Call to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Greg Gerou at the Wahpeton Community Center.
Attendance: Rich T., Melissa S., Patrick B., Bob R., Cindie V., Brad G., Greg B., Curt M., Jerry O., Owen S., Kelly C., Becci T.
Minutes: (No changes noted.) MSC (Rich/Brad) to approve November 20
Board of Directors Reports
President
- Contacted by Drew Robinson about making a donation to the club towards youth activities.
- Fred Bucholz would like to donate a model tractor made from a Singer sewing machine to the Smoker.
- Wes Erdle (ND G&F) has the parts we need to repair the docks at Mooreton Pond. He will bring them in May. If anyone goes to Bismarck before and wants to pick up the parts, let Greg know.
- ND Wildlife Federation will be holding its October meeting in Wahpeton the same weekend as our Smoker (October 24). They plan to have the members attend our event.
- ND Wildlife Federation Annual Conference Update
- They have accounts with funds able to provide more grants.
- Clay Target grant adjusting to all shooting sports (archery, etc).
- $2,500 each available to Clay Target teams.
- $6 million available in various grants including funding to help with purchasing a building.
- We are looking for a new Christmas Party coordinator for 2026. If interested, let Greg know. Would need someone in place by October. Greg will go ahead and get the shelter booked now so we will have the date.
- Local scout looking for an Eagle Project. Talk to Greg if you have any ideas.
- Deer Hide collection for 2026. Going to reach out to Manock Meats to see if they would be interested in having a hide dumpster at their location. If the would like one, we will schedule with T&J Sanitation.
- The club would like to purchase four 8’ of the heavy duty plastic tables to donate to Chuck for his place to use during the youth hunts.
- Building Committee – We will review our tentative plans with account and connect with legal counsel in 2026 to see what our next steps should be.
Treasurer
- Financial Review of the 2026 proposed budget – MSC (Pat/Rich)
- Financial Review of the proposed investment plan
- Transfer funds to Thrivent to get investment to endowment level (needs a minimum of $25,000)
- Transfer money into CDs that we can withdraw for cash for the Smoker (short term)
- Check into Thrivent savings accounts and other long term investment options
- Next step to meet with Tom at Thrivent
- All accounts $136,446 (Checking / Thrivent)
- Expenses: $389.70 Christmas Party, $88 PO Box, $80 Membership NWF, $51.46 Jr Wildlife, $3,206.25 Heitkamp Derby, $25 Dick Bell Memorial, $122.58 Smoker, $624.84 Smoker, $25.01 Beverages, $180 Chamber Dues, $737 Insurance, $141.98 Miscellaneous, $75.73 Miscellaneous
- Deposits: $2,500 Donation, $30 Memberships, $100 Donation, $35 Smoker, $20 Memberships
- MSC (Curt/Cindie)
Board of Directors
- It was brought forward wondering if the club would be interested in working with a couple of area groups for the paid bounty on turned in coyotes. Currently receive $10 per coyote with a chance into a gun drawing. Would want to make sure ND G&F approves of these types of promotions before we make any decisions.
- Camp Wilderness request to help replace their 22 cal. rifles (20 total).
- Cost is $735 each with site upgrade and installation ($600 each value – Savage Mark II Syn SS with Williams site added by a gun smith)
- Motion for $1,000 donation (Brad/Cindie) – Approved
- Ask about having club name/recognition on guns or at shooting range
- Waterfowl Brigade Camp in Washburn for ages 13-15 – application deadline is March 15.
General Committee Reports
Jr. Wildlife Club
- January 15 – Learn about Ice Fishing and Making Decoys by Lonnie Wurst. 13 kids participated and we will be reimbursing him for materials.
- February 19 – Air Rifle Instruction
- March 19 – Building Birdhouses
Public Relations
- Please use the new canopy, table cloth and sail flag at all club events and those events we go to.
- Please remember to share your photos with the club (redriverareasportsmen@gmail.com) and follow and share our social posts.
Seasonal Committee Reports
- Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby (February 21)
- Posters available to hang up.
- Volunteers needed – you can contact Cindie to help.
- Purchased 5 gal. pails and seats. We will order logo stickers for the club to add to them.
- Work night to go though rods on January 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wahpeton Community Center.
Internal Club Contests (must be submitted by the end of the March meeting)
- RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) – Youth & Adult categories
- Deer/Elk/etc.
- Turkey Beard
- Pheasant Tail Feather
- Waterfowl, # of species harvested
- RRASC Internal Fishing (Fresh/Salt Water) Contests (April – March) – Youth & Adult categories
Other Business
- Greg will be stepping down as President during the next elections in May. He has been club president for 20 years. Anyone interested in what it entails can reach out to him.
- The new Eastern ND Wildlife Federation conservation specialist is Callie Lee.
- The 2025 annual NWTF report is available.
- $1,000 to support the Richland Renegade Toms (Cindie/Jerry)
Other Upcoming Area Events
- Richland Renegade Toms 20th Annual Banquet – February 6 – Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Meal at 7 p.m.
- Club doing a $500 sponsorship (includes being the gun sponsor for the Jakes table)
- Includes two event tickets – received by Cindie and Bob
Communication/Correspondence
- Thank you from Fergus Falls F&G for the support of the Woodie Camp.
The next meeting is February 19 at the Wahpeton Community Center.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.