Grillologist Shares Grilling Secrets Ahead of Duluth Sport Show

Mad Dog, the longtime TV host of 'Midwest Grillin' Secrets,' will be at the annual event with grilling demonstrations and more.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Duluth Sport Show is back this year and will feature a familiar face - 'Mad Dog,' the self-proclaimed 'grillologist' who has been sharing his passion for outdoor cooking across the Midwest for over 35 years. Mad Dog will be at the show this weekend, bringing a variety of grilling tools and seasonings and sharing tips on cooking wild game. In addition to Mad Dog's demonstrations, the Duluth Sport Show will feature hunting and fishing seminars, kids' activities, a trout pond, and more.

Why it matters

The Duluth Sport Show is a long-running annual event that draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. Mad Dog's appearance as a grilling expert adds a unique element to the show, appealing to a wider audience beyond just hunters and anglers. His grilling demonstrations and tips can help attendees improve their outdoor cooking skills, whether they're preparing wild game or other meats.

The details

Mad Dog, whose real name is Marty Donaldson, is the longtime host of the TV show 'Midwest Grillin' Secrets.' He will be sharing his grilling expertise at the Duluth Sport Show, bringing a variety of tools and seasonings and explaining the importance of moisture and temperature control when cooking wild game. One of the crowd-favorite activities he's bringing back is a wild-game pudgy pie demonstration, where he'll teach attendees how to make the classic campfire treat.

  • The Duluth Sport Show runs from February 19th through February 22nd, 2026.
  • Mad Dog will be appearing at the show all weekend long with his grilling demonstrations and activities.

The players

Mad Dog

The longtime TV host of 'Midwest Grillin' Secrets' and self-proclaimed 'grillologist' who has been sharing his passion for outdoor cooking across the Midwest for more than 35 years.

Marty Donaldson

The real name of 'Mad Dog,' the longtime TV host of 'Midwest Grillin' Secrets' and self-proclaimed 'grillologist.'

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What they’re saying

“I don't care if you're three years old or 103 there's something to do for everybody. You don't have to hunt or fish to enjoy it. If you just step into the outdoors, this show is for you.”

— Mad Dog, TV host of 'Midwest Grillin' Secrets' (wdio.com)

“Harvesters of wild game get the leanest cuts of meat in the world. So they have to either retain moisture or add moisture. That's why injectables, rubs, and good thermometers make all the difference.”

— Mad Dog, TV host of 'Midwest Grillin' Secrets' (wdio.com)

“Every show, I'm doing a wild-game pudgy pie. I'm not a professional, I'm learning right along with everybody else.”

— Mad Dog, TV host of 'Midwest Grillin' Secrets' (wdio.com)

What’s next

Attendees can visit the Duluth Sport Show all weekend long, from February 19th through February 22nd, 2026, to see Mad Dog's grilling demonstrations and participate in the other activities and exhibits.

The takeaway

The Duluth Sport Show offers something for everyone, whether they're avid hunters and anglers or simply enjoy spending time outdoors. Mad Dog's grilling expertise adds a unique element to the event, providing valuable tips and techniques for preparing wild game and other meats that can be applied to outdoor cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels.