Red River Area Sportsmen's Club

Author: Rebecca Truesdell

  • June 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes

    7:30 p.m.• Mooreton Pond

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Rich Truesdell, Brad Edwardson, Cindie VanTassel, Brett Lambrecht, Curt Mund, Brad Glarum, Becci Truesdell, Mary Rausch 

    Approve Minutes from the previous meeting – MSC Cindie, Brad G 

    Treasurer Report

    $81,185.66 – MSC Brad G, Curt 

    Parks & Recreation

    NDGF came on June 5 for fish cleaning station reconfiguration; once work is done, NDGF will bring in a new station 

    Jr Wildlife Club

    • June: Fishing at Mooreton Pond; no youth attended this evening 
    • Working on the upcoming year’s plan and will be shared once available 
    • July: TBD, possibly Zoo
    • Air rifle will be an upcoming activity

    Community Events 

    • Cindie shared an idea to have pens with the club name and website to give out at parades, events, etc – Becci will get some pricing put together 
    • Pop-up online store (Abby) – looking into additional/alternative options. Online clothing store; will include stickers, cozies, coffee mugs, etc. Becci has some ideas she will bring to the club for possible logo rebranding for clothing.

    Red River Projects 

    • Revamping area near the golf course, needs rock to be brought in – there are some other ideas but we need to get it in front of the City 
    • There is a dock not being used; can it be moved? If so, where to? 

    Mooreton Pond Projects 

    • The dock on SE corner needs a board to be replaced and floats need to be adjusted 

    Fishing Activities 

    Dick Bell Catfish Derby – June 3, 2023 

    • Special Thank You to Justin Kratz for the Dick Bell Catfish Tournament! 
    • 4 kids, 11 adults – some new faces this year – volunteers needed for next year 
    • Family Fishing Nights (Cindie VanTassel, Justin Kratz) – TBD for 2023 – volunteers needed! 
    • Looking at Wednesday nights, not having a lot of luck with scheduling 

    Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby – August 2 from 4PM-7PM 

    Head of the Red Gun & Archery Club – Open Now! 

    • Added a shooting night; now open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday starting at 6PM 

    Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range – Summer league and open shooting starts May 31 

    • Second reading of the MSC grant request – first reading done at May meeting – MSC Brad G, Brett for $2500 grant approval – signage created, pending finalization 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) – Youth & Adult categories

    • Deer/Elk/etc.
    • Turkey Beard
    • Pheasant Tail Feather
    • Waterfowl, # of species harvested 

    RRASC Internal Fishing Contests (April – March)

    • Youth & Adult categories: Fresh Water & Salt Water 

    Old / New / Unfinished Business 

    • Bench recognition plaque name nominations; nominations received. Completed: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer. Pending: Chuck Haus, Dick Bell, Dave Langenwalter. The question was asked if we should have plaques for original club members? Will go through club records for a list of names and get it to Becci 
    • “Ask for Permission” signs are available, free to landowners 
    • RAP Auction date confirmed, August 19, 2023 
    • Proposed signage to recognize funding support  
    • Coupon for minnows/worms for youth – Becci added Business Name and Date fields to the back of coupons to help people from making copies; will distribute to businesses 
    • New ND Conceal Carry Instructor, Jon Kaatz, Wahpeton Police Officer. Schedule to be determined.
    • Congratulation to Heather Retzer – 2023 NDGF Volunteer of the Year 
    • NAVHDA recognized RRASC with a plaque for our platinum sponsorship for their Point of Faith youth event 
    • Headwaters Royalty Program – request for funding to support their event – no action taken 

    Upcoming Events

    • Sep 9 Headwaters Parade
    • Sep 9-10 MN Youth Goose Hunt
    • Sep 16 Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt
    • Oct 7 NDSCS Homecoming Parade
    • Oct 7 Youth Pheasant Hunt
    • Oct 21 Smoker
    • Oct 21-22 Ladies Rooster Roundup 

