By Shoba Dasari, Wahpeton Daily News – May 7, 2025
The banks of the Red River of north were bustling with excitement on Saturday, May 3 as more than 110 young participants and their families gathered at the Kidder Recreation Area for the annual Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby, hosted by the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC).
The annual Vince Herding fishing derby was held on Saturday.
The derby continues the legacy of Vince Herding for more than 30 years who is a founding member of the RRASC known for his passion for the outdoors and dedication to youth conservation.
The event welcomed boys and girls ages 18 and under for a full day of fishing, friendly competition and community spirit.
“Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the event a huge success! We’re also incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors—from local businesses to community organizations—their support helps to make this event possible,” said Becci Truesdell, event co-chair.
Participants competed for top prizes in multiple age categories. Trophies were awarded for the largest catches and for skill in the casting contest, while every participant went home with a thank-you bag full of goodies and a door prize provided by the RRASC.
Adam Agayev with the fish he caught.
Top Catch Winners by Age Group:
6 and under: James Agayev – 5.45 lb. Redhorse Sucker
7 to 12: Adam Agayev – 8.2 lb. Carp
13 to 18: Caleb Storo – 8.35 lb. Catfish
Casting Contest Winners (Closest to target):
6 and under: Max Isom – 42”
7 to 12: Carter Miranowski – 29”
13 to 18: Zeke Paulson – 43”
The RRASC praised the volunteers and sponsors whose contributions extend beyond the derby, supporting the club’s year-round efforts to offer free activities for youth and advance conservation across Richland and Wilkin Counties, as well as in North Dakota and Minnesota.
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club 2025 award winners from left, front row, Kathy Langenwalter, Kathy Dieckmann and Kristine Askerooth. Back row, Chuck Haus, Greg Gerou, Tom Schmaltz, Greg Braun, Bob Rosemore and Steve Manock.
Kristine Askerooth was not only the presenter for the evening at the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) annual Spring Awards Banquet, but she was also recognized for her 35 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including 30 years at Tewaukon Refuge.
Askerooth, an accomplished wildlife biologist, is retiring after dedicating her professional career to conserving natural resources so wildlife and plants would thrive in North Dakota.
Former Wahpeton Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Beyer was one of the many people benefiting from her impact. He presented Askerooth with the Conservation/Wildlife Employee Award for her years of service.
“Kristine was the ultimate educated professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and a Master’s Degree from North Dakota State University for Wildlife Biology Natural Resources Management,” Beyer said.
Beyer continued to praise Askerooth for being an incredible teacher.
“Kristine was an incredible teacher and taught the youth (and senior chaperones) to carefully observe striking details to identify waterfowl and shorebirds, like the chalky blue bill on a ruddy duck, sloping chestnut-red forehead on a canvasback and the long, upturned bill of an American avocet,” he said.
After Askerooth received her award, RRASC President Greg Gerou thanked the board of directors for making RRASC a success.
“I have had the privilege of being the president of the RRASC for the past 19 years … One of the major reasons the club is successful is the dedication of its board of directors,” Gerou said. “I would like to express my personal appreciation to both the past and current members of the board of directors for their dedication to the RRASC.”
Gerou also thanked the many organizations, individuals and businesses that have partnered with RRASC for their dedication to the organization.
“Many of these events have developed into partnerships with other organizations and individuals such as Heitkamp Construction, Chuck and Cheri Haus, Cass County Wildlife Club, Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association and Comstock Construction, along with many others,” he said. “These partnerships assist the club’s commitments to ensuring the event participants have a quality experience.”
Finally, Gerou mentioned the RRASC’s critical event, the Sportsmen’s Smoker.
“This fundraiser drives everything that the club does … The committee members’ dedication to the club and innovative ideas gave us a very successful event. They created a sponsorship program where businesses and individuals became sponsors and club members … They have also developed a partnership with Chahinkapa Zoo, where we share the various equipment for the games,” Gerou said.
Next, awards were given out. Norah Forman received $1,500 from the Wayne Beyer Scholarship. Forman is working towards a B.S. in Biological Science with a concentration in Conservation Biology and Ecology. She is attending Montana State University; her hometown is Fergus Falls.
