Red River Area Sportsmen's Club

Author: Rebecca Truesdell

  • March 18, 2021 Minutes

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Brad Glarum, Butch Giwoyna, Curt Mund, Greg Braun, Del Hoefs, Becci Truesdell, Rich Truesdell, Cindie Van Tassel, Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson, Paul Sinner, Mary Rausch

    Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC: Cindie, Curt

    President Report (Greg Gerou)

    • It is an ND legislative year – NDGF is tracking 29 bills at the state level 1. Follow Outdoor Legislation at https://gf.nd.gov/legislation
    • Nominations are due tonight (3/18) for the following awards, Spring Banquet April 22 at Hughes Shelter – Sportsmen of the Year, Lifetime Membership, Lifetime Achievement, Conservationist / Landowner Award, Conservation Officer recognition at the Game Warden Museum

    Treasurer Report (Greg Braun) – $38,355, MSC: Curt, Brad

    Parks & Recreation (Wayne Beyer)

    • NDGF Spring Advisory Board Mtg – Monday, April 19, 2021 at American Legion, Lake Elsie, Hankinson
    • Red River Development – ANS dry wash station will be installed at Kidder Rec Area by the fish cleaning station

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports

    • Hunters Smoker (Curt Mund, Vern Shasky, Rich & Becci Truesdell, Abby Carlson) -Saturday, October 23, 2021. 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.
    • SE Area Sportsmen’s Club (Curt Mund, Vern Shasky) – meeting coming up
    • Jr Wildlife Club Committee (Cindie Van Tassel, Rich Truesdell) – Built wood duck houses. 15 in attendance. 5 leftover houses to be put together and donated to park. Birding at Prairie Wetlands on April 19th
    • Scholarships (Patrick Brejcha, Rich Truesdell, Vern Shasky) – Link information on scholarships is getting pushed out to the high schools
    • Public Relations (Rich Truesdell, Joe Keller, Brad Glarum, Cindie Van Tassel, Mandy Steinberger) – Brad brought CDs of pictures for the website and Facebook of the Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby
    • Red River Projects (Brett Lambrecht, Rich Truesdell) – no new updates
    • Mooreton Pond Projects (Brad Glarum, Greg Gerou, Vern Shasky, Rich Truesdell) – Floats are coming for the 4th dock
    • Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby (Vern Shasky, Cindie Van Tassel) – 2021 event: 308 kids; 23 fish caught; committee will meet again in Dec 2021 to talk more about 2022. Next year – February 19, 2022
    • Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby (Rich & Becci Truesdell) – May 1, 2021 @ Kidder Rec – volunteers needed
    • Dick Bell Catfish Derby (Justin Kratz) – June 5, 2021 @ Kidder Rec – volunteers needed
    • Family Fishing Nights (Cindie Van Tassel) – TBD for 2021
    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (Greg Gerou, Wayne Beyer) – August 4, 2021 @ Kidder Rec
    • Fall Youth Goose Hunt (Dylan Teberg, Cindie Van Tassel) – TBD for 2021
    • Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Kevin Manock) – September 18, 2021 @ Tewaukon
    • Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt (Mark Althoff) – October 2, 2021
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup (Abby Carlson) – October 16, 2021
    • National Wild Turkey Federation (Richland Renegade Toms Chairperson Brad Glarum) – June 4, 2021 @ Mooreton
    • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Bois-de-Sioux Chapter) – April 10, 2021 at Wahpeton Events Center
    • Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range (Bob Rosemore, Greg Gerou, Mark Althoff) – league play begins June 2, 2021 – Shingles to be replaced with metal roofing
    • Veterans Hunt (Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch) – September 11 and 12, 2021. 1st year will be geared towards military veterans; subsequent years will look to expand to law enforcement, fire personnel, etc
    • Recruitment (Greg Gerou, Abby Carlson, Mary Rausch, Mandy Steinberger, Becci Truesdell, Kelly Carlson) – Membership age is 18. Open to suggestions for a level of activities for those aged 16-18 (Jr Wildlife is through 15). Suggestion made to have yard signs made up for members to put in their yards to advertise for potential new members – no decision was made. Please consider bringing guests or potential new members to the September meeting this fall!
    • 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
    • Salt Water – Youth & Adult

    Old / New / Unfinished Business

    • Reloading Supplies – Potential trip to Recob’s Target Shop in Wisconsin in May (Paul Roeder) Rifle & Shotgun reloading supplies c. Website https://recobstargetshop.com/
    • 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
    • Wood Duck House Project Thank Yous: Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish & Wildlife Service, American Foundation for Wildlife of Bismarck, Builders FirstSource of Wahpeton, Fastenal of Breckenridge, Tractor Supply of Wahpeton, Wahpeton Ace Hardware, Del Hoefs’ Wood Shop and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club members for volunteering their time working on this conservation project
    • From Chahinkapa Zoo: looking for 3 volunteers for their Hop Into Spring event

    Meeting adjourned.

  • Sportsmen’s Club, Tewaukon Refuge team up for wood ducks

    By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Mar 8, 2021

    A project to increase the wood duck population at Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge is ongoing. It’s included teamwork between the refuge and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, the building of nesting boxes and the installation of them at and around the refuge. - Courtesy National Wildlife Federation
    A project to increase the wood duck population at Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge is ongoing. It’s included teamwork between the refuge and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, the building of nesting boxes and the installation of them at and around the refuge. – Courtesy National Wildlife Federation

    The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club had an opportunity to not only assist a local nature site but continue its mission of enhancing habitats.

