Wahpeton Daily News
Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club board member Cindie Van Tassel presented a $500 check to Lidgerwood, N.D., archery coach Eric Trittin. The presentation was made Sunday, April 7, during Lidgerwood archery’s freewill hotdish and silent auction fundraiser. Sixteen youth will travel to Sandy, Utah, to participate in the National Archery Tournament on April 26-27. Congratulations to the youth shooters and coaches.
Courtesy Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club
Wahpeton Daily News – By Wayne Beyer
Fishing, a lifetime activity, has always been a priority, just like youth sports, with Wahpeton Parks and Recreation.
I am reminded of the importance of mentoring fishing to young children, watching four-year-old grandson Jack skillfully cast his Zebco 202 spincast reel while we bobber fish along shorelines for bluegills.
The Twin Towns are fortunate to have a fishery like the Bois de Sioux, Otter Tail and Red rivers that flow through the cities. The rivers are big enough to hold fish, yet small enough to cast across that any fish could be caught. They provide year-round outdoor recreation.
It was always exciting to see children bicycling to river hotspots with a rod and reel flung over their handlebars. Same thrills seeing elders make their way down the bank!
We have been fortunate to benefit from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF). Our fishing licenses are great investments. Bob Frohlich, NDGF Fisheries Development Supervisor who manages grants, has been especially helpful.
Fishing piers are placed on the Red River across the swim pool in Chahinkapa Park, just north of equipment sheds along the Bois de Sioux Golf Course and at the Kidder Recreation Area between the rock rapids and Highway 210 North bridge.
The Kidder Recreation Area low head dam was the second rock retrofitted dam on the Red River. The final dam at Drayton was renovated this past year so fish migration is possible from Canada to its confluence in Breckenridge-Wahpeton. Welcome, giant channel catfish!
Larry Brunkhorst visioned a wildlife club that could support fishing. The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) was a perfect partner for Parks-Recreation to start youth fishing derbies.
The Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby is scheduled on the first May Saturday. Vince Herding, long-time RRASC president, was all smiles when kids came fishing. With his rosy red cheeks, he was like a year-round Santa Claus with young children.
The Dick Bell Catfish Tournament started with the Carousel Days Festival on the first June Saturday. It was remarkable to see Dick’s patience as he showed young fishermen how to tie knots with their monofilament line near Wahpper, the world’s largest channel catfish.
Brunkhorst relished that you never really knew what was on the line in the river until the fish was lifted out of the water. “Brunk” was hilarious when he imitated a fat-lipped carp so RRASC coined “Brunk’s Carp and Sucker Derby” to celebrate catching non-game fish.
Ice fishing derbies started on the rivers, sometimes during sucker runs visible under the ice. The Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby, now championed by Gary Page and his dedicated Heitkamp Construction crew, attracts hundreds at its mid-February event on Heitkamp Pond.
Shoreline fishing and accessibility have benefitted from several NDGF grants. Roger Jensen designed concrete fishing platforms after observing his father’s desire to keep fishing. It was Brunk’s idea to add steps by the rock rapids instead of traversing rock riprap.
NDGF grants supported the Kidder Recreation boat ramp and dock, fish cleaning station and stabilizing several shoreline fishing areas. Every single river project needed a Corps of Engineers permit, sometimes a lengthy process.
The North Dakota Sportfishing Congress supported legislative funding for addressing Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) that included a grant for a boat cleaning station at the Kidder Recreation Area. Zebra mussels made their way to North Dakota from the Otter Tail River to the Red River. Shucks!
Canoes and kayaks were obtained from North Dakota Surplus and locals to be available for rentals to fish open water in the area. NDGF sponsored a “Rod and Reel Loaner Program” where our inventory started. Fly fishing rods and reels were obtained from a NDGF volunteer class.
The Junior Wildlife Club often capitalizes on fishing. Its first activity was a presentation by professional fisherman Mike Miller. Youths have learned to make jigs and cast from mentors.
Reasons to take kids fishing are endless, including fun, getting outdoors, family bonding time, wildlife observation, nature exploration and relaxation. Fish taste delicious and are high in protein. Catfish are revered in Texas, just like North Dakota, and often featured at restaurants.
The Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby is scheduled at the Kidder Recreation Area from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Fishing equipment and bait are available, if needed. Melissa Schumacher and Becci Truesdell, Vince’s daughters, and Rich Truesdell do a super job. Don’t miss an opportunity for children to fish the great Red River of the North.
Call to order at 7:30 pm by President Greg Gerou
Attendance: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Rich Truesdell, Melissa Schumacher, Becci Truesdell, Cindie VanTassel, Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson, Curt Mund, Bob Rosemore, Paul Sinner, Kelly Turgeon
MSC (Kelly C., Mel S.) to approve the February 15, 2024 meeting minutes
Board of Directors Reports
President
Treasurer – $73,959.34 (plus $10k invested and $6k in cash)
Secretary
Directors
General Committee Reports
Parks & Recreation
Jr. Wildlife Club
Scholarship
Public Relations
Recruitment
Seasonal Committee Reports
Internal Club Contests
New/Old/Unfinished Business
Communications
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
No April Meeting. Please attend the Spring Banquet on April 25 at Hughes Shelter.
May meeting on the 16th at 7:30 pm at the Wahpeton Community Center.
Wahpeton Daily News – submitted by the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club
Congratulations go out to Hudson Miller. Not long ago, Hudson participated in the 2023 Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s Youth Pheasant Hunt. Hudson’s pheasant was selected out of the birds that were harvested to be mounted. As you can see by the picture, it is a fine-looking bird. Local taxidermist Jeff Schwartz mounted the bird and he also covered half of the cost, with the sportsman’s club covering the remaining.
The annual Youth Pheasant Hunt was held on Sept. 30, 2023, which coincided with the North Dakota Game & Fish Department’s youth pheasant hunting season dates. The sportsmen’s club has an active working partnership with landowners Chuck and Chari Haus of rural Hankinson, North Dakota, and it was a privilege for the club to bring 15 young hunters to the Haus’ property for this much anticipated hunt.
The day started with a safety meeting, overview of the property, demonstrations on how to hunt with dogs, and instruction for the hunters and mentors as to how the day would progress. All the hunters had opportunities to harvest birds and had fun watching the dogs as they worked the cover.
Following the hunt, there was a demonstration of the techniques of cleaning the birds. The hunters, mentors, parents and volunteers were served a pancake and sausage breakfast.
Many individuals and businesses were also partners with the sportsmen’s club to insure this was a fun day for the hunters, and their contributions need to be recognized. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for assisting with the purchasing of shells, Dean Belmore of Belmore and Sons for donating a shotgun to the event, (won by McKenna Manock following a drawing from the names on the attendance roster), Steve Manock of Manock Meats in Great Bend, North Dakota, for donating the sausage for the breakfast. Brad Glarum from the Richland Renegade Tom’s chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation brought a number of prizes that were handed out to all the hunters and Corteva for supplying the blaze orange caps for all the hunters. Additionally, the Mooreton Sportsman’s Club opened the Joe Pikarski Trap Range the day before the actual hunt so the hunters could get in some practice.
A big thank you goes to the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club for planning and scheduling the event, to club member Mark Althoff who was the event chairperson, to the club members that volunteered to assist with the hunt and cooking the breakfast. It was a pleasure to have Chuck and Cheri Haus host the annual youth hunt and our appreciation goes to the many mentors and parents that helped the hunters have a fun and successful day. Because of the support this hunt receives from the local community, it is offered to the hunters at no cost.
Plans are in the works for the 2024 Youth Pheasant Hunt, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 5, 2024. Keep watch on the www.rrasc.net website for details.
Greg Gerou, Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club
Feb 26, 2024 – Wahpeton Daily News
With favorable weather leading up to Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, Heitkamp Construction, together with the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, organized the annual Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby.
The derby was held on the property owned by Heitkamp Construction at 18205 Red River Road. It was open to any young “fisherperson” 18 years of age and younger. Both boys and girls were welcome.
Prior to the event, both Heitkamp Construction and the Sportsmen’s Club were checking ice conditions, wanting to insure everyone would be safe as they had fun catching fish and enjoying the day.
