By Cameron Sutphin Reporter
Wahpeton Daily News – Apr 30, 2025
Kristine Askerooth was not only the presenter for the evening at the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) annual Spring Awards Banquet, but she was also recognized for her 35 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including 30 years at Tewaukon Refuge.
Askerooth, an accomplished wildlife biologist, is retiring after dedicating her professional career to conserving natural resources so wildlife and plants would thrive in North Dakota.
Former Wahpeton Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Beyer was one of the many people benefiting from her impact. He presented Askerooth with the Conservation/Wildlife Employee Award for her years of service.
“Kristine was the ultimate educated professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and a Master’s Degree from North Dakota State University for Wildlife Biology Natural Resources Management,” Beyer said.
Beyer continued to praise Askerooth for being an incredible teacher.
“Kristine was an incredible teacher and taught the youth (and senior chaperones) to carefully observe striking details to identify waterfowl and shorebirds, like the chalky blue bill on a ruddy duck, sloping chestnut-red forehead on a canvasback and the long, upturned bill of an American avocet,” he said.
After Askerooth received her award, RRASC President Greg Gerou thanked the board of directors for making RRASC a success.
“I have had the privilege of being the president of the RRASC for the past 19 years … One of the major reasons the club is successful is the dedication of its board of directors,” Gerou said. “I would like to express my personal appreciation to both the past and current members of the board of directors for their dedication to the RRASC.”
Gerou also thanked the many organizations, individuals and businesses that have partnered with RRASC for their dedication to the organization.
“Many of these events have developed into partnerships with other organizations and individuals such as Heitkamp Construction, Chuck and Cheri Haus, Cass County Wildlife Club, Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association and Comstock Construction, along with many others,” he said. “These partnerships assist the club’s commitments to ensuring the event participants have a quality experience.”
Finally, Gerou mentioned the RRASC’s critical event, the Sportsmen’s Smoker.
“This fundraiser drives everything that the club does … The committee members’ dedication to the club and innovative ideas gave us a very successful event. They created a sponsorship program where businesses and individuals became sponsors and club members … They have also developed a partnership with Chahinkapa Zoo, where we share the various equipment for the games,” Gerou said.
Next, awards were given out. Norah Forman received $1,500 from the Wayne Beyer Scholarship. Forman is working towards a B.S. in Biological Science with a concentration in Conservation Biology and Ecology. She is attending Montana State University; her hometown is Fergus Falls.
2025 RRASC Annual Awards:
- Lifetime Achievement: Chuck Haus
- Lifetime Member: Kathy Langenwalter
- Sportsperson of the Year: Bob Rosemore
- Distinguished Service: Steve Manock
- Volunteer Service: Greg Gerou and Greg Braun
- Landowner / Conservationist: Tom Schmaltz and Kathy Diekman
- Conservation/Wildlife Employee: Kristine Askerooth
2025 RRASC Hunting Contest Winners:
- Big Buck Contest: (Adult) Joe Keller 3×4 mule deer buck
- Big Buck Contest: (Adult) Rich Truesdell 5×5 whitetail buck
- Big Buck Contest: (Youth) Charlie Smith 4×4 whitetail buck
- 2025 Longest Pheasant Tail Feather: (Adult) Mark Althoff 26.5-inch feather
- 2025 Longest Turkey Beard: (Adult) Joe Keller 9.5-inch beard
- 2025 Waterfowl Harvest Award: (Adult) Abby Carlson 16 species harvested
2025 RRASC Fishing Contest Winners (adults – including catch and release):
- Chuck Haus: Smallmouth Bass 18 inches / Sheepshead 21 inches
- Cindie Van Tassel: Crappie 14.5 inches / Sunfish 9-3/4 inches / Bluegill 10-3/8 inches
- Justin Krantz: Catfish 26 inches / Walleye 26 inches
- Rich Truesdell: Perch 12 inches
2025 RRASC Fishing Contest Winners (youth – including catch and release):
- Kris Krantz: Catfish 19.1 inches
- Charlie Smith: Crappie 14.5 inches
- Journey Gerou: Perch 8-3/4 inches
- Carter Gerou: Sunfish 10.5 inches / Walleye 20 inches
The RRASC thanked Van Tassel for hosting the evening and Askerooth for programming for the evening.