    Club President Greg Gerou and Patrick Fitzmorris, the new manager of the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, located south of Cayuga, North Dakota, recently shared a conversation. Fitzmorris’ goals for Tewaukon include increasing the refuge’s wood duck population.

    “The problem is that there are limited natural nesting cavities available for the ducks,” Gerou said. “Many of the old growth trees that had cavities have died and fallen over.”

    Gerou and Fitzmorris’ conversation led to a project that would provide a number of wood duck nesting boxes. Before the Tewaukon plan, Gerou explained, the Sportsmen’s Club had been talking to a landowner in rural Hankinson, North Dakota, about providing nesting boxes in the Horseshoe Lake and Stacks Slough area. Ultimately, the two projects were merged.

    Utilizing plans from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a materials list and cost estimates were developed. Many organizations and individuals collaborated on or contributed to the project. For example, the American Foundation for Wildlife, Bismarck, North Dakota, provided the funding grant and rough sawn cedar was purchased through Builders FirstSource, Wahpeton.

    “According to the plans, the amount of wood purchased should make 12 nesting boxes,” Gerou said.

    Fastenal of Breckenridge, Minnesota, provided the exterior decking screws for assembling the boxes. Wood shavings, used for nesting material, were purchased from Tractor Supply Co., Wahpeton, and waterproof wood glue came from Wahpeton Ace Hardware.

    “Del Hoefts, one of our club members, offered the use of his woodworking shop for the cutting and assembly of the units,” Gerou said. “Club members assisted with the cutting of material. Through a lot of measuring and calculating, they were able to cut the material to make one additional nesting box.”

    From there, the boxes were assembled, the nesting material was loaded and the boxes were ready for distribution. Eight of the boxes were delivered on Feb. 25, 2021 to Tewaukon.

    “Refuge personnel will determine their locations and install the boxes. The remaining boxes will go to replace some nesting enclosures near Horseshoe Lake and Stacks Slough west of Hankinson, as well as add some new nesting sites along the Wild Rice River in rural Wahpeton,” Gerou said.

    Gerou reiterated his many thanks to the groups which came together to make the project possible for the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, including: Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Foundation for Wildlife, Bismarck, Builders FirstSource, Fastenal, Tractor Supply Co. and Wahpeton Ace Hardware.

    “A big thank you goes to Del Hoefs’ wood shop of rural Wahpeton and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club members for volunteering their time working on this conservation project, Gerou said. “The plan is to have the boxes installed prior to the wood duck arrival this coming spring.”

  • Not a fish story: Heitkamp Derby makes successful return

    Not a fish story: Heitkamp Derby makes successful return

    Frank Stanko • Daily News Feb 22, 2021

    The 2021 Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby, held Saturday, Feb. 20 in Wahpeton, might have been one for the record books.

    While final numbers were not available Saturday, early indications suggested that this year’s attendance surpassed the record of nearly 260 youth who participated in 2020. A free, public event, the derby is traditionally held on Heitkamp Pond, Wahpeton, and has volunteering from people including members of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club.

    “We want everyone to stay on the pond and enjoy the fishing,” Club President Greg Gerou said Saturday.

    Khloe Heitkamp, 9, is one of the granddaughters of Neil Heitkamp. She was among the youth having a good time Saturday.
    Khloe Heitkamp, 9, is one of the granddaughters of Neil Heitkamp. She was among the youth having a good time Saturday.

    Gerou was advising all derby participants to not wander off and check out the ice atop the Red River. Saturday’s weather included warmer temperatures, increasing the chance of thin ice on unprotected areas unlike Heitkamp Pond. Other safety precautions included wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    “I’ve been fishing since I was about age 3,” said Khloe Heitkamp, 9, Watford City, North Dakota.

    Khloe Heitkamp and her sister Madison, 18, are the granddaughters of Neil Heitkamp. The pair were among the youth having a good time Saturday.

    “It’s the chance to get outside when the weather’s halfway decent and have something to do in winter,” Gary Page, owner and president of Heitkamp Construction, said previously. “We get the chance to get kids out of the house and off of their electronics.”

    For many youth, ice fishing is a family affair. Wrex Geffre, 4, Wahpeton, took part in the derby for the first time. He was joined by brothers Axel, 6, and Jax, 8.

    For many youth, ice fishing is a family affair. Wrex Geffre, 4, Wahpeton, took part in the derby for the first time. He was joined by brothers Axel, 6, and Jax, 8.
    For many youth, ice fishing is a family affair. Wrex Geffre, 4, Wahpeton, took part in the derby for the first time. He was joined by brothers Axel, 6, and Jax, 8.

    “They saw a flyer and, well, we’ve always wanted to try this,” said Brittany Geffre, the boys’ mother. “They’re out with their grandpas today.”

    Harper Bult, 6-and-a-half, came with her mom, Candi. Harper had caught five fish by the time Daily News caught up with her and there was the chance she’d catch plenty more.

    “It’s my first time fishing,” Bult said. “I’m liking it a lot.”

    Derby organizers say there’s been a growing number of participants from outside the Twin Towns Area. Dean Beyer, Breckenridge, Minnesota, brought daughters Cece, 6, and Evie, 4. The group was completed by Dean’s brother, Pat, his daughter Mady, 16, and son, Jace, 10, and their neighbor Ian Abbott, 12, all from Fargo.

