Ron Schara Productions

What Ron Schara Productions does

Ron Schara Productions is a privately held outdoor media content company founded in 1995 and headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota. The company produces seven to eight local, regional, and national television programs centered on hunting, fishing, off-roading, and conservation, including the flagship Minnesota Bound (30 seasons, 1,000+ episodes), The Flush, Offroad Odyssey, Due North Outdoors, Made for the Outdoors, Dialed In Angling, Rooster Tales, and Backroads. Core production infrastructure consists of a state-of-the-art studio with six production suites, HD camera equipment, an on-site audio studio, a motion graphics department, and FAA-certified drone operations using three Mavic Pro 2 units.

The company monetizes through five revenue streams: (1) television licensing and advertising revenue via distribution deals with KSTP/KSTC (regional Minnesota broadcast), Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, and Wild TV Canada; (2) podcast advertising through the Talk North Podcast Network across Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher, generating over 150,000 annual downloads; (3) commercial production services for enterprise clients such as Polaris, GMC, and U.S. Bank; (4) sponsorships and brand collaborations with outdoor-industry advertisers including Federal Premium Ammunition, Rapala, Benelli USA, DeWalt, and Molson Coors; and (5) standalone motion graphics and drone videography services. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is quote-based for commercial and graphics work.

The company serves two primary customer segments: outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic hunting, fishing, and conservation storytelling, and outdoor-industry brands seeking production services and advertising access to engaged audiences. It has accumulated more than 25 Emmy Awards and several hundred OWAA awards, and its leadership includes founder/executive producer Ron Schara, CEO Scott Fransen, and a roster of Emmy-winning hosts and producers. Ownership remains concentrated with the founding family and key executives; no institutional or private equity backing has been disclosed.

Name

Ron Schara Productions

Legal name

Ron Schara Productions

Website

https://ronscharaproductions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Television Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211), Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Unscripted/Reality TV Production (Live-Action) (MPADABAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Social Issue & Advocacy Documentaries (MPADADAG)

Keywords

• Outdoor television production
• Video content production
• Commercial production services
• Outdoor media broadcasting
• Podcast production services

Headquarters

HQ city

Golden Valley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Television Programming: Production and broadcast of eight local, regional, and national television programs including Minnesota Bound, The Flush, Offroad Odyssey, Due North Outdoors, Made for the Outdoors, Dialed In Angling, Rooster Tales, and Backroads. Revenue generated through advertising, sponsorships, and network licensing deals.
2. Commercial Production Services: Full-service commercial production including writing, shooting, editing, and graphics for corporate clients. Serves clients including Polaris, GMC, U.S. Bank, and other major brands.
3. Podcast Production: Production of podcasts through Talk North Podcast Network including The Flush Podcast, Minnesota Bound Podcast, and Dialed In Angling Podcast. Distributed via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher. Over 150,000 downloads annually.
4. Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships: Sponsorships and collaborations with outdoor industry brands including Kinetico, Hewitt Docks, Ice Castle Fish Houses, Federal Premium Ammunition, Rapala, Benelli USA, DeWalt, and other companies in the outdoor lifestyle space.
5. Graphics Services: Motion graphics department with nearly two decades of experience handling projects of various sizes, from concept through final production.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ron Schara Productions produces seven to eight local, regional, and national outdoor-themed television programs (including Minnesota Bound, The Flush, Offroad Odyssey, Due North Outdoors, Made for the Outdoors, Dialed In Angling, Rooster Tales, and Backroads) along with three podcasts distributed through Talk North Podcast Network. The company also sells commercial production services, motion graphics, and FAA-certified drone videography to corporate brands such as Polaris, GMC, and U.S. Bank.