  • May 18, 2023 Minutes

    7:30 PM • Wahpeton Community Center  

    Attendees: Cindie VanTassel, Kevin Manock, Greg Gerou, Justin Kratz, Becci Truesdell, Rich Truesdell, Greg Braun, Nathan Rausch, Kelly Carlson 

    Approve Minutes from the previous meeting – MSC Rich, Kevin 

    President Report

    Club elections: the following have agreed to be nominated for reelection to their offices: 

    • Greg Gerou – President 
    • Brad Glarum – Vice President 
    • Greg Braun – Treasurer 
    • Mary Rausch – Secretary 

    For the appointment of 4 officer positions above: MSC Greg B, Rich 

    • Kelly Carlson – 1 Year Director 
    • Cindie Van Tassel – 2 Year Director (odd year) 

    For appointment of 2 Director positions above: MSC Greg B, Rich 

    • Nominations are open for any of the offices/positions on the Board of Directors. Please bring your nomination(s) to the May meeting. 
    • No additional nominations were received by the May meeting. 

    Completed the North Dakota Community Foundation online application for the RRASC – may have grant funding available to RRASC for various projects 

    Inventory from the 2nd level of City Hall 

    • Duck decoys, goose decoys, 50 summer fishing rods, 2 ice shelters – not in the way, but we do need to make a decision  

    Treasurer Report

    • $81,947.75 
    • Greg B recognized by Greg G for working through taxes 
    • Canceled QuickBooks account – paid $590, will get all but $50 back 

    Parks & Recreation 

    • WCC has implemented its fob & key control system, added a padlock on the safe room 
    • WP&R is cleaning the storage area at WCC. RRASC has 8 file drawers of information dating back to 1985 
    • We need to make a decision on these; discussed scanning and making digital copies; Greg B volunteered to help with this effort. 
    • Still waiting for high water to subside before we put the fishing pier in; our anchor points are still under water. 
    • Parking lot for golf course fishing pier has gravel; rocks still need to be placed along east side of parking lot along the river bank. BBQ grill needs to be welded back onto its post. Future plans are for a covered picnic area. 
    • Last fall the grinder for the fish cleaning station locked up. NDG&F plans to replace the entire fish cleaning table and grinder. Park staff will remove the old one and that will be taken with them to place at a site that just needs a table for cleaning. Wes will be here June 5th to determine what plumbing and/or electrical needs to be moved to fit the new table. The utilities will be the responsibility of the park. When the cost is determined, RRASC may be approached for a contribution. 

    SE Area Sportsmen’s Club

    • Putting together information to see about getting it going again 

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee

    • May: Plant Identification at Kidder Recreation Area; NDSU Extension is bringing in plants 

    Public Relations 

    • Website – Renewed hosting for next 3 years; provides additional services/features 

    Red River Projects 

    • Potential for power projects at campsites – look at helping to get power to Knight Shelter 

    Mooreton Pond Projects

    • Richland County Park Board is asking our input on placement of a bench being donated to Mooreton Pond 
    • Potential for NW corner – scheduling a date to install docks, payloader available all next week – Tuesday at 4:30PM 

    Fishing Activities 

    Dick Bell Catfish Derby – June 3, 2023 

    • Fliers handed out – 6:45AM-8AM sign up – 7AM-11AM weigh in 

    Family Fishing Nights – TBD for 2023 

    • Looking for volunteers – event occurring is contingent on volunteers 

    Head of the Red Gun & Archery Club

    • Open Now! 

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

    • Summer league and open shooting starts May 31 
    • Planning improvement at the Joe Pikarski Trap Range – they will be making grant applications & using RRASC 501(c)(3) 
    • MSC grant request to RRASC for $2,500.00 
    • Total project funding is $8,000 – Motion by Rich to approve grant request of $2,500 which includes sponsorship signage, seconded by Kelly, approved 
    • Second viewing of grant request at June meeting 

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) – Youth & Adult categories

    • Deer/Elk/etc.
    • Turkey Beard
    • Pheasant Tail Feather
    • Waterfowl, # of species harvested 

