Red River Area Sportsmen's Club

Author: Rebecca Truesdell

  • Consider a donation to the zoo for Giving Hearts Day

    The (RRASC) Red River Area Sportsmen Club did it again! They approved a generous gift to Chahinkapa Zoo.

    In the nick of time for our Giving Hearts Day self match, they donated $1,500. This donation is qualifying the zoo for the big event on Feb. 10, Giving Hearts Day 2022! Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the RRASC! Your ongoing support of youth conservation is our region is amazing!

    Anyone wishing to contribute to the 24-hour fundraising event can go to givingheartsday.org on Feb. 10 and donate to your favorite non-profit. You may also donate in person.

    Thank you from the bottom of our wild hearts for considering Chahinkapa Zoo on Giving Hearts Day!

    2022 promises to be a great zoo season!

    In appreciation,

    Kathy

    Kathy Diekman is the director of Chahinkapa Zoo.

  • January 20, 2022 Minutes

    Attending: Greg Gerou, Kelly Carlson, Abby Carlson, Rich Truesdell, Becci Truesdell, Curt Mund, Justin Kratz, Cindie VanTassel, Greg Braun, Brad Glarum, Jerry Oren, Leroy Smith 

    Welcome Guests and New Members 

    Approve minutes from previous meeting – Brad / Kelly  

    President’s Report 

    2022 Budget review – Cindie / Kelly 

    • Discussion of changes in specific line items that were changed 
    • Cindie council member for MN DNR – allowed larger budget for her travel 
    • Amend line items (Abby)
    • Remove veterans hunt line item, more focused on the women’s hunt; going to hold on future hunts because of the amount of time involved and help received – decided to leave it for now
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup – increase budget for a 2-day hunt and have shooting night before, provide some lodging ($3,000) 

    2022 Financial Proposal 

    • Greg talked with BNC Bank about possible endowment they were not really helpful with options, ended up speaking more with Thrivent Financial (Tom) on other types of investment options. 
    • Because we are 501(c)3 people within their organization can donate to us through them 
    • Investment options starting at $2,000 
    • Looking for options that we can take out the money if needed 
    • Not FDIC insured 
    • Proposing the Board meet with them to hear more details 

    Giving Hearts Day – Chahinkapa Zoo – $1,500.00 

    • They need to raise $3,000 prior to qualify for event 
    • $1,500 approved – Cindie / Rich T 

    Has the copy of Intuit QuickBooks been purchased? No Update 

    Consider gun safe for off-site firearm storage – Rich will consider and let club know opinion for Smoker gun storage needs 

    Report on the NDWF – RAP committee 

    • Wildlife Fed set up affiliated club funding source (application required) for club projects (first time projects get preference) 
    • RAP working with game wardens to increase funding for law enforcement scholarships 
    • Abby Carlson received Sportswoman of the Year – wasn’t able to attend and was presented her award at the meeting 

    Treasurer’s Report

    • Expenses – $10 state annual report, Joe Keller NDWF Banquet $472.38, Econo $22.28, Rich Truesdell Smoker $257.00, Becci Truesdell Ladies Hunt $37.80, Cindie Ice Fishing Walmart $2,000.70, $29.87 Jr Wildlife Cindie, $1,500 Zoo 
    • Deposit $5,060 – $3,000 ND G&F youth hunt grant, $2,000 American Foundation for Wildlife grant 
    • Balance – $66,644.07 Curt / Brad 

    Parks & Recreation

    • Report from NDWF Convention 
    • 3R Program 
    • Fisheries grant applications due January 31st 

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

    Hunters Smoker (Curt Mund, Vern Shasky, Rich & Becci Truesdell, Abby Carlson) – October 22, 2022 

    • Discussed “Banquet” gun that is special to our event. Issue is that not everyone that isn’t part of the club would want it. Usually, they are more expensive and our yearly clientele isn’t necessarily interested. 1911 handgun may go over well. 
    • Dakota Bandit Design possible place to get one made up 
    • Silent Auction good, live auction may be too difficult 

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee (Cindie Van Tassel, Rich Truesdell) 

    • Ice Fishing Demo – 18 kids, 6 new attended 
    • Wayne B was at the schools handing out brochures 
    • Next month Air Rifle 

    Public Relations (Rich Truesdell, Joe Keller, Brad Glarum, Cindie Van Tassel, Mandy Steinberger) 

    • Website – Flickr Pro renewing this month for the year, going to start including articles on the website from the Daily News 
    • Cindie tries to watch for members or family members that pass away for sympathy cards – see any let her know 
    • Facebook/Instagram (Abby Carlson) – as you see posts, please share them! 

    Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby (Vern Shasky, Cindie Van Tassel) – Feb 19, 2022 

    • Cindie had flyers to hand out 
    • Volunteers needed 
    • Hoping for as good as turn out as last year (308) 
    • Radio advertising is going on 

    Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby (Rich & Becci Truesdell) – May 7, 2022 

    Dick Bell Catfish Derby (New Chair Needed) – June 4, 2022 

    • Justin Kratz can be the event chair again 
    • Discussion about working with a larger group that has their own tournaments to draw more people 
    • Aber tournament ran by the Aber Bar 
    • Would larger prizes bring more people? 

    Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (Greg Gerou, Wayne Beyer, Jerry Oren) – TBD for 2022 

    • Needs a new chair now that Wayne is leaving 
    • Whoever takes over can look at day/time/format and make suggestions for changes 

    Fall Youth Goose Hunt (Dylan Teberg, Cindie Van Tassel) – TBD for 2022 

    Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Kevin Manock) – TBD for 2022 

    Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt (Mark Althoff) – Oct 1, 2022 

    • Aubrey Odens attended meeting from the hunt. She was chosen to receive a rooster mount of the bird she shot. It was donated by Jeff Schwartz. 
    • Aubrey read a thank you to the club and Chuck for the great experience she had. 

