Wahpeton Daily News – October 11, 2024
By Wayne Beyer
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) has been one of the premiere wildlife clubs in North Dakota and Minnesota.
Club members are working hard for the annual Sportsmen’s Smoker fund-raiser on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4:00-10:00 p.m. at the Wahpeton Community Center. Delicious venison stew and chili, prizes, games and comradery make it a topnotch event.
There are many reasons to support RRASC.
Archery, including the National Archery in the Schools Program, air rifle shooting and art (Jr. Duck Stamp Contest) get support.
Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby reminds young fishermen about the diversity of fish in the Red River. Birdwatching field trips include Tewaukon Refuge and Prairie Wetlands.
Canada Goose Hunt for youths is offered in Minnesota in early September.
Dick Bell Catfish Tournament has been held over Carousel Days, now Blue Goose Days, since its inception. Deer hides and deer carcass disposal sites are offered in November.
Education for conservation is a priority, including Prairie Wetlands Learning Center membership.
Fishing on the Red River and Mooreton Pond is supported by piers and docks.
Grants to Head of the Red and Mooreton Joe Pikarski trap shooting ranges support local shooting sports.
High school trap shooting teams receive grants for practices and tournaments.
Ice Fishing Derby named after Neil Heitkamp is held on Heitkamp Pond in February.
Junior Wildlife Club has had a monthly activity since April, 2002.
Kidder Recreation Area riverside benches and Henry Knight Shelter have been sponsored.
Ladies Pheasant Hunt gets the gals hunting each fall.
Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt hosts kids hunting on sloughs around Tewaukon Refuge. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources support includes projects like walleye rearing ponds.
North Dakota Game & Fish (NDGF) is a frequent partner, like Advisory Board Meetings and Aquatic Nuisance Species / zebra mussel prevention. North Dakota Wildlife Federation is the voice for North Dakota sportsmen, especially during Legislative sessions. Club members Greg Gerou (Vice President) and Joe Keller (Board Member) are officers.
Outdoor Adventure Foundation helps make outdoor hunting and fishing dreams come true for children and young adults with life-threatening illnesses.
Parks & Recreation receives local funding matches from RRASC for NDGF projects.
Queen bees and pollinators support natural habitat, a priority of the Prairie Pothole Partners, another RRASC membership.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation fundraiser includes RRASC sponsorship.
Scholarships are awarded to college students seeking wildlife management degrees. Scouts receive grants for Eagle Scout projects. The Southeast Sportsmen’s Club gets all the local wildlife clubs together.
Twist of Fate Deer Hunt offers a quality deer hunt for people who have physical challenges. TRACKS conservation magazines are sponsored for every Wahpeton and Breckenridge 4th grade student.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service / Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge projects include the Smith Waterfowl Production Area south of Lidgerwood. RRASC was the first known wildlife club to sponsor a WPA.
Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby gets the fishing season started on the first May Saturday at the Kidder Recreation Area.
Wild Turkey Federation is supported by a sponsorship of the Renegade Toms fund-raiser in Mooreton.
X-factor – RRASC has positively impacted getting many kids outdoors.
Youth Pheasant Hunt gets kids hunting ring-necks on the prairie of Chuck Haus’s Hankinson farm.
Zoo support is annually provided for the Chahinkapa Zoo ‘Wild Games’ fundraiser.
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club is a shining example of the ABC’s of a great wildlife club.