Frank Stanko • Daily News October 7, 2023
Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) President Greg Gerou visited with Daily News about this year’s event. It is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21, in Wahpeton.
What’s new?
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s 34th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Wahpeton Community Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Can anyone attend?
Yes, this is a public event. A $20 ticket allows guests the chance for a fun evening. The Smoker traditionally includes raffles and games, including the popular general raffle, ladies’ raffle, silent auction, and meat raffles.
What’s on the menu?
The price of a ticket allows guests all they can eat wild game chili and wild game stew. Including venison from deer, the foods will be served until they are gone.
Are tickets guaranteed to be available at the door?
No. It is strongly encouraged to buy Sportsmen’s Smoker tickets in advance. Guests can do so by calling Rich at 701-640-5136 or Becci at 701-403-9010.
What benefits do I get if I buy an early bird ticket?
Well, besides peace of mind, buying an early bird ticket — available until Thursday, Oct. 19 — allows a guest entrance into an exclusive additional gun raffle.
I’m a parent, can I bring my child to the Sportsman’s Smoker?
Yes. Guests who are under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (Note from Club – This is an adult-orientated event and it is recommended not to bring young children. All attendees still pay the $20 ticket price)
What does the money go towards?
“Proceeds are used to support local youth programs, wildlife projects and the Chahinkapa Zoo,” RRASC stated.
What are some of those projects?
They include improving development of and access to the Red, Otter Tail and Bois de Sioux rivers, the Junior Wildlife Club, which provides outdoor activities for ages 8-16, youth fishing derbies in the spring, summer and winter, youth duck, goose and pheasant hunts, and college scholarships for students enrolled in wildlife management or enforcement courses, among other things.
Why does the Sportsmen’s Smoker endure?
“I think the mission of the club is really what drives it,” Gerou said. “We’re focusing on getting youth outdoors locally, in Wahpeton, Breckenridge and the two counties. When people ask what we do with the money, we say it stays here. It stays local. The other side of it is that we work very hard to make this a fun night. There are a lot of things going on that people can enjoy.”
How beneficial are partnerships?
“A lot of what we’re doing on that night is driven by local people and businesses when they’re donating. It’s local products that people are familiar with and have a use for,” Gerou said.
Is there another example of a good partnership?
“We’re very fortunate where we are able to use the kitchen facilities at St. John’s Church,” Gerou said. “We’ve asked them if we could do that and they’ve been very gracious in allowing us to do that. We come in, doing our food prep the night before the Smoker, and then we make sure to clean up. I make a point of coming back on the following Monday, checking with the staff about how we did in cleaning up. I don’t want to mess up that relationship.”
How can I learn more about RRASC’s work?
By visiting www.rrasc.net. The Wahpeton Community Center is located at 304 Fifth St. S. in Wahpeton.