    Ladies Rooster Roundup (Abby Carlson) – Oct 14/15, 2022

    Veterans Hunt (Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch) – TBD for 2022  

    National Wild Turkey Federation (Richland Renegade Toms Chairperson Brad Glarum) –  
    Feb 4, 2022 

    • Lots of prizes, 15-16 guns, Jakes table 
    • Good on volunteers this year 
    • Tickets available, can purchase online 
    • Requesting $500 donation  
    • $275 sponsor / $225 towards Jakes table – Cindie / Jerry 
    • Drawing for sponsor two sponsor tickets, Rich and Greg G drawn 

    Trap Ranges

    • Head of the Red Gun Archery Club (Brian Gefre) – Opens end of May 2022 
    • Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range (Bob Rosemore, Greg Gerou, Mark Althoff) – Will open June 1, 2022 

    Recruitment (Greg Gerou, Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch, Mandy Steinberger, Becci Truesdell, Kelly Carlson) 

    • Have the RRASC logo or name on all clothing items given out for the various activities. This includes hats, vests, shirts, at the youth hunts. 
    • Proposed trying a paid Facebook marketing campaign 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) 

    • Turkey Beard – Youth & Adult  Joe Keller, 9 1/8” 
    • Pheasant Tail Feather – Youth & Adult  Joe, Keller, 23 3/16” 

    Old, New, Unfinished Business / Correspondence 

    Bench recognition plaque name nominations 

    • Plan is to have multiple names per plaque – 5 benches will need plaques 
    • Plaques Made: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer 
    • Nominations to be printed: Dave Langenwalter, Tim Phalen 

    Pop-up online store (Abby) https://rrasc.itemorder.com/sale 

    • Online clothing store; will include stickers, koozies, coffee mugs, etc 

    “Ask for Permission” signs are available 

    Thank you to Cindie for planning the Christmas Party! 

    Consider additional banners: 

    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby sponsored by Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club 
    • Youth Pheasant Hunt, sponsored by Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club 
    • Possibly a smaller duplicate of the Neil Heitkamp banner to use at the smoker 
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup 

    April Banquet – Tentative date Friday April 22, 2022 

    • Banquet Committee 
    • Banquet Presenter – Possibly Wayne Beyer 
    • Award Preparation – RRASC President 

    Nominations are open for the Club Awards – through the end of March Meeting 

    • NOTE: Have received one nomination to date 
    • Sportsmen of the Year 
    • Lifetime Membership 
    • Lifetime Achievement 
    • Landowner / Conservationist 
    • Conservation Officer 

    Committee Chairs 

    • Dick Bell Catfish Derby – Justin will resume chair responsibilities 
    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby – needs chairperson 

    Meeting dates & location has been scheduled with WP&R 

    • April & Dec at Hughes shelter 
    • Regular meeting at WCC Dining Room 

    Wahpeton High School Ag Class project 

    • Ag teacher is suggesting their class purchase and building wood duck houses and install at Tewaukon Refuge – asking for $1,000 
    • Request for funding – RRASC Grant 
    • We applied for NDWF grant for $500 to go towards project 
    • Tewaukon Refuge, Patrick Fitzmorris may have a funding source 
    • Proposing $250 donation towards project with Federal funding approval 

    Communication 

    • Received a letter from Barnes County Wildlife regarding their annual Big Spenders Raffle / Banquet that will be held in April – tickets are $100 each. Approved purchase of 1 ticket – Kelly / Cindie 
    • A thank you letter was sent to the family of Kevin Huelsman (Dudley Gordon Family) for the donation of the prints 
    • Thank you letter received from Tim Phalen to RRASC. North Dakota District Game Warden Tim Phalen has retired effected 01-01-2022. As of 01-12-2022, the NDGF Region 1 warden for Wyndmere is listed as vacant.
    • ND Youth Archery Advisory Grant Request for the state Archery in the Schools program $250 – Greg B. / Rich 
    • Friends of Lake Sakakawea Annual Membership   Approved – Cindie / Kelly 
    • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Membership – pass 
    • Someplace Safe request – pass 

  • Blessed by those we consider ‘presents’

    By Wayne Beyer – Dec 24, 2021 – Wahpeton Daily News

    Why wait ‘til Christmas when you can celebrate Christmas every day? Santa doesn’t box up and gift-wrap people, but we are blessed by folks, many quietly behind the scenes, who we consider presents. Santa’s list here is just a sampling of some we appreciate.

    Billy Dablow, KBMW DJ, who can interview anybody and any topic with professionalism and knowledge. It must go with redheads as we remember Scott ‘Lars’ Nulph and Scott Sorum, who doubled as a Daily News Sports Editor at one time.

    Jason Ehlert, excavating guy who donates it all for John Randall Field and baseball. He’s following in the footsteps of father LeRoy, who could strategically place any rock anywhere along a river bank.

    NDSCS teachers like Jeff Jelinek/Civil Engineering, Bryan Wolfgram and Jeremy Hoesel/Building Technology, whose students learn first-hand about the value of supporting the community with projects like garden plots, park storage building, softball/football storage building, etc.

    Thor Mitskog, a former Wahpeton native, who sponsored the Chahinkapa Park pond overlook renovation in memory of his sister, Nikki.

    Troy Vosberg, who coaches our Special Olympics basketball team. He also coaches his son’s youth basketball team and we are grateful for all the parents, grandparents and volunteers who coach youth sports teams.

