FEATURE STORY

WILD MICHIGAN RADIO AND BLAINE’S REAL-WORLD TELEVISION – PROMOTING PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS

By: Gail Veley

Duran Martinez and Blaine Anthony have a message to spread about deer farming. Martinez, host of Wild Michigan radio show, and Anthony, host of Blaine’s Real World television show, strive through their unique media to ignite and perpetuate an enthusiasm for the outdoors. To this end, they have also worked to bring a renewed and positive perspective about the role of deer farmers as land conservationists and stewards of both farmed and wild deer, by speaking at events such as The United Deer Farmers of Michigan annual convention. “It all starts with education and understanding each other,” Martinez, 56, explained. “By coming to events like this and having a radio show like Wild Michigan, we can talk to top leaders in the industry and help share their message and their mission.”

Anthony’s recently created television show, Blaine’s Real World, is a cumulation of 30 years of living and breathing the outdoors, and the associated lifestyle that goes with it. Through his show “we want the bonding of brotherhood and sisterhood,” Anthony, 56, said. “When we have that, we are unbeatable. When there is division, it makes it very difficult to come together. The show is very reflective. I’m going to be the guy that says the truth. Our world today can be so self-absorbed. We want to focus on the realness and genuineness of things.”

Both Martinez and Anthony were invited speak at the March 2023 UDFOM Convention by President Doug Roberts, a longtime friend and associate. At least 300 people attended their very well-received presentation, which aimed to convey “let’s everybody unite in the outdoor world,” Anthony said. “Let’s understand what deer farming is and let’s gather facts so we aren’t picking on something or someone we don’t understand.”

Now in its 14th year, Wild Michigan is a weekly two-hour radio show that shares useful information on issues such as “Ice Safety” that anyone can benefit from knowing. Perhaps one of the most listened to radio shows in Michigan, it is based on a lifetime of Martinez’s passion for the trails, woods and waters of the state known for the beauty of the Great Lakes. Like Martinez, Anthony aims to share his love of the outdoors through his television show whose motto is “It is our job. Our heart. Our life.” It reflects the same passion felt by Martinez and every UDFOM convention attendee. “We really appreciate the chance to attend this convention,” Martinez said. “You won’t find a better group of people to be around.”