2025 RRASC Annual Awards:
Lifetime Achievement: Chuck Haus
Lifetime Member: Kathy Langenwalter
Sportsperson of the Year: Bob Rosemore
Distinguished Service: Steve Manock
Volunteer Service: Greg Gerou and Greg Braun
Landowner / Conservationist: Tom Schmaltz and Kathy Diekman
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club Junior Wildlife Club members hold the wren houses they made.
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club Junior Wildlife Club members made their own wren houses on Thursday, March 20, at Comstock Construction.
Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club Junior Wildlife Club member Koby Nelson holds her wren house at Comstock Construction.
Melissa and Stuart Schumacher got the wren birdhouse project ready for the youth. Stuart Schumacher gave the demonstration to the kids before they started putting their wren houses together.
“The way we set it up is we have everything pre-cut and ready to go,” Melissa Schumacher said.
Comstock Construction has been hosting the birdhouse-making event for over 10 years.
“That’s usually one of our most popular events during the year; it’s one of the bigger turnouts,” Melissa Schumacher said.
These activities are free of charge for members because of the support of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club.
Youth between the ages of eight and 16 can go to www.rrasc.net, look under the Jr. Wildlife tab, fill out the information, and become a member.
Nominations will close at the end of the March meeting – please don’t wait until the last minute to nominate
Treasurer
Expenses: RMEF $800, NCL $300, Joe K NDWF Trip $670, Daily News $280, Econo $57.05, Heitkamp $15, Flickr/Website $72.99
$110,231.59 total between all accounts (checking, savings, Thrivent and cash)
MSC (Brad / Cindie)
General Committee Reports Jr. Wildlife Club
March 20 – Birdhouses at Comstock. Melissa and Stuart prepped all the materials and showed the kids how to assemble them. Had 15 kids attend.
April 29 – Tewaukon Bird Watching. Will have room for 16 kids, no parents on the bus. They are welcome to follow in own vehicle. Binoculars recommended.
Committee will be getting together to plan next year’s activities.
Park and Recreation
The old double fridge is available. Talk to Brad if interested with an offer.
Public Relations
Greg G. presented at the Wahpeton Lions and Kiwanis groups about the club.
Becci proposed the purchase of a custom branded 10×10 canopy, 7.5’ outdoor sail sign flag and 8’ table cloth for the club to use for events. Total cost about $2,500. Will run final designs by the Board of Directors. MSC (Kelly/Brad)
Seasonal Committee Reports
Heitkamp Fishing Derby
264 kids – good turnout of participants and volunteers. Thank you to all the volunteers.
Cindie is going to talk to Reeds about getting some gas augers instead of using the battery ones.
Will need to stock the pond with minnows once the weather is nicer.
Need to set up more kid-friendly fishing rods.
Next year February 21, 2026
Vince Herding Fishing Derby – Poster available to hang up. Anyone able to volunteer should let Rich or Becci know..
Internal Club Contests
Abby C – 16 species of Waterfowl shot
Old / New / Unfinished Business
Club’s Spring Banquet – April 24 @ Hughes Shelter. Need to determine the speaker.
App for the ND special lottery (deer/elk/moose/pronghorn) has been submitted for the club.
Call to order by President Greg Gerou at 7:34 p.m.
Attendance: Greg G., Greg B., Brad E., Cindie V., Jerry O., Josh B., Melissa S., Rich T., Bob R., Brad G., Kelly C., Curt M.
Minutes: (No changes noted.) MSC (Brad G./Rich T.) to approve January 15
Board of Directors Reports
President
Doug Madsen (701-238-3087) wants to know if RRASC would host the NDGF District 5 Spring Advisory Meeting. Open dates are Monday 4-21-2025 or Tuesday 4-22-2025.
Decision is for Monday, April 21. Evening event 7 p.m. at Hughes Shelter. 4 people will be needed to help with setup and clean up. Club will provide dinner and beverages.
Need committee chairs for the Dick Bell Catfish Derby (June) and the Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (August). There are instructions on what was done prior. Let Greg know if interested.
Greg will be presenting the RRASC to the Lions Club on February 26
Consider establishing a partnership with the Richland / Wilkin Kinship. Help with their events, they can share our Jr Wildlife information.
Wahpeton Buffalo Club Raffle to Support the Zoo. $20 / ticket – 10 $500 Visa gift cards
Scott Muehler Family donated to RRASC – adult hunting cloth, knife set, bone saw, antler mount plaque, binoculars. A thank you letter has been sent.