    Jessica Kostuck, who manages the Gardeners Market, a great local opportunity to purchase and eat healthy, locally grown garden produce.

    Abby/Kelly Carlson, Becci/Rich Truesdell, Mary/Nathan Rausch, Melissa/Stuart Schumacher and other young couples who volunteer many hours for the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club that gives young people many hours of outdoor recreation experiences like fishing, hunting, archery, trap shooting and bird-watching. They show we are in good hands with the next generation.

    Kathy Lenk, Tri-State Safety Association President who goes the extra mile to offer safety training in fun, creative ways.

    Kent Loken, the Community Band director who leads people of all ages, teenagers to 90-year-olds, who love music to offer sweet tunes to appreciative audiences. Kent and Jana Berndt co-directed local singers and esteemed Concordia band students to produce a phenomenalChristmas Cantata!

    Heather Retzer, Nathan Hill, Mike Goroski, Jeff Jelinek and others who teach archery and a highly successful National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program. Archery is a lifelong recreation activity and it trains youths to enjoy outdoor bow hunting.

    All the people who volunteer for special interest boards and their spirit, passion, enthusiasm and hours of public service to benefit many. Some representatives include Mike Ferrell/Bois deSioux Golf Course, Brian Nordick/BW Blades Hockey, Korey Skovholt/Three Rivers Gymnastics,Brian Rugland/Head of the Red Youth Activities Association, Shannon King/Southern ValleyFigure Skating Club, Lois Berndt/Richland County Historical Society, RichardPeterson/Slowpitch Softball, Joe Schreiner / Baseball Committee, Lori Jensen / Red Door ArtGallery, Cindie VanTassel / Junior Wildlife Club, Laura Youngbird / Three Rivers Arts Council,Brian Gefre / Trap Shooting Team and so many more.

    Public officials often go the extra mile to serve people, too. Roger Jensen is a ParkCommissioner and former NDSCS Architectural instructor who has designed dozens of park, city, art sculptures and zoo facilities the last couple years. Or course we appreciate all the elected government leaders on the County Commissions, City Councils, Park Board, SchoolBoards and others.

    Santa knows our best gifts wear walking shoes, blue jeans and T-shirts. Whatever they wear as they devote the best gift ever – time.

    Wayne Beyer is director of Wahpeton Parks and Recreation.

  • November 18, 2021 Minutes

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Mary Rausch, Nate Rausch, Wayne Beyer, Greg Braun, Brad Glarum, Luke Glarum, Jerry Oren, Curt Mund, Rich Truesdell, Becci Truesdell,  Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson 

    Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC by Brad and Rich 

    *Correction from October minutes: Del Hoefs (not Kevin Manock as noted) helped to line up kitchen setup  

    President Report

    Consider the addition of a Financial Secretary position on the BOD. 

    • This position would focus on application and tracking of grant funding for the RRASC; work with all club members assisting with and tracking all grant application; and manage & track the clubs grant program and financial donation 
    • Some grant requests were doubled up on; looking to add this position to help manage grant requests across projects 

    Had a text from lady whose son had just completed the on-line MN Hunters Ed program; She was asking if someone would be able to help her son with the required field day; She has no timeline for the field day; I offered the option of the MN-DNR website, education but currently none are scheduled 

    • Greg G has sent her information but has not heard back. 

    Project records – Greg G is still compiling notes from various projects; if you have not already done so, please send him any notes you have 

    Treasurer Report 

    • Budget planning meeting for 2022 prior to Jan 20th meeting 
    • Payment for storage unit to Sam Storo 
    • The club is going to be looking into a software program to track the budget – currently, our budget information is ran through Quickbooks software that is owned by the Parks & Rec – MSC by Becci and Jerry to purchase a software subscription 
    • $70,912.36 account balance – MSC by Curt and Rich 

    Parks & Recreation  

    • Zoo fundraiser is Nov 19, 2021 
    • Wayne is retiring from the P&R May 31, 2022 
    • NDG&F raffle for a whitetail/elk/moose/pronghorn tag is coming up – Wayne will submit by Dec 31, 2021 
    • FYI to RRASC members: RRASC still has to pay sales tax in ND; our club is not exempt 
    • An individual called that has a Clam ice house that he would like to donate to someone in need; please contact Wayne if you have questions 
    • Nov 29 Advisory Meeting in Casselton 
    • Wrapping up NDG&F youth grants for shells, calls, vests, etc 
    • NDWF strategic planning process going on now 
    • Trap club grants for Wahpeton and Richland 44 will be submitted soon 
    • Motion to nominate Abby Carlson for NDWF Sportswoman of the Year – MSC by Wayne and Greg B – NDWF annual banquet is Jan 7-9, 2022 in Bismarck 
    • Walmart Foundation annual grants are due soon; Wayne will get a request submitted 
    • AFW (American Federation for Wildlife) grant to be submitted 
    • ANS project, a dry station, is complete 
    • Jan 31 deadline for grants related to fishing access 
    • ND Junior Duck Stamp art display in the WCC Art Room – Thank You card received from Prairie Pothole Partners for funds that we donated 

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

    Hunters Smoker (Curt Mund, Vern Shasky, Rich & Becci Truesdell, Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson) 

    • Financial Status – One of our best, if not the best, years to date! The silent auction went well – one of our best years for donations as well, THANK YOU donors! – on top of pre-event ticket sales, around 40 more were sold at the door – BIG THANK YOU TO COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS! – Saturday, versus Friday, night event date was successful – looking into adding tall/standing tables for next year 
    • 2022 date to schedule Community Center and St. John’s Kitchen 
    • SAVE THE DATE! WCC has been reserved for Friday, October 21 for setup and Saturday, October 22 for the event – Greg G will reserve the church kitchen 

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee (Cindie Van Tassel, Rich Truesdell) 

    • 2021-2022 Schedule has been finalized and brochures are available; Becci will update the website 
    • Tues 11/16 was archery 
    • Targets are needed for next year – MSC by Wayne and Brad to spend $500 on targets 
    • No December activity 

    Public Relations (Rich Truesdell, Joe Keller, Brad Glarum, Cindie Van Tassel, Mandy Steinberger) 

    • Website (Becci Truesdell) 
    • Facebook/Instagram (Abby Carlson) – as you see posts, please share them! 
    • If you have any hunting or fishing photos you would like to share on our club’s website or social media, please let us know! 