    RRASC Internal Fishing Contests (April – March)

    • Youth & Adult categories: Fresh Water & Salt Water 

    Old / New / Unfinished Business 

    • Hosting a hunting and fishing rummage sale – May 20, 2023, WCC, 8AM – 1PM Outdoors themed: hunting, fishing, archery, camping – booth table rentals to recoup costs of space rental – NO guns will be able to be sold at this event. Cindie got a layout of the WCC gym from Melissa so event booths can be planned; Contact Cindie to register for a booth 
    • Shot gun shells needed for the upcoming fall hunts – Inventory is complete – Need steel shot #4 
    • RAP Auction date confirmed, August 19, 2023 
    • NDWF Quarterly meeting, April 1, 2023 in Valley City 
    • Matching Funds for our carcass dumpster program are still available 
    • Mason Miller is planning an Eagle Scout Project at the Brushville dock area – he may request funding to support project 
    • Shalie Lipp passed away May 7, 2023, she is the sister to club member and sponsor Stevin Lipp 
    • Wahpeton Trap: looking for sponsorship – Motion by Becci to donate $500, seconded by Kelly, approved 
    • ND State Fair, July 21-29, volunteer help requested, contact Greg G if interested 
    • Bait card process for kids – being investigated 

  • Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby held

    Frank Stanko • Daily News May 8, 2023

    Saturday, May 6 was a beautiful day to go fishing, according to Shaylin Stelton-Keenan, 11, Wahpeton. Stelton-Keenan was among the youth taking part in the annual Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby. A free event for ages 18 and under, the derby was made possible by the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club.

    2023 Spring Fishing Derby
    Torryn Heinecke, 4, Breckenridge, Minn., is seen with parents Jordan Muller and Paige Heinecke. Fishing at the Kidder Recreation Area took place from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, with an 11 a.m. casting contest. Food and prizes came shortly after the fishing ended. The total number of derby participants and catch statistics weren’t immediately available.
    ‘I taught them all I know,’ Mike Smith said about the fishing prowess of grandchildren Aaliyah, 13, and Avery, 14, both of Breckenridge, Minn. The Smiths’ fishing spot was near Wahpper the World’s Largest Catfish.
    ‘I taught them all I know,’ Mike Smith said about the fishing prowess of grandchildren Aaliyah, 13, and Avery, 14, both of Breckenridge, Minn. The Smiths’ fishing spot was near Wahpper the World’s Largest Catfish.

  • Mary Rausch named RRASC Sportswoman of the Year

    By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Apr 28, 2023 

    2023 RRASC Award Winners
    From left, Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club Lifetime Achievement Award winner Rebecca Truesdell, Club President Greg Gerou, Sportswoman of the Year Mary Rausch and nearly two-year-old Kamryn Rausch.

    Sportsmanship is not limited to only men, a principle the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) celebrated Thursday, April 27 in Wahpeton.

    RRASC’s 36th Annual Awards Banquet marked the first time that the Sportsman of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards were both given to women. Club Secretary Mary Rausch is Sportswoman of the Year. Rebecca Truesdell, 2013-14’s Sportswoman of the Year, is the new Lifetime Achievement honoree.

    President Greg Gerou, himself the recipient of the Sportsman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Lifetime Member awards, spoke proudly of Rausch and Truesdell.

    “Mary has done a great role in her role as secretary, and has worked with other board members and committee chairs to ensure their information is communicated to the members and the local media,” Gerou said. “She works closely with the club’s social media to ensure the club events are published.”

    Soon after the ceremony, Rausch posed with Truesdell, Gerou and her nearly two-year-old daughter Kamryn. Family was celebrated throughout the RRASC awards, including the lead-up to Truesdell’s win.

    “Following in the footstep of her father, past Club President Vince Herding, she has assumed the role of event coordinator similar to what Vince did before his passing,” Gerou said. “The task of tracking, managing and cataloging the many donations, sponsorships and gifts made to the club’s annual Sportsmen’s Smoker is critical to the success of the event.”