    “My little brother Dean comes every year and he said, ‘Hey, come on down to this thing,’” Pat Beyer said. “It’s a great time to get the kids out. They’re outside and enjoying the outdoors and we’re all together as a family with some good people.”

  • February 18, 2021 Minutes

    A Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club meeting was held on the 18th day of February, 2021 from 7:30-9 PM at the Wahpeton Community Center. Greg Gerou, Cindie VanTassel, Greg Braun, Kelly Carlson, TJ / Mandy Steinberger, Brad Glarum, Jerry Oren, Patrick Brejcha and Wayne Beyer attended the meeting. 

    Motion-Second-Carried (MSC) – Glarum, Carlson to approve 2-21-21 minutes.

    Kasen Neppl, youth pheasant hunter, received a beautiful rooster mount by Jeff Schwartz that was harvested during the Youth Pheasant Hunt at Chuck Haus’ farm.

    Mark Althoff highlighted the Youth Pheasant Hunt:

    • 15 young hunters enjoyed a high quality hunt on private land owned by a conservation-friendly farmer.
    • Safety was emphasized throughout and hunting ethics, including cleanup, were followed.
    • Hunters learned about landowner relations, First Aid and ND Game & Fish laws.
    • Greg Gerou and kitchen crew prepared a tasty breakfast of pancakes and sausage donated by Manock Meats.
    • Jeff Schwartz, local taxidermist offered a generous discount to artistically mount a rooster in a flying pose.
    • Other terrific sponsors included Renegade Toms / Wild Turkey Federation, Richland County Pheasants, Connor Severance (gunsmith), Pioneer Seed, ND Game & Fish Department and Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club.

    Kasen Neppl thanked the club for the rooster mount and support of youth hunting. He said everybody had much fun and he plans to continue pheasant hunting. Kasen shoots trap for Richland 44 and expressed appreciation for RRASC support. He said organizations like ours make a big difference in growing youth hunter numbers. 

    REPORTS 

    President 

    It is a ND legislative year. Outdoor legislation can be followed at https://gf.nd.gov/legislation. The ND Wildlife Federation hosts weekly Zoom meetings and Executive Director John Bradley maintains a NDWF Bill Tracker list. Bills of interest include:

    • HB 1113 – requires landowner permission for hunters to place bait or use game cameras on private land.
    • HB 1120 – allows disabled veterans an opportunity for an early-season deer hunt.
    • HB 1215 – transfers 10% of Outdoor Heritage Fund balance into a loan fund for qualified applicants.
    • HB 1218 – allows non-residents to hunt on the first pheasant season week on their own PLOTS land.
    • HB 1340 – restricts game wardens to enter onto private land without permission.
    • SB 2036 & SB 2144 – continues the electronic posting option, increased to all counties.
    • SB 2143 – allows florescent pink, camo-pink and camo-orange for big game clothing.

    Local legislator contacts include Senator Larry Luick (lluick@nd.gov), Representative Alisa Mitskog (amitskog@nd.gov) and Representative Cindie Schreiber-Beck (schreiberbeck@nd.gov).

    The Awards Banquet was scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd at Hughes Shelter. Greg will ask Brian Solum / Outdoor Adventures about being the guest speaker. Cindie Van Tassel offered to help like past years.

    Nominations are open for the following awards: (1) Sportsman of the Year, (2) Lifetime Membership, (3) Lifetime Achievement, (4) Conservationist / Landowner Award and (5) Conservation Officer recognition at the Game Warden Museum. They need to be submitted by the March 18th meeting. 

    Treasurer

    • $900 donations were received for the Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby. Bill payments were communicated.
    • Checking account balance is $39,575.
    • MSC (Mandy Steinberger, VanTassel) to approve treasurer’s report 

    Parks & Recreation

    • NDGF Spring Advisory Meeting is scheduled on Monday, April 19th at the American Legion building on the south shores of Lake Elsie, Hankinson.
    • ND Sportfishing Congress raffle tickets were made available. Two club members are needed as delegates. Their annual banquet is scheduled on Saturday, April 17th.
    • Information is being gathered for NDWF trap shooting grant applications for Wahpeton and Richland 44.
    • ANS wash station is planned near the fish cleaning station at the Kidder Rec Area.
    • $100 Wal-Mart gift card was received for Jr. Wildlife Club meals 

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

    • Hunters Smoker is scheduled on Saturday, October 23rd. Setup, including food preparation at St. John’s Mehok Center, is Friday, October 22nd.
    • TJ and Mandy Steinberger did a great job offering air rifle shooting to 16 Jr. Wildlife Club members. A gun needs repairs. Patrick Brejcha thanked the Steinbergers for the class greatly enjoyed by his son. Mandy was happy that a couple girls participated. Rich Truesdell / Boy Scouts will offer building wood duck nest boxes at Comstock Construction on Thursday, March 18th.
    • Mandy Steinberger volunteered to serve on the Public Relations Committee.
    • Upcoming Mooreton Pond project includes installing floats on a fishing pier.
    • Brad Glarum reported on the National Wild Turkey Federation / Richland Renegade Toms fund-raiser at the Mooreton Community Center on Friday, June 4th.
    • The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Bois-de-Sioux Chapter) fund-raiser is scheduled on Saturday, April 10th at the Wahpeton Events Center.
    • The Mooreton Joe Pikarski Trap Range opens league play on Wednesday, June 2nd. Shotgun shells are hard to find.
    • The Veterans Hunt is scheduled on Saturday, September 11th.
    • Hunting contest deer entries were received from Joe Keller and Curt LeNoue. Joe also entered a 8 7/8” turkey beard and 21 13/16” pheasant tail feather. 