    Mooreton Pond Projects (Brad Glarum, Greg Gerou, Vern Shasky, Rich Truesdell) 

    • Docks are now out for the season 

    Hunting and Fishing Events

    • Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby (Vern Shasky, Cindie Van Tassel) – Feb 19, 2022 
    • Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby (Rich & Becci Truesdell) – May 7, 2022 
    • Dick Bell Catfish Derby (New Chair Needed) – June 4, 2022 
    • Family Fishing Nights (Cindie Van Tassel) – cancelled for 2021 
    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (Greg Gerou, Jerry Oren, New Chair Needed) – TBD for 2022 
    • Fall Youth Goose Hunt (Dylan Teberg, Cindie Van Tassel) – TBD for 2022 
    • Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Kevin Manock) – TBD for 2022 
    • Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt (Mark Althoff) – TBD for 2022 
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup (Abby Carlson) – TBD for 2022
    • Veterans Hunt (Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch) – TBD for 2022  

    National Wild Turkey Federation (Richland Renegade Toms Chairperson Brad Glarum) – Feb 4, 2022 

    • Tickets are expected to be available mid-December 

    Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range (Bob Rosemore, Greg Gerou, Mark Althoff) – Done for the season 

    • Black dirt was replaced with gravel 

    Recruitment (Greg Gerou, Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch, Mandy Steinberger, Becci Truesdell, Kelly Carlson) 

    • Membership drive – we currently have less than 100 paid members – our numbers are slowly starting to come back up 
    • Please consider bringing guests or potential new members to the September meeting this fall! 
    • Looking for opportunities to engage 16-18 year olds (Jr Wildlife is through age 15); please share any ideas with one of the committee members 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) 

    Deer, Elk, etc. – Youth & Adult 

    • Carter Gerou, youth: whitetail buck 
    • Jordan Teberg, youth: whitetail buck 
    • Nathan Rausch, adult: mule deer buck 
    • Kelly Carlson, adult: whitetail buck 
    • Becci Truesdell, adult: whitetail buck 

    Turkey Beard – Youth & Adult 

    Pheasant Tail Feather – Youth & Adult 

    • Chuck Haus, adult: 25.25” 

    Waterfowl, number of species harvested – Youth & Adult 

    • Abby Carlson, adult: pintail, mallard, Canada goose, widgeon, green-winged teal, wood duck 

    RRASC Internal Fishing Contests (April – March) 

    Fresh Water – Youth & Adult 

    Salt Water – Youth & Adult 

    Old / New / Unfinished Business/Correspondence 

    Bench recognition plaque name nominations 

    • Plan is to have multiple names per plaque – 5 benches will need plaques 
    • Plagues completed: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer 
    • Nominations: Dave Langenwalter 

    Pop-up online store (Abby) 

    • Pending Board review; can be used as a fundraiser for the club 
    • Online clothing store; will include stickers, koozies, coffee mugs, etc 
    • Site is live! Three (3) items do not have pricing due to out of stock but if Wayne at Grippers is contacted directly on those 3 items he can place a backorder order or find a substitute. Members can choose between color or black & white logos for their apparel.  The option is listed within the items. https://rrasc.itemorder.com/sale 

    “Ask for Permission” signs are available 

    Christmas Party: the Community Center dining room has been reserved for Friday, Dec. 10 if we want to have a RRASC Christmas holiday gathering/party this year (of course that will depend on the county’s covid numbers if people can gather or not). If we would like to proceed, Cindie is willing to coordinate 

    Thank you letters have been sent to: 

    • Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge manager, Patrick Fitzmorris for the Youth Waterfowl Hunt 
    • Chuck & Cheri Haus for the Youth Pheasant Hunt 
    • Dean Belmore for his donation to the Youth Pheasant Hunters 
    • Eric & Celeste Greenquist for their donation to all our Youth Hunters 
    • St. John Church for the use of their kitchen for food prep for the smoker 
    • Mark Althoff and Korey Skovholt for the shotgun donation 

    The carcass & hide dumpsters have been placed with signs installed, Tractor Supply & Blazer Express 

    • Over 100 hides have already been picked up 
    • Dumpsters will be out until the end of muzzle loader season 

    Richland Wildlife Club’s annual banquet – December 4th at the Hankinson Community Center 

    Communication from ag teacher at Wahpeton High School on youth projects 

    • The students need volunteer hours, so will look into combining with Jr Wildlife and/or other projects 

    Communication: received a letter from Barnes County Wildlife regarding their annual Big Spenders Banquet that will be held in April – tickets are $100 each – no action taken as of the Nov meeting 

    ND R.A.P. has not yet reached their quota in order to hold an auction; typically the auction is held every other year 

    We will not be having a December meeting, but will instead have the Christmas party, see information above 

  • Carcass and hide dumpsters available this season

    Wahpeton Daily News – Nov 8, 2021 Updated Dec 16, 2021 

    WAHPETON — The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) is working with TG Sanitation to place carcass and hide collection dumpsters again this year.