RMEF Grant Program announced for 2025. This may make grant applications easier for next year.
For the March Meeting – Mark Althoff will present the mounted pheasant
Nominations are open for the following:
Sportsman of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Membership
Agricultural / Landowner Conservationist of the Year
Square has been connected for online payments for memberships.
Need to do our taxes
$112, 388.42 total between all accounts (checking, savings, Thrivent and cash)
MSC (Cindie/Bob)
Directors
Rich is working on a new FFL for the Smoker. Has been talking to his brother about applying. Requests the club to pay for the paperwork. MSC (Bob/Kelly)
Kelly brought up the Schmitt & Sons has a bunch of insulated buildings the aquired from the diversion project in Fargo as a possibility for the club. We would need to find land for it and initial expenses would include moving costs, concrete, electrical and plumbing.
General Committee Reports
Jr. Wildlife Club
February 20 Air Rifle – 14 kids attended. TJ & Mandy ran the event – thank you!
March 20 – Birdhouses at Comstock there will be room for 25
April 29 – Tewaukon Bird Watching. Will have room for 16 kids, no parents on the bus. They are welcome to follow in own vehicle. Binoculars recommended.
Park & Recreation
Game & Fish grant for fishing cleaning and aquatic stations. Need to reach out about it.
April 29 Wahpeton special vote for sales taxx increase for the Wellness Center.
Infinity Center in Breckenridge has proposed archery range and simulators.
Scholarship
Only had one applicant this year and they had fantastic qualifications. Also last time they are available to apply. Motion to give them $1,500. MSC (Kelly/Brad)
Board of Directors will review scholarship language for future years to distribute money set aside by number of applicants.
Becci proposed the purchase of a custom branded 10×10 canopy, 7.5’ outdoor sail sign flag and 8’ table cloth for the club to use for events. Total cost about $2,500. Will run final designs by the Board of Directors. MSC (Kelly/Brad)
Seasonal Committee Reports
Heitkamp Fishing Derby – Moved to March 1 from 1-3 p.m. 20th year of the event
Cindie has all the prizes picked up
There will be a new parking layout this year.
In need of volunteers, especially because of date change.
Club’s Spring Banquet – April 24 @ Hughes Shelter. Need to determine the speaker.
Club received the Non-profit of the Year from the Wahpeton/Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce. Rich was also nominated for the Mark Werre Volunteer Award.
Received a donation letter from Northern Lights Council. Motion to donate $300 again this year with a letter that the money is to be applied to the updates for fishing at Camp Wilderness. MSC (Greg B./Kelly)
Southern Valley Figure Skating donation request – pass
Bob said the Hankinson Wildlife Club has a large gun safe they purchased and don’t use. They are interested in getting rid of it. He will find out more information.
Other Group Events
Bois de Sioux Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet April 5 at the Wahpeton Events Center
Giving Hearts Day donation: Cindie Van Tassel, left, board member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club presented Kathy Diekman, director of Chahinkapa Zoo with a check for $2,000.00 as part of the Giving Hearts Day campaign which helps area charities and nonprofits.
$101,534 checking / $7,000 cash in safe / $10,628 Thrivent = $119,162 total
MSC (Cindie/Joe)
Directors
Zoo needs matching donation to participate in Giving Hearts Day – proposed $2,000 (Cindie/Rich)
General Committee Reports Jr. Wildlife Club
January 16 – Darkhouse spearfishing and decoys
8 kids. Lonnie Wurst talked to the kids about spearing and how to make decoys. Justin shared a video of spearfishing in action. Each participant went home with a custom made decoy.
Proposed to pay Lonnie for the decoys up to $200 (Rich/Brad)
Call to order by President Greg Gerou at 7:30 p.m.
Attendance: Kelly C, Greg G, Greg B, Curt M, Chuck H, Josh B, Brad E, Cindie V, Kevin M, Jerry O, Rich T, Becci T, Melissa S, Brad G, Leroy S
Minutes: (No changes noted.) MSC (Curt/Kevin) to approve October 17
Board of Directors Reports
President
Digital Guru Service Contract for Laptop – President, Treasurer, and Secretary to review and decide on coverage
NDWF Shooting Sports economic impact statement – hunting opportunities bring a lot of income into the state, especially out-of-state hunters
Board of Directors to review bylaws and have recommendations for early 2025. Areas to review: investments, property ownership, reimbursements, membership.