    A Recruitment Committee has recognized the following:

    • The club needs to begin active recruiting of new and energetic members.
    • We can expect to see some of the current active members, as they retire, move out of the area.
    • We need to replenish these members and grow our membership.
    • NDGF R3 Coordinator may be a good resource to follow up with.

    Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby

    • 1-3 PM at Heitkamp Pond on Saturday, February 20th.
    • Volunteers are needed! Call Cindie VanTassel at 643-4374 to volunteer. Registration starts at noon.
    • Donations can be given to Parks & Rec, Vern Shasky, Cindie Van Tassel, Gary Page and Jon Hegge.
    • A registration gift/prize will be given to each youth registering.
    • Trophies will be given out.
    • ND Game & Fish donated 300 mini-tackle boxes.
    • Hot dogs, hot cocoa and cookies will be served.
    • Masks will be required by volunteers. Heitkamp Construction designing some for the volunteers.
    • Tables, chairs, cones, trophies, First Aid kit and other supplies will be picked up at the Community Center at 9:30 AM. Chili will be served at Heitkamp Pond for the volunteers.
    • An ice fishing house will be given away. The winner needs to be present.

    Activities with Proposed or Customary Dates

    • Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 1st.
    • Dick Bell Catfish Derby on Saturday, June 5th.
    • Family Fishing Nights to be determined.
    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby on Wednesday, August 4th.
    • Fall Youth Giant Canada Goose Hunt to be determined.
    • Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt on Saturday, September 18th.
    • Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt on Saturday, October 2nd.
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup to be determined.

    Old / New / Unfinished Business

    • Reloading supplies are in demand. Paul Roeder may be making a potential trip to Recob’s Target Shop in Wisconsin in May. Their web site address is https://recobstargetshop.com/.
    • Bench recognition plaque name nominations are being received for the five benches added along the Red River by Shea Truesdell. Multiple names may be on each bench. Nominations have been received for Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Randy Hovde and Larry Brunkhorst. Congratulations to Shea, who will receive his Eagle Scout award at Hughes Shelter on Sunday, February 21st.
    • Club members discussed activities and ways to engage 16-18 year-olds, including club membership, activities for their age group, etc. Quarterly events or meetings could be considered. They are at a transitional age.
    • MSC (VanTassel, Braun) to approve $250 contribution to the Jr. Duck Stamp Contest.
    • MSC (Braun, Glarum) to approve $250 donation to the ND Archery Advisory Committee for scholarships.
    • Mandy reported the Breckenridge Community Center and City of Breckenridge received nine pairs of snowshoes that can be loaned.
    • TJ informed club members there is possible federal legislation that could greatly escalate gun prices and in turn, negatively impact hunting. It is important to get involved with state and federal legislation.

    Correspondence

    • President Gerou offered congratulations to Mike Anderson, NDGF Employee of the Year. He is the Video Project Supervisor who received the agency’s Director’s Award for Professional Excellence at the NDGF annual staff meeting in December. Mike has done a great job covering a few RRASC events.
    • 2021 North Dakota Game Wardens Association scholarship applications are available.
    • Chahinkapa Zoo received $16,995 on their first Giving Hearts Day for zoo operations and animal care. RRASC donated $1000.

    The next meeting is scheduled at the Community Center at 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 18th.

    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. 

  • NDWF is a respected outdoors voice

    By Wayne Beyer Jan 22, 2021 Wahpeton Daily News

    The 86th ND Wildlife Federation (NDWF) Conference was recently held. The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) is one of its 14 club affiliates. The mission of the NDWF is to ensure abundant wildlife, wildlife habitat and access to wildlife recreational opportunities.

    NDWF is a respected outdoors voice. Its 1,500 members are passionate about the outdoors.

    Past members and friends have bequeathed estates to preserve critical habitat in North Dakota, including wetlands for cranes and the Badlands of Dunn and McKenzie counties. NDWF has stretched available funding with the Audubon Society and Natural Resources Trust to put a half million dollars on the ground.

    Federal funding sources, including the Great American Outdoors Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund have passed to support habitat. Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) is next on the agenda.

    Getting youths afield is a priority. This fall, RRASC got a $1,200 NDWF grant to introduce youth hunters to giant Canada goose hunting. NDWF has supported the Ladies Pheasant Hunt organized by Abby Carlson. A hunt for disabled veterans is being considered.

    NDWF is a cooperative partner with the ND Game and Fish Department (NDGF) and ND Department of Transportation to sponsor a pollinator garden at the Beach, ND Rest Area. NDWF previously supported the introduction of more sage grouse in southwestern North Dakota to revive that struggling population.

    The premiere NDWF fund-raiser is the Big Spenders banquet in Valley City on Saturday, April 10. The Barnes County Wildlife Federation has long been an active, supportive member.

    NDWF is a key partner with the Report All Poachers (RAP) program. Sportsmen are unified in opposition to people who violate game and fish laws and cast a bad light on hunters. RAP sponsors metal “ASK” signs to try helping landowner / sportsmen relations.