    “The carcass dumpster and a hide dumpster are in the parking lot of Tractor Supply of Wahpeton,” RRASC President Greg Gerou said. “A hide dumpster is in the north parking lot of the Blazer Express in Breckenridge. These dumpsters will be in place through the muzzleloader deer season.”

    Organizers ask that the public be respectful of the businesses and keep the area around the dumpsters clean. Signs will be posted on the dumpsters.

    “Thank you to TG Sanitation, Tractor Supply and the Blazer Express for helping the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club to provide this service to the deer hunters of the area,” Gerou said.

    Tractor Supply Co. is located at 1202 Fourth Ave. S. in Wahpeton. Blazer Express is located at 821 U.S. Highway 75 in Breckenridge, Minnesota.

  • Bustling Sportsmen’s Smoker held in Wahpeton

    By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Oct 25, 2021 Updated Oct 27, 2021

    Numerous guests at the 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker, held Saturday in Wahpeton, were soon either in line for wild game chili or stew, looking over raffle items or chatting with their friends and neighbors.
    Numerous guests at the 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker, held Saturday in Wahpeton, were soon either in line for wild game chili or stew, looking over raffle items or chatting with their friends and neighbors.

    Shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, the Wahpeton Community Center was bustling.

    Within minutes after doors opened for the 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker, numerous guests were either in line for wild game chili or stew, looking over raffle items or chatting with their friends and neighbors.

    “All of our advance tickets — 500 total — were sold out,” Becky Truesdell said. “And we’re still letting in people at the door. It’s exciting.”

    Truesdell was among the countless volunteers and organizers who kept the Smoker going Saturday night. The event is the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s only annual fundraiser.

    “If I win, that’s great. If not, it’s still going to a good cause.” Mandy Steinberger said as she dropped tickets into the raffle basket.
    “If I win, that’s great. If not, it’s still going to a good cause.” Mandy Steinberger said as she dropped tickets into the raffle basket.

    “The smoker supports everything that we do,” Club President Greg Gerou said previously.

    Gerou kept guests informed during the smoker, reporting on the evening’s food, raffles and games. More than 160 items were available as part of the general, ladies and meat raffles. They included:

    • a knife, metal sign and gift card package donated by Cook Chiropractic Clinic, Lindberg’s Shooter Shoppe and Pizza Ranch

    • an air rifle and free burrito donated by Red River Valley and Western Railroad and Taco John’s

    • a Mall of America amusement park package donated by KBMW and B92.7

    • a beaver hat and gloves donated by Hough Furs

    • a Thermacell, metal sign and gift card package donated by the Gazette Barber Shop, Lindberg’s Shooter Shoppe and Thrifty White Pharmacy in Breckenridge, Minnesota

    • a makeup gift bag and gift card package from Mary Kay — April Brejcha and Prante’s Fine Dining

    “Thank you to the businesses and individuals who donated prizes and/or their time to make this evening a success,” the club stated. “(We also thank) the Wahpeton Community Center for the use of their facility. A big thanks (also) to all who came tonight to help support our wildlife and youth projects.”

    Mandy Steinberger, manager of the Breckenridge Family Community Center, said she was happy to support something she likes.

    “If I win, that’s great. If not, it’s still going to a good cause,” Steinberger said as she dropped tickets into the raffle basket.

    “First prize is a Mossberg Patriot 308 with a scope, followed by cash prizes from $50 to $100,” Daily News previously reported.

    Smoker attendees under age 18 were required to attend with a parent or guardian.

    “We try to have something for everyone,” Rich Truesdell said previously. “We encourage families to come. We do get a good amount of people and we try to keep this open to everyone.”

    The Junior Wildlife Club, a subdivision of the Sportsmen’s Club, is free, youth-orientated and offered to all between ages 8-16.

    “Join today (for) fun outdoor-related activities the third Thursday of each month,” a card stated.

    The Sportsmen’s Club itself has one meeting a month and various volunteer events year wide.

    “Be involved as little or as much as you want,” the club stated.

    To learn more, visit rrasc.net.

  • October 21, 2021 Minutes

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Mary Rausch, Greg Braun, Brad Glarum, Jerry Oren, Curt Mund, Rich Truesdell, Becci Truesdell, Kevin Manock, Pat Brejcha, Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson, Leroy Smith 

    Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC Brad and Kevin 

    President Report

    • Zoo 2021 Fundraiser, TOGO meals and raffle; does RRASC want to sponsor a prize in addition to the smoker raffle money? 
    • Zoo is not doing a Wild Game Night; they are doing to-go meals and an online raffle instead; additional funding to support the raffle, on top of what we give from our smoker profits. MSC Curt and Brad to give $300.
    • Status of club’s insurance: Through Heritage Insurance office in Grand Forks; Both Liability and BOD coverage has been renewed for 2022; Have contact Beyer Insurance to plan for 2023. Greg G will follow up in August 2022 to get more information from Beyer. 
    • Club project records. ALL club projects need to have written records such as: The material & equipment needed. Supplies from WCC or SSS. The number of people needed to run the project. The partners & suppliers contacted for the project 
    • Information: Updated schedule for the Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Shows. April 30 and May 1 at Wahpeton Event Center; Bill Brown is chairperson 