Board of Directors to schedule a Budget Planning meeting before the January 2025 meeting
Dick Bell Catfish Tournament & Carp and Sucker Derbies needs a chairperson. Did not hold in 2024.
Develop plans to utilize the Outdoor Heritage Fund grant for specific RRASC projects – will provide the rules and possible list of options to the club.
Carcass and Hide Dumpsters are in place at Tractor Supply and Blazer Express through December – thank you Rich for organizing. NDWF will share the cost of the deer carcass dumpster again this year. Need the invoice from T&G Sanitation to submit. There is still a need to check into a camera for next year – once again there were a lot of wasted animals left in the dumpsters.
Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club pass-through grant from NDWF
NDWF grant for $1,000 for the Ladies Rooster Roundup
Darren Johnson Memorial check ($24) from Joe and Renee Speidel – he was a local guy who really liked the outdoors
NDG&F R3 grand follow-up has been sent, and need to send receipts also. We were approved for $3,000.
Fall Hunt discussions
The cost of pheasants is going up, need a plan to best utilize the purchase of birds
Consider working with the Hankinson Club to have a single youth hunt
Each hunt purchased 100 birds. RRASC had 5 hunters and Hankinson had 12 hunters.
Ladies Rooster Roundup and Band of Brothers also purchased birds.
The RRASC helps cover the cost of the birds for these hunts. $4,500 this year. MSC (Brad G/Rich) to approve to pay Chuck for this year’s birds
Consider less birds next year – only 2 per youth signed up?
Jawaski Auto Creation donated fishing rods – open water and ice rods
Grant applications – NDSCS Clay Target ($500), Wahpeton NASP Archery ($1,500) approved prior to the meeting
Vice President
There is a discussion about having the NWTF shooting trailer at the Wilkin County Fair this year.
Sportsmen’s Smoker – Thank you to everyone for all their help!!!
We have a great profit again this year and all the help was great. Having the guns with Trigger helped their business with people trading up for more expensive guns. Next year will be trying fewer games, we need to make sure to have more volunteers available to relieve workers. The 2025 event is on October 18.
Seasonal Committee Reports
Ladies Hunt Recap – 10 participants, and they all had a good time. Total cost $4,419.98 (other than the birds). After $4,400 in grants and donations only $20 cost to club.
Heitkamp Fishing Derby – February 15. There will be a rod repair night coming up before.
Internal Club Contests
Rich 5×5 buck with multiple 1” stickers (adult)
Charlie Smith 4×4 buck (youth)
Other Group Events
Richland Wildlife Club on December 7 in Hankinson
Richland Renegade Toms Banquet on February 7. Tickets will be available starting in December.
Good of the Order
Thank you from the Band of Brothers and Twist of Fate
The tables were filled during the Red River Area Sportmen’s Club’s 35th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s 35th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker was held Saturday. Members and guests filled the Wahpeton Community Center to enjoy the evening’s activities.
RRASC President Greg Gerou relayed that the club is made up of a great group of volunteers, about 160 members in total. “If not for them, we wouldn’t have any of – events and activities – the annual smoker provides a lot of funding for the club and the volunteers work hard to put it all together.”
Funds raised from the smoker are used for the events the group sponsors including summer fishing derbies, fall youth hunting, an ice fishing derby and the junior wildlife program.
“The club likes to provide opportunities for kids who may not otherwise get to be involved with outdoor things like fishing and hunting,” Gerou said. “That is why the volunteers do it, making those opportunities possible,”
The smoker is a time for like-minded people to come together, enjoy a meal, games, raffles and a chance to catch up with one another.
Raffle and game tables are a fan favorite at the annual event.
Gerou shared that RRASC is always looking for new members to join in. “It costs $10 a year to be a club member. We encourage our members to volunteer for the areas they are comfortable with, but it is not a requirement. We just want people to help out if they can.”
What might that volunteering look like? Gerou wants people to know that they don’t need a set of special skills to get involved.
“Yes, you can join if you are an avid outdoors person but you can help in other ways,” Gerou said. “On the fall hunts we serve breakfast – maybe you can help with the sausage and pancakes. Or if you like to craft, you could help build birdhouses and wood duck houses. Do you like to bird watch – we look for chaperones when we go out to Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge. Even things like logistics, event planning – just reach out if you are interested.”
