Cass County Wildlife Club, Brad Dokken, Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell and Rodney O’Clair all were recognized at the Federation’s annual convention Saturday, Jan. 6.
Grand Forks Herald – January 10, 2024
FARGO – The North Dakota Wildlife Federation recognized several area sportsmen and sportswomen at their annual convention Jan. 6 in Fargo.
Brad Dokken, longtime outdoor writer for the Grand Forks Herald, was named “Conservation Communicator of the Year” by the Federation. Dokken’s outdoor articles cover hunting and fishing adventures and topics in North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada.
Brad Dokken with a Devils Lake northern pike. Dokken was recognized by the North Dakota Wildlife Federation as its “Conservation Communicator of the Year” at the group’s annual convention Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Fargo.
“Brad, writing for the Grand Forks Herald, has become something of an ‘endangered species’ as the only outdoor writer for a daily newspaper in the state,” said Kerry Whipp, president of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. “His writing brings the sights, smells and sounds of his outdoor forays to his readers.”
Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell, a member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club in Wahpeton, North Dakota, was recognized as the “Sportswoman of the Year.”
“Truesdell is the driving force behind the club’s annual fund-raising event, the co-chair for the club’s annual youth fishing derby and manages the club’s website,” Whipp said. “Becci is responsible for the success of the many Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s events and programs.”
John Bradley, the Federation’s executive director, presented the Cass County Wildlife Club, based in Casselton, North Dakota, with the “Affiliate Club of the Year” award.
“The Cass County Club owns and maintains a trap range and rifle range that are open to the public,” Bradley said. “Club members teach Hunter Education classes, host youth hunting and fishing events and support local ‘Archery in the Schools’ programs.
“Cass County also has partnerships with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Cass County Park Board to develop and maintain habitat and recreation facilities on local wildlife management and fishing areas,” Bradley added.
The Wildlife Federation honored Rodney O’Clair of Jamestown with a “Special Recognition” award for his work as treasurer of the Federation, his longtime service on the Board of Directors and his work representing the North Dakota Hunter Education Association.