Steven Cowan, 67, had apparently been drinking and suffers from bipolar disorder. Cowan didn't much care for Bristol Palin's performance Monday night.
Police were called to Cowan's home in Vermont, a farming community near Madison, after Cowan allegedly pointed the loaded shotgun at his wife.
She was not hurt.
Cowan surrendered to police after a 15-hour standoff.
He is facing charges of disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment and his bail was set at $1,500.