RRASC expressed a heartfelt “thank you” to all who joined in on the annual fundraiser. The continued support, along with the generosity of local businesses and individuals, enables them to continue providing outdoor opportunities for youth and championing wildlife conservation.
Their work does not stop with the smoker however. Gerou shared that the fall continues to be busy with other involvement such as Sportsmen Against Hunger, a charitable program that raises money for processing of donated deer meat, and coordinates distribution to food pantries.
Hunters can also find containment dumpsters for hides and carcasses in the Twin Towns, including Tractor Supply and Blazer Express, sponsored by the club. RRASC encourages all hunters to utilize these dumpsters and dispose of their hides and carcasses in a clean and safe manner. Being mindful and respectful of what goes in the dumpsters and cleaning up around them as needed is the only request. The dumpsters are available to all deer hunters in either state, so if a Minnesota hunter has a carcass, they can take it to the carcass dumpster located in Wahpeton.
“If you want to talk about our programs or are interested in helping out, just reach out,” Gerou said. “You can find great information on our website, email us, we will do our best to answer your questions.
Call to order by President Greg Gerou at 7:30 p.m.
Attendance: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Curt Mund, Rich Truesdell, Becci Truesdell, Leroy Smith, Kevin Manock, Bob Rosemore, Josh Barringer, Melissa Schumacher, Jerry Oren, Heather Retzer, Brad Edwardson, Kelly Carlson, Derrick Rossow
Welcome: Heather Retzer, Twin Town Archery Update
Archery registration opens November 1 and they will start practice in December. Expecting 90 kids this year (4th-12th grade). We will offer the registration link on our website again this year.
Minutes: (No changes noted.) MSC (Leroy/Greg B.) to approve September 19
Board of Directors Reports
President
Thank you letters and photos have been sent to the fall hunt supporters, except the Goose Hunt – still need the landowners information.
The paperwork for the ND G&F R3 grant is in progress.
Grant requests from NDSCS Clay Target and Wahpeton NASP Archery. Board of Directors will review and bring to next meeting.
Treasurer
Payments: $129.49 Econo, 24 Mileage Checks, $296.88 Mark (Hunt), $337.40 Greg, $150 Kelly (Smoker), $2,756.41 Rich (Smoker), $1512 (Smoker)
The fishing cleaning station is shut down for the winter.
Fishing piers will be out next week.
The city worked on a new parking area behind the golf course cart sheds for the fishing pier.
A new fridge was installed in the kitchen, the old one is in the garage for club use.
Jr. Wildlife Club
October 17 – Indoor Archery. Had 13 of 16 registered show up. It is good to show them the basics of archery, but most of our participants are too young to join the NASP archery (4th grade).
November 21 – Preparing the backyard for spring plants & flowers
Scholarship
A scholarship application from Nora F was approved for a minimum of $500. We could do more if we get no other applications this year. (Kelly/Becci)
Public Relations
Upcoming Community Events
NDSCS Homecoming Parade (October 5) – Rich and Becci did a float for the parade, threw out candy, and promoted the smoker. A good turnout of people downtown.
Zoo Boo (October 26) – Cindie will be at this event.
Sportsmen’s Smoker – Saturday, October 19 doors will open at 4 p.m. this year.
Starting set up and prep Friday and need lots of help Saturday for the event.
Seasonal Committee Reports
Youth Pheasant Hunt (Mark) – October 5
5 youth participated. They shot a few pheasants and one duck. Bellmore and Althoff donated a shotgun that was given away that day.
Ladies Rooster Roundup (Abby) – October 18-19
The hunt is full with 10 participants. They will be attending the smoker that night. Purchased nice sweatshirts for each hunter.
Other Group Events
Band of Brothers – October 26
Chahinkapa Zoo Wild Game Show – November 22
Richland Wildlife Club Banquet – December 7
Richland Rengage Toms Banquet – February 7
Good of the Order
We will be donating a gun leftover from Smoker inventory to the Zoo benefit again this year.
The hide and carcass dumpsters will be available again at Tractor Supply and Blazer Express.
Bench plaque name submissions: Kim Barringer, Kevin Barringer, Randy Knight
The building committee looked at an available option on 6th Street South. Still doesn’t quite fit our needs. Will plan a meeting after January 1 to meet with Clay Target and Archery to figure out the exact needs we should consider.