    Youth trap shooting grants have previously been awarded to Wahpeton and Richland high school teams. The proliferation of trap shooting and National Archery in the Schools (NASP) programs have helped recruit future sportsmen and hunters.

    Greg Gerou has been an active NDWF Board Member and tackled the challenging task of updating by-laws. Joe Keller was elected as another Board Member.

    NDWF is very active at the Legislature and Executive Director John Bradley has credible influence. NDWF is a non-profit supporter of NDGF, whose professional wildlife staff use data and science to make well thought out recommendations. NDGF uses income from hunting and fishing licenses and does not receive funding from the state’s General Fund. NDWF is hopeful that considerable funding can be available for wildlife friendly habitat and public access.

    Dave Dewald, NDWF President served on a State Legislature Interim Committee with legislators and landowners to propose bills that allow electronic posting. It appears to be a favorable win-win for property owners and hunters. It gives farmers and ranchers an easy, quick way to let others know online about access.

    Collin O’Mara / National Wildlife Federation Executive Director addressed our group. North Dakota is a major player on the national wildlife landscape. Much of the Prairie Pothole Region is in North Dakota and O’Mara called us the “Duck Factory.” Our diversified landscape includes the Missouri River, rugged Badlands and shrinking native prairie, all vital ecosystems.

    Strategic planning includes R3 — “Recruit, Retain and Reactivate” sportsmen to hunt and fish. This is an important issue for anyone concerned about wildlife management, conservation and the future of our hunting traditions.

    NDWF has existed for 86 years because of members like the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club who get youths hunting and fishing, support wildlife habitat and Red River conservation, offer monthly Junior Wildlife activities, fund archery and trap shooting, sponsor conservation education and are a voice for preserving our outdoors.

  • January 21, 2021 Minutes

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

    Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC by Brad, Rich 

    Reports 

    President 

    • Board of Directors met January 7 and came up with the 2021 budget 

    Treasurer

    • $38,000 – MSC by Kelly, Curt 
    • Memorial money has been received in memory of Larry Brunkhorst and Mike Fenske 

    Parks & Recreation

    NDGF 

    • Spring Advisory Board Meeting – April 21, 2021 at American Legion, Lake Elsie, Hankinson 
    • $2,500 youth hunt grant received 

    ND Sportfishing Congress 

    • Fishing tournament fees legislation 

    NDWF 

    • January 9, 2021 Virtual Annual Conference 
    • Trap shooting grant applications – $2500; Wayne will assist the high school clubs on behalf of RRASC and Richland Wildlife (sponsors) for $1250 each – MSC Jerry, Paul 
    • Joe Keller was voted onto the Board of Directors at NDWF 

    ND Legislature 

    • SB 2136 & 2144 / Public Access / No Trespass bills – allows property owners to post their land online versus all land being automatically posted 
    • SB 2143: Blaze Pink will be allowed in addition to Blaze Orange to hunter clothing options – this bill goes into more detail relating to camouflage patterns percentages allowed on these clothing options 

    Red River Development 

    • 2021 project applications due end of January – 75% NDGF/25% Club 
    • ANS wash station at Kidder Rec Area – wash station or vacuum/blower system being discussed/reviewed 

    Local Activities  

    • Urban bow hunting season for whitetail deer / decisions – City has had some discussion on this topic, but there are still logistical questions being discussed/reviewed – NDGF has provided information on what protocols other cities (such as Fargo) have used in their urban bow hunt 
    • Twin Town Archery program – held Sundays at WCC 

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

    Hunters Smoker

    • Committee has not met yet; looking to move the event to a Saturday so we can have an earlier start time; Committee with work with Wayne to find openings at the Community Center 

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee

    • Dylan Teberg came in and used a mold injection to make plastic lures for the youth; 13 kids attended 

    Website

    • Grant form to be added to the website 

    Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby

    • February 20, 2021 
    • Volunteers are needed! If you can help please call Cindie after Jan. 25th at 643-4374 to volunteer. Many options are available. 12:00 p.m. is registration, Fishing from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 
    • If you know of someone wanting to make a donation, it can be given to Wayne Beyer, Vern Shasky, Cindie Van Tassel or Gary Page & Jon Hegge. 
    • A registration gift/prize will be given to each person registering. Other prizes will be discussed at a later date. Those prizes will be determined by what funds are raised. Trophies will be given out. Hot dogs, hot cocoa and cookies will be given away. 
    • Masks will be required by volunteers. (Heitkamp Construction is working on designing some for the volunteers). 
    • Posters to come. 

    Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby

    • May 1, 2021 
    • Volunteers needed; Covid protocols to be worked out 

    National Wild Turkey Federation

    • Fundraiser Banquet – June 4, 2021 

    Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Bois-de-Sioux Chapter)

    • Fundraiser Banquet – April 10, 2021 at Wahpeton Events Center 

    Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range

    • Spring meeting being planned 

    Veterans Hunt

    • Meeting February 3 to discuss event partnership between RRASC, Cass County Wildlife, Hometown Hero Outdoors and Stiklestad Lodge 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests 

    Deer, Elk, etc. – Youth & Adult 

    • New entry: Brad Glarum, 5×4 whitetail 

    Old / New / Unfinished Business 

    Chahinkapa Zoo Donation

    • 2020 prize sponsorship of $500.00 was delivered by Greg B that had been discussed and approved in October, but the check had not been written at the time.
    • $1,000.00 to be donated to the Zoo towards Giving Hearts Day – MSC Greg B, Becci 
    • Will discuss future donation(s) at a future meeting 

