saturday, March 8, 6:00pm
Qualifying Round 5 Sunday, March 9, 11:00am
Finals & Awards Sunday, March 9 at 4:00pm
Cash Prizes: $300 1st Place, $150 2nd Place, $75 3rd Place
Registration for the Fastest Retriever Contest is Coming 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.
Event Features
Check out all of the great features and things to do at this year's event.
Event Schedule
See the full schedule of events and locations for this year's event.
Exhibitors
Check out who the great businesses exhibiting at this year's event.
Appearances
Don't miss these speakers and guest appearances at this year's event.
Brand Opportunities
Interested in exhibitor or sponsor opportunities or have a question about the event? Contact us.
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