Using Heitkamp’s Pond for the derby has been a tradition for many years. The derby has a growing reputation and it brought members of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation to assist with the event. NDWF President Kerry Whipp and NDWF Executive Director John Bradley were put to work clearing holes, helping with registration and handout the hot dogs. Kerry also took a lot of pictures.
Registration started at 12 p.m., and as the young anglers registered, they were given a door prize of an Ugly Stick ice fishing rod and reel. Age groups were 0-6 boys and girls, 7-11 boys and girls and 12-18 boys and girls, with approximately 160 in attendance along with parents and grandparents. During the entire derby, the Heitkamp Construction Crew served hot chocolate, hot dogs and cookies for everyone enjoyment.
The derby’s fishing started at 1 p.m., and this year’s event brought in more than 100 fish to be registered before the derby ended at 3 p.m. The event was catch and release, so as soon as the fish were brought in and measured, they were released back into the pond.
Trophies were given for the best crappie, perch, sunfish and walleye. Each category had first, second and third place winners, with each receiving a trophy and gift cards. First place in the categories were:
The 16-1/2 inch walleye named Lyle, caught by three-year-old Helfenstein, was the largest fish of the day. To Westyn’s great surprise, she also won an ice fishing container filled with $200 in tackle presented by Gary Page, owner of Heitkamp Construction.
There was also a prize given out for the smallest fish measured, which was a 4-½ inch perch caught by Luke Isom. Luke received a handmade ice fishing rod and a large ice fishing rod storage container.
At the end of the event, names were drawn for a grand prize in each of the registration age groups, which included portable ice fishing shanties, underwater cameras and gift cards. The days prizes also included five hand-built ice fishing rods donated by Lonnie Wurst of Richland Custom Rods out of Barney, North Dakota.
A huge thank you goes to Gary Page, the owner of Heitkamp Construction, for allowing the derby to be held on their private pond. A special thank you goes to Butch Stollenwerk, Jon Hegge and the Heitkamp Construction crew for collecting the door prizes and their many friends that came out to help with the event.
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club was a working partner, turning out a number of volunteers, providing bait and loaner ice fishing rods. Cindie Van Tassel was the club’s coordinator, working with Heitkamp Construction to insure everything ran smoothly during the event. The Wahpeton Parks and Rec Department supplied tables, chairs, made the trophies and the provided safety cones for the parking areas.
Thank you to the Wahpeton and Breckenridge, Minnesota, communities and many generous businesses that provided prizes for the anglers. This year, the Heitkamp Derby even got some television air time on Valley News Live’s “North Dakota Nice” when Amanda Kosior talked about the derby and all its activities.
The kids had a great time, which made this year’s Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby such a big success.
By Frank Stanko Daily News
Feb 19, 2024
One-hundred-seventy-six youth were registered for the 19th Annual Neil E. Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby. They caught approximately 175 fish, with many of the youth having a great time along the way. This year’s derby took place Saturday, Feb. 17 on Heitkamp Pond.
This year’s anglers included Westyn Helfenstein, 3, Foxhome, Minnesota, who came in first for two categories. Lyle, a 16 1/2-inch walleye named by Helfenstein, won the girl the best in walleye and largest fish categories. Helfenstein came with her mom, Alisha.
“Westyn received an ice fishing pail with more than $200 worth of ice fishing equipment,” the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club announced Monday, Feb. 19.
Helfenstein also came in second for the walleye category, with a 13-inch fish caught. The third place rank went to Emily Andrews, who caught a 12 1/2-inch walleye.
In addition to walleyes, there were winners in the perch, sunfish and crappie categories. The perch catches were led by Milo Hough’s 10 3/4-inch catch, followed by Aiden Luna’s 10 1/2-inch catch and Leana Ascheman’s 10-inch catch.
The sunfish catches were led by Nora Nelson’s 8 1/4-inch catch, followed by Joshua Barth’s 8-inch catch and Rylan Gunnerson’s 7 1/2-inch catch. Gunnerson came in first for the crappie catches with a 15 1/2-inch catch. He was followed by Ella Snyder’s 13 1/2-inch catch and Colt Besette’s 13-inch catch.
Ranking as the lowest catch overall was a 4 1/2-inch perch caught by Luke Isom. Still, Isom was a winner. He received an handmade ice fishing road and a large ice fishing rod storage container.