    Having a successful Sportsmen’s Smoker allows the RRASC to achieve its mission of providing quality outdoor experiences for Southern Red River Valley youth. Gerou and other club members are grateful for Truesdell’s leadership.

    “Although she is not the only person involved in the planning and scheduling of the Smoker, she does provide a cohesiveness for the others to draw on. Along with her husband Rich and sister Melissa, she is co-chair for our annual Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby,” Gerou said.

    The 2023 Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 6 at Kidder Recreation Area in Wahpeton. A free event for youth ages 18 and under, the derby will include fishing until 12 p.m., a casting contest beginning at 11 a.m. and an hour of food and door prizes.

    For nearly 40 years, RRASC has continued to promote and support quality youth outdoor experiences. As of Thursday, April 27, more than 3,500 participants have taken part in nearly 250 junior wildlife events, followed by more than 10,000 participants in nearly 160 fishing derbies and nearly 680 participants in more than 40 youth hunts.

    “I would like to express my personal appreciation to both the past and present members of our board of directors, for their dedication to the RRASC,” Gerou said. “They include Vice President Brad Glarum, Secretary Mary Rausch, Treasurer Greg Braun and Directors Cindie VanTassel, Rich Truesdell and Kelly Carlson.”

  • March 16, 2023 Minutes

    7:30 PM at Wahpeton Community Center  

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Curt Mund, Jerry Oren, Cindie Van Tassel, Brad Edwardson, Steve Truesdell, Mary Rausch 

    Approve Minutes from previous meeting – MSC Curt, Steve 

    Treasurer Report 

    • Paid various expenses for events, website, Jr Wildlife, 2023 Smoker (Rich picked up 4 guns) 
    • Pending: 2022 taxes 
    • No additional investment has been made with Thrivent at this time 
    • $83,300.21 – MSC – Cindie, Curt 

    Parks & Recreation Report

    • RRASC needed to renew with the ND Secretary of State as an entity; Brad is now listed as the Registered Agent (previously was Wayne) 
    • Brad to reach out to NDGF for new top and grinder for fish cleaning station at Kidder Rec 
    • City of Wahpeton ND has introduced an app to share community events, alerts, updates, notifications, etc – search “City of Wahpeton ND” in your cell phone app store to check it out 

    Jr Wildlife Club  

    • Mar: Building wood bird houses at Comstock 
    • Apr: Birding Trip to Tewaukon Refuge 
    • May: Plant Identification at Kidder Recreation Area; NDSU Extension is bringing in plants 
    • MN Take a Kid Fishing Jun 9-11 – do we want to consider hosting an event? 

    Public Relations & Recruitment

    • Facebook/Instagram – please share RRASC posts! 
    • Cindie watches for members or family members that pass away for sympathy cards – see any let her know 
    • Pop-up online store – Online clothing store; will include stickers, cozies, coffee mugs, etc. – looking at having samples & looking into utilizing Venmo 
    • New members signed up during Heitkamp Derby, David Hammond, Casey Hammond & Andrew Teberg 

    Air Rifle Program

    • Greg got 6 air rifles from the Optimist Club 

    Spring/Summer Activities 

    • Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby (Rich & Becci Truesdell) – May 6, 2023 
    • Dick Bell Catfish Derby (Justin Kratz) – June 3, 2023 
    • Family Fishing Nights (Cindie VanTassel, Justin Kratz) – TBD for 2023 
    • Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (Justin Kratz, Kelly Carlson) – TBD for 2023 

    Internal Club Contests – submissions ended as of the March meeting – start submitting for the next year! 