    Storage 

    • Wayne moved the decoys and fishing rods to the upper level of City Hall 
    • Is there any interest from another group for the old PA system? Currently no outside interest or ideas 

    Memorial 

    • Consider Memorial tree planting for Mike Fenske at Tewaukon – MSC Brad, Abby 

    High School Clay Target League 2021 

    • League is moving forward for 2021; Shooting could begin April 2021 
    • May have a shotgun shell shortage – 7 ½ or 8 shot will be needed 

    Reloading Supplies 

    • Potential trip to Recob’s Target Shop in May in Wisconsin (Paul Roeder) 
    • Rifle & Shotgun reloading supplies 
    • Website     https://recobstargetshop.com/ 

    MN High School Fishing League 

    • Will NOT be having the annual ice fishing tournament this year. They will instead be having a raffle and virtual silent auction. Cindie will share more information as it becomes available. 
    • As of now, they are planning to start with the fishing league as scheduled. They will be using an app for sign in and weigh in for all youth and have immediate results of the contest. This will allow for social distancing requirements for the schools. 

    Spring banquet – Will be discussed at next meeting 

    Thank You notes will be sent out for memorial funds received; Wayne will send out 

    Bench recognition plaque name nominations 

    • Plan is to have multiple names per plaque – 5 benches will need plaques 
    • Nominations received: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding – added Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom at this meeting 

    February 21 at 1 pm will be Shea Truesdell’s Eagle Scout ceremony at Hughes Shelter 

    NDGF has a grant for Affiliated Clubs – funds can be used for club events – will be looking into applying for youth events 

    Adjournment 

  • Gun Raffle Drawing

    Gun Raffle Drawing

    Thank you to everyone for supporting our fundraiser raffle. Congratulations to the winners.

    Please join us next year for our Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker in October. Drawing for the raffle was held December 17, 2020.

    Gun Raffle Drawing Winners

    • Benelli Nova 12 ga. – Jeff Morrow
    • Tikka TX3 Lite 243 Win – Kendra Rossow
    • CZ-USA 75 Compact 9mm – Paul Erdelt
    • Ruger 10/22 22LR – Dave Roeder
    • Benelli Super Nova 12 ga. – David Sullivan
    • Savage 17 HMR – Allen Berg
    • Savage 110 Apex 270 Win – Tim Braun
    • Springfield XDM Elite 9mm – Jessie Schuler
    • Smith & Wesson M&P 22LR – Jake Grueneich
    • Glock G19 Gen5 9mm – Al Amundson

  • December 17, 2020 Minutes

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Curt Mund, Vern Shasky, Chuck Haus, Paul Sinner, Becci Truesdell, Rich Truesdell, Cindie Van Tassel, Wayne Beyer, Kelly Carlson, Clint Arndt

    MSC by Vern and Curt to approve the November meeting minutes

    Financial Report

    • Plan / Schedule budget planning meeting for 2021 budget – Greg G will contact the board to get a meeting scheduled before the January club meeting
    • Yearly Storage unit rent payment
    • $36,774.01; MSC by Vern and Chuck

    Club Business

    Raffle Ticket Drawing

    Larry Brunkhorst funeral, Friday at 11:00AM – St. John’s Church

    • Sympathy Card to Larry Brunkhorst’s family – Cindie (done)
    • Memorial tree planting at Tewaukon National Wildlife refuge for Larry Brunkhorst – Wayne (done)
    • The obituary requested donations to RRASC, among other organizations; some donations have been received by the family, and they will get it to the club.

    Consider memorial tree planting for Jeff Trom at Tewaukon National Wildlife refuge

    • MSC by Wayne and Curt to get a tree planted

    Status of the Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – scheduled for February 20, 2021

    • Gary Page has concerns on the event because of number of participants
    • The committee will meet before the January club meeting to decide whether or not to proceed

    Old, Unfinished or New Business

    Inventory in WCC

    • Shotgun shells – sort and inventory shotgun shells to be scheduled
    • Wayne took inventory; the club has a good supply on hand

    Wood Duck Houses

    • Del Hoefs is willing to help assemble the houses – the American Foundation for Wildlife grant of $500 would cover the majority of the costs of this project; MSC Greg B and Rich to move forward with this project; Rich will check with Fastenal for potential donation of hardware
    • Wood is rough sawn cedar, 1x10x12’ – $38.78 each, would have to be ordered
    • For 12 houses: $465.36 plus tax; price includes shipping
    • The fasteners are exterior decking screws, would need approximately 300 screws for 12 houses
    • Prices vary but the estimate is for $50.00 plus tax
    • The wood shavings for the bottom of the next cavity $5.99/bag, one bag should do for all houses
    • Total cost would be $531.35 plus tax
    • Fastenal donated the fasteners; remaining materials have been ordered; a letter will be sent to AFW to let them know what the grants funds will be used for

    Consider reimbursement to the trap ranges for the three hunts:

    • Head of the Red, Joe Pikarski Trap Range, JT’s Sporting Clays
    • Thank You letters will go out for the youth and womens hunts

    Hide and carcass dumpsters from T&G Sanitation have been placed at Blazer Express and near Waste Management, thank you Vern Shasky!