“All first place winners received a trophy and a handcrafted ice fishing rod made by Lonnie Wurst,” the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club announced. “Second place winners all received a trophy and a $20 gift card. Third place winners all received a trophy and a $10 gift card.”
There were also several grand prize winners based on anglers’ ages. Sam Sandry and Taia Krogh each won a $50 gift card and portable ice fishing shelter for being the top boy and girl in the 0-6 age range. James Svailes won a portable ice fishing shelter for being the top boy in the 7-11 age range. Scarlette Davis won an underwater camera for being the top girl in the 7-11 age range. Finally, Joel Bultema and Kenna Manock won a portable fish house and an underwater camera, respectively, for being the tops in the 12-18 age range.
Winning was not everything on Saturday, however. There were also opportunities for fun, like when Denver Leinen, 5, Hankinson, North Dakota, made an ice angel. Duan Van Der Merwe, 14, whose family is visiting Wahpeton from South Africa, got to walk on the ice for the first time.
“We just want to give a huge thank you to the generous various businesses, individuals, friends and employees of Heitkamp Construction and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club for putting together another wonderful event for the youth in our community,” derby organizers said Monday.
Additional photos from the derby will run in Thursday’s Daily News.
Call to order at 7:30 pm by President Greg Gerou
Attendance: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Brad Edwardson, Rich Truesdell, Justin Kratz, LeRoy Smith, Jerry Oren, Melissa Schumacher, Becci Truesdell, Cindie VanTassel, Charlie Loll
MSC (Rich T., Mel S.) to approve the January 18, 2024 meeting minutes
President Report
NDGF Youth Conservation & Leadership Waterfowl Summer Camp Opportunity
Status of Wahpeton Community Center with proposed Wellness Center
Transfer of checking to First Community Credit Union – in progress need to get signatures from the executive board
Plan to purchase a laptop computer and software for the club
Nominations are open for the club awards until the end of the March meeting (Sportsperson of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Lifetime Member Award, Landowner/Conservationist, Conservation Officer)
Multiple grant funding is available. NDWF grant has been submitted.
Treasurer Report
Directors
General Committee Reports
Parks & Recreation
Jr. Wildlife Club
Scholarship
Public Relations
Recruitment
Seasonal Committee Reports
Internal Club Contests
New/Old/Unfinished Business
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm.
The next club meeting is March 21 at the Wahpeton Community Center at 7:30 p.m.
By North Dakota Wildlife Federation
Jan. 31, 2024 – Wahpeton Daily News
The North Dakota Wildlife Federation (NDWF) recognized several area sportsmen and women at their annual convention, held Jan. 6, 2024, in Fargo, North Dakota.
Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell, a member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club in Wahpeton, was recognized as the “2024 Sportswoman of the Year.”
“Truesdell is the driving force behind the club’s annual fundraising event, the co-chair for the club’s annual youth fishing derby, and manages the club’s website,” NDWF President Kerry Whipp said. “Becci is committed to the success of the many Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s events and programs.”
Whipp also recognized outdoor writer Brad Dokken, Grand Forks as the “Conservation Communicator of the Year.” Dokken’s outdoor articles cover hunting and fishing adventures and topics in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada.
“Brad, writing for the Grand Forks Herald, has become something of an ‘endangered species’ as the only outdoor writer for a daily newspaper in the state,” Whipp said. “His writing brings the sights, smells, and sounds of his outdoor forays to his readers.”
Federation Executive Director John Bradley presented the Cass County Wildlife Club with the “2024 Affiliate Club of the Year” award.
The Cass County Club owns and maintains a trap range and rifle range that are open to the public. Club members teach hunter education classes, host youth hunting and fishing events, and support local “Archery in the Schools” programs.
“Cass County also has partnerships with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Cass County Park Board to develop and maintain habitat and recreation facilities on local wildlife management and fishing areas,” Bradley said.
Rodney O’Clair, Jamestown, North Dakota, was given a “Special Recognition” award for his work as treasurer of the Federation, being a long-time board of directors member, and his work representing the North Dakota Hunter Education Association.