    Treasurer Report 

    • Bank balance $28,661.40 – MSC Curt and Jerry 

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

    Hunters Smoker – Oct 23, 2021 @ Wahpeton Community Center 

    • Friday October 22 for setup and Saturday October 23 for preparation and the actual Event 
    • St. John’s Church Mehock Center kitchen for Friday October 22 for food preparation. 
    • Commercial slicer from Manock Meats is in southside storage 
    • Moose meat from Korey Skovholt is in WCC freezer 
    • Chuck Haus said that potatoes can be picked any time – will need 3-4 people to help; 45 minutes of time needed to pick potatoes; Greg G and a few others will plan a time to go 
    • Contacts have been made; tickets available for purchase and posters are out 
    • Help needed Fri and Sat nights 
    • 60 lbs of cubed meat still needed for stew; 80 lbs of ground meat already on hand 
    • Greg G has radio time every other Monday and will talk about the smoker 
    • Volunteers are lined up; Greg G and Kevin have plans to get kitchen stuff setup and ready Fri afternoon; Sat AM kitchen helpers to get stew/food started; last minute ticket requests are to go through Rich and Becci 

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee

    • 2021-2022 Schedule has been finalized and brochures are available; Becci will update the website 

    Public Relations 

    • Facebook/Instagram – as you see posts, please share them! 
    • Cindie ordered things for Zoo Boo on Sat 10/30, 5:00-7:00 PM 

    Mooreton Pond Projects 

    • Docks are getting pulled out next week 

    Hunting and Fishing Events

    • Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby (Vern Shasky, Cindie Van Tassel) – Feb 19, 2022 
    • Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby (Rich & Becci Truesdell) – May 7, 2022 
    • Dick Bell Catfish Derby (New Chair Needed) – June 4, 2022 
    • Family Fishing Nights (Cindie Van Tassel) – cancelled for 2021 
    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (Greg Gerou, Wayne Beyer, Jerry Oren) – TBD for 2022 
    • Fall Youth Goose Hunt (Dylan Teberg, Cindie Van Tassel) – TBD for 2022 
    • Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Kevin Manock) – TBD for 2022 
    • Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt (Mark Althoff) – TBD for 2022 15 youth attended; some of which shot a pheasant for the first time! 
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup (Abby Carlson) – TBD for 2022 14 hunters, some first time hunters; great weather; Chuck Haus provided a fish fry; possibly having 18 hunters next year (3 groups of 6); would like to consider a deposit from each hunter to hold their spot 
    • Veterans Hunt (Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch) – TBD for 2022 

    National Wild Turkey Federation (Richland Renegade Toms Chairperson Brad Glarum) – Feb 4, 2022 

    Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Bois-de-Sioux Chapter) – TBD for 2022 

    Recruitment 

    • Membership drive – we currently have less than 100 paid members 
    • Please consider bringing guests or potential new members to the September meeting this fall! 
    • Looking for opportunities to engage 16-18 year olds (Jr Wildlife is through age 15); please share any ideas with one of the committee members 
    • Should the RRASC have a presence at the Night of Indulgence on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, 4:30-7:30 PM at the WEC? May be an opportunity for recruit new members. If we attend, we need some “swag” to hand out along with brochures and sign-up sheets; maybe be a sign up for a raffle item. 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) 

    • Deer, Elk, etc. – Youth & Adult 
    • Turkey Beard – Youth & Adult 
    • Pheasant Tail Feather – Youth & Adult 
    • Waterfowl, number of species harvested – Youth & Adult 

    RRASC Internal Fishing Contests (April – March) 

    • Fresh Water – Youth & Adult 
    • Tucker Rezac, youth, 18” walleye and 32” northern 
    • Ellie Rezac, youth, 17” walleye 
    • Salt Water – Youth & Adult 

    Old / New / Unfinished Business 

    Bench recognition plaque name nominations 

    • Plan is to have multiple names per plaque – 5 benches will need plaques 
    • Nominations received: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer 
    • Plaques are on the benches now; still accepting names 

    Pop-up online store (Abby) 

    • Pending Board review; can be used as a fundraiser for the club 
    • Online clothing store; will include stickers, koozies, coffee mugs, etc 
    • Site is ready to go live 
    • Link to online store coming soon! The store is in the final stages of setup. 

    “Ask for Permission” signs are available 

    Christmas Party: WCC dining room has been reserved for Friday, Dec. 10 if we want to have a RRASC Christmas holiday gathering/party this year (of course that will depend on the county’s covid numbers if people can gather or not). If we would like to proceed, Cindie is willing to coordinate 

    $250 for Junior Duck Stamp approved – MSC Curt and Pat 

  • 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker next Saturday in Wahpeton

    By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Oct 14, 2021

    WHAT? The 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker will be held Saturday Oct. 23.

    WHEN AND WHERE? Doors open at 5 p.m. at the Wahpeton Community Center, 304 Fifth St. S.

    WHO IS THIS FOR? The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club is hosting the event, their own fundraiser of the year, for the public.

    WHAT ARE THE PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS? The money will be used to support local youth programs, wildlife projects and Chahinkapa Zoo. “The money goes to the events for the kids,” co-organizer Vern Shasky said. “We keep the money local, in Wahpeton-Breckenridge and this part of the states.”

    WOULD YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THOSE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? “The smoker supports everything that we do,” Club President Greg Gerou said. “We have our three fishing derbies in the summer and the partnership with Heitkamp Construction for the winter ice fishing derby. This fall, we had three hunts for the kids, for goose, waterfowl and pheasant.”

    WHAT ELSE DO THOSE YOUTH RECEIVE? Access to educational and art opportunities with the Junior Wildlife Club. Rich Truesdell, a member of the club board, talked about how youth activities include not only hunting and fishing, but also taking in nature with bird watching and hiking. Youth recently visited Maplewood State Park in Minnesota. “We want to get more kids and people outside,” he said.

    WHAT DOES A $20 SMOKER TICKET GET ME? Free wild game chili and stew until it’s gone, meat and cheese appetizers courtesy of local butchers and the chance to win with gun boards, raffles and games.