Product overview

Ron Schara Productions is an outdoor media content company that produces seven local, regional, and national television programs and three podcasts focused on outdoor lifestyle content. The core portfolio includes Minnesota Bound (flagship hunting/fishing show since 1995), The Flush (upland bird hunting), Offroad Odyssey (off-road adventures), Due North Outdoors (Midwest outdoor lifestyle), Made for the Outdoors (gear manufacturing), Dialed In Angling (fishing), Rooster Tales (upland lifestyle), and Backroads (outdoor adventure). The company also produces three podcasts (The Flush, Minnesota Bound, and Dialed In Angling) distributed through Talk North Podcast Network. Supporting services include commercial production, motion graphics, and drone videography. The company operates from a state-of-the-art production facility in Golden Valley, Minnesota with six production suites, HD cameras, an on-site audio studio, and a graphics department.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Minnesota Bound: Flagship outdoor television show featuring hunting, fishing, and outdoor lifestyle stories. Winner of more than 25 Emmy Awards and several hundred OWAA awards.
• The Flush
• Offroad Odyssey
• Due North Outdoors
• Made for the Outdoors
• Dialed In Angling
• Rooster Tales
• Backroads

Products and services

• Minnesota Bound Flagship outdoor lifestyle television program launched in 1995 featuring hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures. Hosted by Laura Schara and Bill Sherck, the show has won over 25 Emmy Awards and several hundred OWAA awards and features the black lab Millie.
• The Flush Emmy award-winning upland bird-hunting television program featuring Travis Frank and Scott Fransen, showcasing Pheasants Forever conservation efforts and hunting adventures across North America.
• Offroad Odyssey Off-road adventure television program hosted by Alexa Score featuring adrenaline-pumping action and top off-road riding destinations worldwide.
• Due North Outdoors Upper Midwest outdoor lifestyle television program hosted by Alexa Score and Travis Frank, featuring hunting, fishing stories, and timely tips about the outdoor lifestyle.
• Made for the Outdoors Factory tour television program hosted by Bill Sherck, Jenny Anderson, and Alexa Score that showcases how popular outdoor gear brands manufacture their products from raw materials to finished goods.
• Dialed In Angling Fishing television program hosted by Tony Roach featuring weekly visits to top lakes with hot bite tactics and proven techniques to help anglers land their dream fish.
• Rooster Tales Upland lifestyle television spin-off from Pheasants Forever Television celebrating wild bird habitat conservation and featuring the characters who protect and create these habitats.
• Backroads Outdoor lifestyle television program celebrating unique characters worldwide, originally an ESPN favorite in the 1990s hosted by Ron Schara and his lab Raven, continuing the outdoor storytelling legacy.
• The Flush Podcast Podcast featuring the greatest upland bird hunting stories with host Travis Frank, discussing wild birds, guns, hunting gear, dogs, conservation, and hunting secrets.
• Minnesota Bound Podcast Podcast version of the Minnesota Bound television show featuring incredible characters sharing outdoor stories, exploring destinations, and sharing love of the outdoors.
• Dialed In Angling Podcast Year-round fishing podcast hosted by Tony Roach delivering the hottest techniques, tactics, and reports for anglers to maximize time on the water.
• Commercial Production Services Professional commercial creation and production services including writing, shooting, editing, and graphics, working with clients including Polaris, GMC, and U.S. Bank to create effective brand messages.
• Graphics Services Motion graphics production services with nearly two decades of experience, handling projects of all sizes from concept through final production stages.
• Drone Videography Services Aerial videography services using three Mavic Pro 2 drones operated by FAA Drone-Certified photographers, capable of shooting in any climate or location.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 25 Emmy Awards and several hundred OWAA awards for Minnesota Bound alone
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hubbard Broadcasting (KSTP-TV, KSTC-TV)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHubbard Broadcasting-owned KSTP-TV and KSTC-TV serve as the primary broadcast home for Minnesota Bound beginning January 4, 2026, after 30 years on KARE 11. The move is intended to broaden the show's footprint and continue its storytelling legacy for the next 30 years.
• Outdoor ChannelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational cable network distribution partner for The Flush and other outdoor programming produced by Ron Schara Productions.
• Sportsman ChannelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational cable network distribution partner for Offroad Odyssey, Made for the Outdoors, Rooster Tales, and other productions.
• Wild TV CanadacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian broadcast partner for The Flush and Offroad Odyssey, providing international distribution across Canada.
• Talk North Podcast NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPodcast distribution network hosting The Flush Podcast, Minnesota Bound Podcast, and Dialed In Angling Podcast. The network distributes across Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher with over 150,000 annual downloads.
• PolarisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommercial production client for promotional content featuring off-road vehicles and outdoor lifestyle products.
• GMCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommercial production client for automotive promotional content.
• U.S. BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommercial production client for financial services advertising.
• Federal Premium AmmunitionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHunting ammunition sponsor and commercial production partner in the outdoor recreation space.
• RapalaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFishing gear sponsor and commercial production partner featuring fishing lures and equipment.
• Benelli USAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFirearms manufacturer sponsor featuring shotguns and firearms for hunting content.
• Pheasants ForevercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic conservation partner. The Flush show features Pheasants Forever and the mission to protect wild bird habitats. Also a spin-off source for Rooster Tales program.
• Minnesota DNRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerState wildlife and natural resources agency partner for conservation content and outdoor education.
• DeWaltminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTool sponsor featured in outdoor lifestyle and manufacturing content for Made for the Outdoors.
• Molson CoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage company sponsor for outdoor lifestyle content and programming.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• MeatEater: MeatEater is an outdoor lifestyle media brand built around hunting, fishing, and conservation content with TV shows, podcasts, and a streaming platform. It directly overlaps with Ron Schara Productions' hunting/fishing programming, sponsorship model, and multi-platform distribution strategy.
• CarbonTV: CarbonTV is a streaming service and production network focused on outdoor adventure, hunting, and fishing content. It competes for the same outdoor advertiser dollars and audience attention, and aggregates similar content to what Ron Schara Productions produces.
• MyOutdoorTV (MOTV): MyOutdoorTV is an outdoor-themed streaming platform offering hunting, fishing, and adventure programming. It targets the same advertiser and audience base as Ron Schara Productions and serves as both a potential distribution partner and competitor for outdoor content.

