Classic Outdoors Show “Minnesota Bound” Moves to KSTP After 30 Years

The well-known outdoors television program, Minnesota Bound, is making a significant shift after three decades on KARE 11. Starting on January 4, 2024, the show will air new episodes weekly at 23:00 on KSTP-TV (Channel 5) and will be rebroadcast at 21:30 the following Saturday on KSTC-TV (Channel 45 or 5.2, depending on the provider).

Founded in 1995 by Ron Schara, who was then an outdoors columnist for the Star Tribune, the show has produced over 850 episodes. Schara, accompanied by three generations of black Labrador retrievers named Raven, hosted the program until his retirement in 2018. Since that time, his daughter, Laura Schara, along with outdoorsman and journalist Bill Sherck, took over hosting duties. Viewers can expect the show’s format to remain unchanged as it transitions to its new network.

Future Plans and Legacy

In a statement regarding the move, Scott Fransen, CEO of Ron Schara Productions, expressed confidence that this transition would enhance the show’s visibility and storytelling legacy. “This move is the right step to broaden Minnesota Bound’s footprint and to continue our storytelling legacy for the next 30 years,” Fransen remarked.

Despite stepping back from the hosting role, Ron Schara continues to make appearances on the show. He has also authored a book, Ron Schara’s Minnesota: Mostly True Tales of a Life Outdoors, published in 2021, which reflects his extensive experiences in the outdoors.

As Minnesota Bound prepares for its new chapter, the show’s loyal audience can look forward to continued adventures and insights into Minnesota’s rich outdoor culture. With its reputation firmly established, the program aims to engage viewers in new and exciting ways as it embarks on this next phase.