    WHAT TYPES OF RAFFLES? There will be a ladies raffle, general raffle and meat raffles. First prize is a Mossberg Patriot 308 with a scope, followed by cash prizes from $50 to $100.

    ARE THERE NEW RAFFLE PRIZES THIS YEAR? Guests will have the opportunity to win any of two Texas hog hunting trips. An all-inclusive pheasant hunt is also being offered. It covers everything from land to transportation to services including cleaning and management. “The only thing you have to do is show up and pull the trigger,” Gerou said.

    DO YOUNG HUNTERS HAVE A CHANCE AT PRIZES? “Dean Bellmore wanted to donate a gun for our young hunters,” Gerou said. “He purchased one and all the kids who participated in the pheasant hunt will be put in a drawing to determine who will receive it. Eric Greenquist purchased one, too. All of the young hunters are eligible to receive that one. We’ll be doing those drawings at the smoker.”

    HOW DO ORGANIZERS FEEL ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY? “We have really good relationships with people in town. We’ve gotten so much support from people and businesses. We couldn’t do it without them,” Gerou said.

    MAY I BUY MY TICKETS EARLY? Yes, but you have to do so before Thursday, Oct. 21. Early bird tickets are entered into an additional gun raffle, for the chance to win a Mossberg Patriot 243.

    IS IT BEST TO BUY NOW? “We’re selling tickets like crazy. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to purchase at the door,” Gerou said.

    WHO CAN I BUY MY TICKETS FROM? Call Curt Mund at 701-640-3857, Vern Shasky at 701-640-4133 or Truesdell at 701-640-5136.

    WHO’S ON THE SMOKER COMMITTEE? Mund, Shasky, Rich and Becky Truesdell and Abby Carlson.

    CAN I BRING MY KIDS? Smoker attendees under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. “We try to have something for everyone,” Rich Truesdell said. “We encourage families to come. We do get a good amount of people and we try to keep this open to everyone.”

    WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? By visiting www.rrasc.net.

  • September 16, 2021 Minutes

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Kevin Manock, Mary Rausch, Curt Mund, Leroy Smith, Rich Truesdell, Becci, Truesdell, Abby Carlson, Brad Glarum, Del Hoefs, Jerry Oren, Wayne Beyer, Joe Keller, Paul Sinner, Cindie VanTassel 

    Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC Rich and Curt 

    President’s Report 

    • Manock Meats processed 7 deer from 2020 season; Bonnie at Community Action paid for half of the bill 

    Treasurer’s Report 

    • $36,061, MSC Wayne and Brad 

    Parks & Recreation Report 

    • Heitkamp poured concrete for ANS station, which has been ordered and will likely not go in until 2022 
    • Lake Elsie now has zebra mussels 

    Other Board of Director Member Reports 

    • Brad presented Wayne with an upland game commemorative plate 

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports

    Hunter’s Smoker (Curt Mund, Vern Shasky, Rich & Becci Truesdell, Abby Carlson

    • Oct 23, 2021 @ Wahpeton Community Center 
    • Friday October 22 for setup and Saturday October 23 for preparation and the actual Event 
    • St. John’s Church Mehock Center kitchen for Friday October 22 for food preparation. 
    • Commercial slicer from Manock Meats is in southside storage 
    • Moose meat from Korey Skovholt is in WCC freezer 
    • Chuck Haus said that potatoes can be picked any time – will need 3-4 people to help; 45 minutes of time needed to pick potatoes; Greg G and a few others will plan a time to go 
    • Contacts have been made; tickets available for purchase and posters are out 
    • Help needed Fri and Sat nights 
    • 60 lbs of cubed meat still needed for stew; 80 lbs of ground meat already on hand 
    • Greg G has radio time every other Monday and will talk about the smoker  

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee (Cindie Van Tassel, Rich Truesdell) 

    • At the Zoo tonight and learned about the bison and elk; fed them corn and apples 
    • 2021-2022 Schedule has been finalized and brochures are available; Becci will update the website 
    • Oct 7 event is at Maplewood State Park 

    Public Relations (Rich Truesdell, Joe Keller, Brad Glarum, Cindie Van Tassel, Mandy Steinberger) 

    • Facebook/Instagram (Abby Carlson) – as you see posts, please share them! 
    • Will be participating in the NDSCS Homecoming parade; setup Thur 9/23 for Sat 9/25 parade 
    • Cindie ordered things for Zoo Boo on Sat 10/30, 5:00-7:00 PM 

    Mooreton Pond Projects (Brad Glarum, Greg Gerou, Vern Shasky, Rich Truesdell) 

    • Need to schedule time in Oct to take out docks 

    Fishing & Hunting Events

    • Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby (Vern Shasky, Cindie Van Tassel) – Feb 19, 2022 
    • Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby (Rich & Becci Truesdell) – May 7, 2022 
    • Dick Bell Catfish Derby (New Chair Needed) – June 4, 2022 
    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (Greg Gerou, Wayne Beyer, Jerry Oren) – TBD for 2022 
    • Fall Youth Goose Hunt (Dylan Teberg, Cindie Van Tassel) – Sep 11-12, 2021 – 4 youth participated; was reduced down to one day due to scheduling conflicts 
    • Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Kevin Manock) – Sep 18, 2021 @ Tewaukon. Friday is trap and safety; 12 youth are signed up; 5 mentors lined up; cooked crew is signed up and ready 
    • Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt (Mark Althoff) – Oct 2, 2021 @ Chuck Haus’s. 13 youth signed up, 15 available spots; another landowner has offered land if more than 15 youth want to sign up; cooking crew is signed up and ready 
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup (Abby Carlson) – Oct 16, 2021 @ Chuck Haus’s. Volunteers needed; 16 spots available, 10 filled as of the 9/16 meeting; trap shooting will be at Chuck’s this year; Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club donated clays; Chuck is providing a fish fry this year 
    • Veterans Hunt (Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch) – TBD for 2022. 2021 Event – 10 hunters, some were new hunters; conditions were dry and hot; considering moving to the spring for better conditions. Sticklestad’s provided Cowboy Fast Draw and Axe Throwing; there was an Annie Oakley shoot after the hunt.