Emerging players

• The Hunting Public: The Hunting Public is a digital-first hunting content brand producing YouTube shows and sponsored content with a similar producer-host format. It overlaps with Ron Schara Productions' hunting programming but competes primarily through digital channels rather than linear TV.
• Wired2Fish: Wired2Fish is a digital fishing media company producing video, articles, and social content targeting serious anglers. It overlaps directly with Dialed In Angling and the Minnesota Bound fishing segments on audience and sponsor base.

Broad incumbents

• Bassmaster: Bassmaster is the largest competitive fishing media brand with TV programming, tournaments, and digital content. It competes with Ron Schara Productions' fishing shows (Dialed In Angling, Minnesota Bound) for fishing audience share and tackle-industry sponsorship dollars.
• Outdoor Channel: Outdoor Channel is a national cable network dedicated to hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure programming. It is both a distribution partner for Ron Schara Productions' shows (The Flush, Offroad Odyssey) and a broader incumbent in the same content category.
• Sportsman Channel: Sportsman Channel is a national cable network focused on hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor lifestyle programming. It is a current distribution partner for several Ron Schara Productions shows and operates as an incumbent in the same outdoor content market.

Regional players

• In-Fisherman: In-Fisherman is a long-running fishing media brand with TV, digital, and print content targeting North American anglers. It competes for the same fishing audience and tackle-industry sponsors as Ron Schara Productions' fishing programming.

Others

• Whitetail Properties: Whitetail Properties is a real estate company that produces sponsored hunting and land-management video content as part of its marketing. It is an adjacent player that monetizes similar hunting audiences and competes for outdoor lifestyle sponsorship budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@RonScharaProductions
• Facebookfacebook.com/Minnesota.Bound
• Instagraminstagram.com/mnboundtv
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ron-schara-productions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ron Schara Productions