Call to order at 7:30 pm by President Greg Gerou at the Wahpeton Community Center
Attendance: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Brad Edwardson, Rich Truesdell, Curt Mund, Justin Kratz, LeRoy Smith, Jerry Oren, Melissa
Schumacher, Kelly Carlson, Becci Truesdell, Brad Glarum
MSC (Kelly C., Curt M.) to approve the November 16, 2023 meeting minutes.
President Report
Review/Update/Approve the 2024 proposed budget
NDWF Annual Convention
Plan to purchase a laptop computer and software for the club
Nominations are open for the club awards until the end of the March meeting (Sportsperson of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Lifetime Member Award, Landowner/Conservationist, Conservation Officer)
Applications are open for the NDGF Encouraging Tomorrows Hunters Grant
Multiple grant funding is available – If anyone is interested in taking on the responsibility of writing grants for the club talk to Greg Gerou. There are many opportunities available. Someone who knows the club well would be ideal. Grants could help us fund getting our own building.
The Building Committee met to discuss what our club needs are – further discussion to come.
Vice President Report
The 17th Annual NWT Richland Renegade Toms banquet is February 2. They have all the games and prizes ready. Jakes table will have a single shot and 22 rifles. Trying a PP board this year at $20/sq. (120 squares) that will have 4-5 pistols on it. There will be multiple prizes on each game.
Secretary Report
Would like to meet with the President and Treasurer to clean up our Excel membership list.
Treasurer
$89,913.64
The club needs to find a different bank. The current bank charges to many fees and they have become difficult to work with. Proposed to move to First Community Credit Union. Greg Gerou, Brad Glarum, Greg Braun, Rebecca Truesdell would be listed on the new account (MSC Brad G., Kelly C.)
Directors Reports
MN DNR Fisheries & Wildlife
Chahinkapa Zoo
General Committee Reports
Parks & Recreation
Jr. Wildlife Club
Public Relations
Air Rifle
Seasonal Committee Reports
Internal Club Contests
New/Old/Unfinished Business
Correspondence
The meeting adjourned at 9:27 pm.
Cass County Wildlife Club, Brad Dokken, Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell and Rodney O’Clair all were recognized at the Federation’s annual convention Saturday, Jan. 6.
Grand Forks Herald – January 10, 2024
FARGO – The North Dakota Wildlife Federation recognized several area sportsmen and sportswomen at their annual convention Jan. 6 in Fargo.
Brad Dokken, longtime outdoor writer for the Grand Forks Herald, was named “Conservation Communicator of the Year” by the Federation. Dokken’s outdoor articles cover hunting and fishing adventures and topics in North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada.
Brad Dokken with a Devils Lake northern pike. Dokken was recognized by the North Dakota Wildlife Federation as its “Conservation Communicator of the Year” at the group’s annual convention Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Fargo.
“Brad, writing for the Grand Forks Herald, has become something of an ‘endangered species’ as the only outdoor writer for a daily newspaper in the state,” said Kerry Whipp, president of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. “His writing brings the sights, smells and sounds of his outdoor forays to his readers.”
Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell, a member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club in Wahpeton, North Dakota, was recognized as the “Sportswoman of the Year.”
“Truesdell is the driving force behind the club’s annual fund-raising event, the co-chair for the club’s annual youth fishing derby and manages the club’s website,” Whipp said. “Becci is responsible for the success of the many Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s events and programs.”
John Bradley, the Federation’s executive director, presented the Cass County Wildlife Club, based in Casselton, North Dakota, with the “Affiliate Club of the Year” award.
“The Cass County Club owns and maintains a trap range and rifle range that are open to the public,” Bradley said. “Club members teach Hunter Education classes, host youth hunting and fishing events and support local ‘Archery in the Schools’ programs.
“Cass County also has partnerships with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Cass County Park Board to develop and maintain habitat and recreation facilities on local wildlife management and fishing areas,” Bradley added.
The Wildlife Federation honored Rodney O’Clair of Jamestown with a “Special Recognition” award for his work as treasurer of the Federation, his longtime service on the Board of Directors and his work representing the North Dakota Hunter Education Association.
A non-profit sportsmen’s club introducing kids to the outdoors while supporting local conservation and habitat stewardship.