DARLINGTON — Dan Small is someone who many have enjoyed watching on the PBS television show ‘Outdoor Wisconsin’ for many years. A conservation enthusiast and outdoorsman, Small recently met with the Lafayette County Sportsman Alliance on March 25 at the County Multipurpose Building in Darlington. The Lafayette County Sportsman Alliance is made of eight organizations around the county who promote and specialize in outdoor heritage activities.
Small was the host of “Outdoor Wisconsin” from 1984 until COVID-19 closed down production in 2020. Now reruns are watched regularly on PBS Milwaukee, with clips available on other platforms. He is the host and producer of ‘Outdoors Radio’ on more than 20 radio stations across Wisconsin, which he has enjoyed since 2006.
The “Deer Hunt Wisconsin” program, which he hosts and produces, has been providing valuable information to deer hunters and enthusiasts since 1991. The show also provides entertainment to outdoor enthusiasts, with humor and stories, especially as Small seems right at home in the Wisconsin landscape.
Small has also been teamed up with Mark LaBarbera for the past 10 years, bringing people to the great outdoors through education opportunities and conservation efforts. He continues to share his outdoor experiences with fans, and supports local conservatives in all counties of the state.
Small entertained the room of fellow conservationists after being introduced by Sportsman Alliance President Brad Lamont. His focus started with how happy he was to be in Lafayette County. He shared his appreciation for those in attendance who took him rabbit hunting, and for all the promotions that the organization has done for Wisconsin, overall.
“We have a lot in common,” Small said. “We have a shared interest in conservation, and the future of our outdoor heritage activities, such as hunting and fishing.”
It was during the discussion that Small shared his family’s history. Like a lot of people who are outdoor enthusiasts, his journey began with a shared interest with someone special in his family. His journey started early by going fishing with his father in 1947 at the age of 2 1/2 As an adult, he shared his love of fishing, when he took his son for the first time, also at the age of 2 1/2. Fishing has become a passed-down family-loved tradition that is still enjoyed by his family to this day. Small has enjoyed many journeys of fishing all over the U.S. and Canada, with friends as well as family. When he isn’t spending time outdoors, he is writing articles about his experiences, techniques, and life-long memories. He was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall Of Fame in 2024. Small has written more than 500 articles on fishing, including two books on the subject; along with another 500 articles on hunting and land conservation.
During his discussion, Small invited everyone in the room to close their eyes and think about a key moment in their outdoor experiences. Everyone in attendance seemed to have some outdoor moment that has stayed with them throughout the years, most having more than one event that has stood out. People seemed to enjoy the exercise, as a good-number of them shared the experiences they like to go back to and reflect and revisit from time to time. Some of the moments that were shared included a son or daughter getting their first deer or fish, while others were with a family member or friends, particularly those that have since died. Several remembered how they felt in that moment — the smell of the air, the sound of a nearby stream or waterfall, what birds could be heard in the distance, or an animal unknowingly walking directly in their path — stories that were heartfelt and special.
“Our job going forward is not just to share our experiences with others, but to help them create memories of their own,” Small said. “Then, and only then, will they want to go back for more and work to sustain our outdoor heritage and the way of life that we are so blessed to enjoy. Let’s share our passion, and light the fire that just might burn long enough to kindle a lifelong interest in the ‘heritage sports’.”
Several anglers make Wisconsin their home. With so many lakes, streams, and rivers, there are many options to enjoy the great outdoors, while fishing from a boat or off-shore. Hunters have a wide range of animals to pursue, which includes white tail deer, turkey, bear, hogs, duck, pheasant, coyote, bobcat, fox, rabbit, beaver, and squirrel. During his talk, Small pointed out how Wisconsin has the best turkey management around, harvesting as many as 50,000 birds each spring. Many of Wisconsin’s animals can be hunted year-round without bag limits or shooting hours restrictions, making Wisconsin a year-round hunting destination.
Lafayette County is mostly rural overall, with a population around 17,000. Farming, cheese making and small manufacturing companies are major industries in the area. Small towns are made of several communities who work together to help to build one another. There are several parks, recreation trails, and areas for several outdoor activities, which also includes camping, hiking, and canoeing throughout the county.
Two of the longest serving delegates in the entire Conservation Congress are from Lafayette County: Steve Staver and Mike Gould. The Alliance recognized both with an applause which started when Small made their acknowledgements known.
The Lafayette County Sportsman Alliance is made of eight organizations that work together to promote conservation. They include: Argyle Rod and Gun Club, Belmont Sportsman Club, Benton Izaak Walton League, Fayette Sportsmen Club, Blackhawk Sportsman’s Club, Gratiot Sportsmen’s Club, Shullsburg Conservation Club, and Blanchardville Rod and Gun Club. In addition, members of Yellowstone Lake State Park and the Wisconsin DNR were also in attendance. The organizations shared their upcoming plans for 2026.
Small encouraged the groups, stating how important it is to keep Wisconsin’s traditions going for future generations. Together, all continue to work together to support several conservation events, and increase the public’s understanding, appreciation and sense of stewardship for natural resources. They enjoy promoting the outdoor heritages, which include activities like fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports.
In upcoming events, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearings will soon be taking part across the state of Wisconsin at 6 p.m. on April 13 — for Lafayette County, at DEMS, 11630 Center Hill Rd., Darlington, (Large Group Room); for Green County, Monroe Middle School auditorium, 1510 13th Street. In-person hearings will have delegates and DNR staff on hand to discuss local issues of importance, as well as answer questions. Those unable to attend are encouraged to vote online April 13-15.
In May, the Earth Day activities at Woodford Park will introduce fifth-grade students from area schools to several outdoor enhancing activities, such as fishing, gun and archery hunting, animal calls, trapping, forestry, and other outdoor lifestyles. The Lafayette County Sportsman Alliance will be in attendance, teaching techniques, answering questions, and passing down the legacy of outdoor activities.
The Wisconsin DNR welcomes families to enjoy Free Fishing Weekend, which takes place in the state Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7. A fishing license is not necessary that weekend, nor is it necessary to purchase a park pass for the event. According to the Wisconsin DNR website, all DNR-owned properties participate in Free Fun Weekend during the first full weekend in June. All vehicle admission pass fees and trail pass fees on state-operated designated state trails are waived for Free Fun Weekend. Cooperatively run state trails may also participate. The weekend coincides with the “Free Fishing Weekend” in Wisconsin, and all fishing licenses are also waived.
The Sportsman Alliance supports the Outdoor Heritage Education Center ‘Touch of the Wild’ Trailers, which provide educational opportunities statewide. Trailers are planned for the Lafayette County Fair in Darlington, July 8-12; and CheeseFest in Shullsburg in October. The Alliance also supports the Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo (MOHEE) events in Poynette and Milwaukee that promote educational fun activities for more than 5,000 kids.
To learn more about fishing or hunting, reach out to one of the local organizations, or log onto the Wisconsin DNR website for free and affordable events and activities taking place around the state.