    National Wild Turkey Federation (Richland Renegade Toms Chairperson Brad Glarum)

    • Feb 4, 2022 
    • Calendars available for $50 each; 1000 will be sold in total, 50 by the local chapter; some of the proceeds will stay with the local chapter 
    • Richland Renegade Toms will be donating a gun to the smoker 

    Recruitment (Greg Gerou, Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch, Mandy Steinberger, Becci Truesdell, Kelly Carlson) 

    • Membership drive – we currently have less than 100 paid members 
    • Please consider bringing guests or potential new members to the September meeting this fall! 
    • Looking for opportunities to engage 16-18 year olds (Jr Wildlife is through age 15); please share any ideas with one of the committee members 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) 

    • Deer, Elk, etc. – Youth & Adult 
    • Turkey Beard – Youth & Adult 
    • Joe Keller, adult: turkey beard, April 2021 
    • Pheasant Tail Feather – Youth & Adult 
    • Waterfowl, number of species harvested – Youth & Adult 

    RRASC Internal Fishing Contests (April – March) 

    • Fresh Water – Youth & Adult (Carter Gerou, youth: largemouth bass, 13 inches, Wall Lake, MN, 09/05/2021)
    • Salt Water – Youth & Adult 

    Old / New / Unfinished Business 

    Bench recognition plaque name nominations 

    • Plan is to have multiple names per plaque – 5 benches will need plaques 
    • Nominations received: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer 

    Pop-up online store (Abby) 

    • Pending Board review; can be used as a fundraiser for the club 
    • Online clothing store; will include stickers, koozies, coffee mugs, etc 
    • Site is ready to go live 

    “Ask for Permission” signs are available 

  • Warriors on the Wing fast approaching

    By Audra Anderson • Daily News Sep 3, 2021 Updated Sep 4, 2021

    At the beginning of the event, the veterans will get to know each other and learn about gun handling and North Dakota laws and regulations. Next, the veterans will move on to the trap shooting range, where they will hone their skills. Then, the newbies will put their training to the test and hunt for pheasant.
    At the beginning of the event, the veterans will get to know each other and learn about gun handling and North Dakota laws and regulations. Next, the veterans will move on to the trap shooting range, where they will hone their skills. Then, the newbies will put their training to the test and hunt for pheasant.

    Warriors on the Wing, a first annual two-day pheasant hunting event to benefit veterans, will begin Saturday, Sept. 11 at Stiklestad Lodge in Fort Ransom, North Dakota. And there’s still more spots to fill.

    The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club and the Cass County Sportsmen’s Club have collaborated to create the flagship event, Daily News previously reported. Warriors on the Wing organizer Abby Carlson said the event will focus on hunting newcomers and can accommodate eight veterans.

    As of Wednesday, Sept. 1, they had five veterans registered for the event. Carlson said they are now accepting any veteran or active duty service member to fill the eight slots before Saturday. Those who have already signed up are eager for the weekend to arrive, she said.

    “I get text messages almost daily (about it),” Carlson laughed.

    Carlson, an experienced hunter, started an event three years ago called Ladies Rooster Roundup that focused on getting women outdoors. She and her friend, who was retiring from the army, talked about the hunt as a way to get her friend involved in a new hobby. Carlson’s friend died before they were able to get the Warriors on the Wing event off the ground.

    “Upon her passing, we created this event in memory of her, just to give veterans something to look forward to,” Carlson said.

    At the beginning of the event, the veterans will get to know each other and learn about gun handling and North Dakota laws and regulations. Carlson, who has been guiding youth hunts for the past five years and women’s hunts for the past three years, will be leading the demonstrations. Next, the veterans will move on to the trap shooting range, where they will hone their skills. Then, the newbies will put their training to the test and hunt for pheasant.

    After the hunt, Carlson will lead a demonstration on cleaning the birds. The veterans will also get to have some low-stakes fun with axe throwing and a trap shoot competition. The event will conclude with a social and dinner, Carlson said.

    Carlson previously set a fundraising goal of $5,800 to cover the costs of the event. She said as of Wednesday they were just $200 short of the goal. There have been a mix of community members and organizations, such as the North Dakota Wildlife Federation and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, that have donated to the event, Carlson said.

    “Hunting has been a huge passion of mine ever since I was a kid. I’ve always had a huge love for the outdoors,” Abby Carlson said.

    Hunting is more than just a hobby for Carlson and her husband, Kelly. It also ties into their livelihood. The couple run a German Shorthaired Pointer kennel in Wahpeton, and their world revolves around their dogs and the couple’s children, Abby Carlson said.

    “For me, it’s all about family and camaraderie. That’s why hunting is so important to me. It’s a great, healthy way to spend additional time with family,” Kelly Carlson said.

    They hope Saturday’s event opens the door for a new hobby, or at the very least, is a weekend well spent for the participating veterans.

    Veterans or active-duty service members interested in participating in the event can connect with the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club at https://rrasc.net.

Red River Area Sportsmen's Club

A non-profit sportsmen’s club introducing kids to the outdoors while supporting local conservation and habitat stewardship.