    • Dumpsters to be picked up Dec 18
    • Thank Yous requested for the airport and Blazers for the dumpsters placed on their properties

    2020 Club Christmas Party – Cindie is not planning to plan due to Covid-19 restrictions; will consider a Christmas in July potluck party.

    Becci brought some layout ideas for the bench plaques

    • Nomination for name to go on a plaque: Larry Brunkhorst
    • Prior nominations: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding

    NDGF Spring Advisory meeting currently scheduled for April 21 at Lake Elsie

    CVB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) is looking for local club(s) for interest in hosting a fishing tournament to draw visitors to the area; no decision was made by RRASC to host or participate, but topic was discussed; more information would be needed

    Adjournment

  • November 19, 2020 Minutes

    A Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club meeting was held at Hughes Shelter at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Greg Gerou, Wayne Beyer, Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson, Becci Truesdell, Rich Truesdell, Greg Braun and Mary Rausch attended the meeting.

    Motion-Second-Carried (MSC) – Rich and Abby to approve 10-15-2020 minutes.

    Correction to the October minutes: Jerry Oren, not Kelly Carlson, was part of the group that brought Mooreton Pond boat ramp and fishing piers in for the season. 

    Treasured, Greg Braun reported $32,563.52 club account balance. MSC Wayne and Abby to approve financial report. 

    NDG&F Big game license lottery application – Any 501(c)3 can apply; elk, moose, pronghorn, whitetail.

    ND Sportfishing Congress is looking into hiring a lobbyist to monitor bills and legislation. 

    NDWF Annual Conference – Jan 8-10, 2021 virtual 

    Red River Development 

    • ANS boat wash project has not been finalized; information is still being gathered. 
    • Kidder Rec Area fishing pier / shoreline access project – Comstock put 3” rock down this fall.

    Eagle Scout Bench Recognition Plates

    • Anyone can submit names of someone(s) to be recognized, please contact a Board member to submit your nomination.
    • There are 5 benches; suggestion was made for plagues to allow for multiple names. 
    • Nominations received so far: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding 

    2021 NDG&F project applications due end of January – 75% covered by ND G&F, 25% covered by RRASC 

    • Replacement of floats for Mooreton Pond docks 

    Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – No state grants issued this year due to Covid-19 

    Tewaukon Refuge – Pheasant hunting season starts on Monday, November 23rd 

    Local Activities – Possible Urban bow hunting season for whitetail deer 

    Grant received of $500 from Wal-Mart  for Jr Wildlife Club.

    Twin Town Archery program – Right now only available times for them to practice at Wahpeton Community Center is Sundays, 3:30 PM-5:30 PM due to amount of activities going on.

    Hunter’s Smoker Committee – cancelled for 2020 

    • Planning a gun raffle: 10 guns, 1000 tickets at $10 each; drawing Dec. 17, 2020 at 7:30PM 
    • Permit has been requested; books will be distributed to club members; each book will contain 10 tickets 
    • Drawing will be held during the Dec meeting; plan is to try to hold a Facebook live event 
    • Thank you to the Truesdells for their work with this modified event!! 

    Jr. Wildlife Club – November event was cancelled; no Dec event 

    Public Relations 

    • Zoo Boo went well, many in attendance 

    Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – scheduled for February 20, 2021 

    Ladies Rooster Roundup – October 24, 2020 

    • Abby is expecting pictures back soon; there was lots of interest this year; 16 ladies participated, broken into 2 groups, and got 31 birds 

    National Wild Turkey Federation – banquet planned for Feb 5, 2021 

    Head of the Red Gun & Archery Club – closed for the season 

    Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range – closed for the season 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests Entries

    • Dick Bell’s grandson: 6×5 whitetail, approximately 200 lbs field dressed 
    • Chuck Haus: Pheasant 24” tail feather 

    Chahinkapa Zoo fundraiser: Tickle Your Ribs, Nov 20, 2020 

    Inventory in WCC 

    • Shotgun shells – sort and inventory shotgun shells to be scheduled 

    Wood Duck Houses

    • Del Hoefs is willing to help assemble the houses
    • The American Foundation for Wildlife grant of $500 would cover the majority of the costs of this project
    • MSC Greg B and Rich to move forward with this project; Rich will check with Fastenal for potential donation of hardware 
    • Wood is rough sawn cedar, 1x10x12’ – $38.78 each, would have to be ordered 
    • For 12 houses: $465.36 plus tax; price includes shipping 
    • The fasteners are exterior decking screws, would need approximately 300 screws for 12 houses – Prices vary but the estimate is for $50.00 plus tax 
    • The wood shavings for the bottom of the next cavity $5.99/bag, one bag should do for all houses 
    • Total cost would be $531.35 plus tax 

    Consider reimbursement to the trap ranges for the three hunts: Head of the Red, Joe Pikarski Trap Range, JT’s Sporting Clays 

    Hide and carcass dumpsters from T&G Sanitation have been placed at Blazer Express and near Waste Management, thank you Vern Shasky! 

    2020 Club Christmas Party – Cindie is not planning to plan due to Covid-19 restrictions; will consider a Christmas in July potluck party. 

    Received a letter from the Barnes County Wildlife club to see if RRASC would like to purchase a ticket to their annual Big Spenders banquet; tickets are $100; MSC Wayne and Rich to purchase one ticket 

    Received a Thank You from Prairie Wetlands for the annual contribution made to them 

    The next meeting is scheduled at Wahpeton Community Center on Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 PM.

    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

  • October 15, 2020 Minutes

    A Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club meeting was held at Hughes Shelter from 7:30 to 8:45 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2020. Greg Gerou, Paul Sinner, Abby / Kelly Carlson, Becci Truesdell, Cindie VanTassel, Greg Braun and Wayne Beyer attended the meeting. 

    Motion-Second-Carried (MSC) – (VanTassel, Kelly Carlson) to approve 9-17-20 minutes.

    Shea Truesdell made a presentation about his Eagle Scout project that consisted of placing five benches along the Red River at the Kidder Recreation Area. It was a cooperative project with RRASC (25% funding) and ND Game & Fish Department (75% funding). Names should be considered for plates on the benches. Shea’s input will be invited and the matter should remain on the agenda. 

    Treasurer Greg Braun reported on recent expenditures for the Ladies Rooster Roundup, Youth Pheasant Hunt, Jr. Wildlife Club and guns for the raffle. Checking account balance is $35,304.19. MSC (Abby Carlson, VanTassel) to approve the financial report. 

    Abby Carlson reported the proposed urban archery hunt will be considered at the December 8th Public Works Committee meeting. City Attorney Brittany Hatting is researching other cities. Deer numbers, license availability and hunting zones would have to be approved. Cindie VanTassel suggested contacting law enforcement about the deer population. 

    The NDGF Fall Advisory Board Meeting has been changed to a virtual event on Tuesday, December 1st at 7 PM. 

    The ND Sportfishing Congress meeting on Saturday, October 17th has been changed to a Zoom meeting.

    The ND Wildlife Federation meeting on Thursday, October 22nd has been changed to a Zoom meeting.

    Red River Projects

    • Different locations are being considered for an ANS boat wash station at the Kidder Recreation Area. 
    • Comstock Construction will be rip-rapping the Kidder Rec Area fishing pier / shoreline access.
    • Bob Miranowski repaired the Brushvale / Red River dock and should be invited to the banquet. 

    Hunter’s Smoker

    The Hunters Smoker will not be held this fall and a ten-gun raffle will be held instead. 1000 $10 tickets will be sold. Ten-ticket books will be distributed to club members. They are also available at Manock Meats, Bigwood Electric and Fairmount Locker. The drawing is scheduled on December 17th at 7:30 PM.

    Junior Wildlife Club

    • Eagle Scouts Wauker Spanel and Shea Truesdell taught a Wilderness Survival class to six Junior Wildlife Club members. Indoor archery is scheduled on Thursday, November 19th. $30 mileage will be sent to the two dog trainers at the September class. 
    • Cindie VanTassel plans to represent the club at Zoo Boo.

    Public Relations

    • Becci Truesdell thanked club members who have been able to provide pictures. She reported that there may be a Holiday Lights Parade. Facebook has ten Instagram followers. 

    Hunting Activities

    • Youth hunt chairs were thanked for their successful efforts, including Canada Geese – Dylan Teberg (four youths X two days of hunting), Waterfowl – Kevin Manock (ten youths with lots of shooting) and Pheasants – Mark Althoff (16 youths who all got action).
    • Abby Carlson is organizing the Ladies Rooster Roundup on Saturday, October 24th. $2100 was budgeted. $497 balance remains from last year. It is about $250 short so fund-raising continues. 16 women plan to hunt. Volunteers are lined up. Greg Gerou, Chad Perdue and Kelly Carlson will help with the pre-hunt trap shooting. Lunch will consist of a fish fry and chili. A landowner gift will be purchased.
    • The Cass County Wildlife Club approved a $1000 donation for a veterans hunt on Saturday, April 24, 2021. FM Vets are interested in participating. Volunteers would be needed. Budget is $4000. ND Game-Fish will help sponsor the event. MSC (VanTassel, Kelly Carlson) to sponsor a Wounded Warriors hunt.

    ‘Wild Games’ fund-raiser will not be held by Chahinkapa Zoo this fall. MSC (Beyer, Abby Carlson) to donate $500 to Chahinkapa Zoo for an outdoors related prize. 

    Greg Gerou reported storage includes (18) 16-quart cookers when a dozen are needed. The Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club (6) and Greg Braun (2) have cookers available. There are two large coolers in rough shape that will be tossed. There are about 20 rods and reels that Steve Truesdell has offered to fix. 

    The SE Area Sportsmen’s Club is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 17th at 7:30 PM at Hughes Shelter. 

    Greg Gerou, Kelly Carlson and Del Hoefs brought the Mooreton Pond boat ramp and fishing piers in for the season. 

    The Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby is scheduled on Saturday, February 20, 2021.

    Brad Glarum reported the National Wild Turkey Federation / Richland Renegade Toms fund-raiser is scheduled at the Mooreton Community Center on February 5, 2021. $50 calendar raffle tickets are being sold.

    The Head of the Red Gun / Archery Club and Joe Pikarski Trap Range are closed for the season. 

    Wood duck houses have been requested for Tewaukon Refuge (6), west Hankinson trees on a Chuck Haus wetland (4) and a Minnesota Lake (2). It could be a club project or Paul Roader has volunteered to assemble the units. Greg Gerou will get material prices. 

    The next meeting is scheduled at Hughes Shelter on Thursday, November 19that 7:30 PM.

    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Red River Area Sportsmen's Club

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