    Old / New / Unfinished Business

    • Bench recognition plaques: Nominations received: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer, Chuck Haus, Dick Bell, Dave Langenwalter. Question was asked if we should have plaques for original club members? Will go through club records for list of names and get it to Becci.
    • “Ask for Permission” signs are available, free to land owners 
    • Hosting a hunting and fishing rummage sale – May 20, 2023, Wahpeton Community Center. Outdoors themed: hunting, fishing, archery, camping – booth table rentals to recoup costs of space rental – NO guns will be able to be sold at this event. Cindie got a layout of the WCC gym from Melissa so event booths can be planned; Contact Cindie to register for a booth .
    • Shot gun shells needed for the upcoming fall hunts – Shotgun shells have been sorted and inventoried 
    • Schedule date & location for the 2023 Club Spring Banquet – Thursday, April 27, Hughes Shelter Social begins at 6:00 PM, followed by catered meal, speaker, awards 
    • RMEF Boise de Sioux banquet – March 25, 2023- RRASC purchased a sponsorship, 6 meals & drinks, 3 memberships & $300 of general raffle tickets. Need to draw at the March meeting for 6 members to attend 
    • RAP Auction date confirmed, August 19, 2023 
    • Should RRASC continue its membership in the ND Sportfishing Congress? Is there interest in the RRASC membership to be its delegate to the NDSFC? RRASC dues are $100 / year — MSC to not renew by Greg B, Jerry 
    • Need to construct bases for the large PA Speakers – Greg B has plastic sheets and can make bases 
    • The WCC is in the process of converting some of the doors to electronic access. Once complete, “fobs” will be assigned to groups and/or people. External doors and storage room (where RRASC’s gun safe is); a padlock has been added to the safe and we have a key to that padlock 

    Communication / Correspondence 

    • Fergus Falls Woodie Camp sponsorship – free for youth 13-15 – event began 1989, over 1200 youth have gone through the program – MSC Greg B, Cindie to support again this year for $250 

    Adjournment 

  • February 16, 2023 Minutes

    7:30 PM Wahpeton Community Center  

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Curt Mund, Jerry Oren, Cindie Van Tassel, Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson, Justin Kratz, Brad Glarum, Leroy Smith, Mary Rausch 

    Approve Minutes from previous meeting – MSC Justin, Curt 

    Treasurer’s Report

    • $90,219.09 
    • Vern picked up an ice house for the Smoker – Cindie picked up prizes for the Heitkamp Derby – reimbursement for Dylan for Jr Wildlife 

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee

    • Feb: fishing lures, 12 youth, Thank You Dylan! 
    • Mar: Building wood birdhouses at Comstock 
    • Apr: Birding Trip to Tewaukon Refuge 
    • MN Take a Kid Fishing Jun 9-11 – do we want to consider hosting an event? 
    • Jr Wildlife has been running for 22 years! 

    Pop-up online store

    • Online clothing store; will include stickers, cozies, coffee mugs, etc. 
    • Looking into additional/alternative options 

    Nat’l Wild Turkey Fed, Richland Renegade Toms – Feb 3, 2023 

    • RRASC was a winner at the Richland Renegade Toms banquet: Two metal signs and a NWTF tee shirt — Winchester SXP 20 gauge, 3 inch chamber, NDWF 50 anniversary edition — 20 gun safe 
    • Nice turnout, 22 firearms, NWTF made a donation for the Heitkamp Derby 
    • RRASC won a gun, a 20-gun gun safe and a couple other items 

    Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – Feb 18, 2023 

    • Prizes are ready – hole drilling 2/17; workers report at 10:30, other volunteers report at 11:00 
    • Thank you to everyone who has donated and to those volunteering! 

    2023 Club Spring Banquet – Friday, April 21

    • More details to come 
    • Looking for presenter for spring banquet, suggestions include: NDGF R3 Coordinator: Cayla Bendelm, NDGF Education Supervisor: Marty Egeland, MN-DNR R3 Coordinator James Burnham 

    Nominations are open for club awards 

    • Sportsperson of the Year 
    • Lifetime membership 
    • Lifetime achievement 
    • Conservationist / Landowner 
    • Conservation officer 

    Other Business

    • ND Hunters Ed Wahpeton is scheduled for March 20, 2023 
    • Tewaukon Refuge Manager Patrick Fitzmorris is taking a new assignment in Arkansas 
    • RRASC did not get a license is the NDGF big game lottery 
    • Sportfishing Congress raffle tickets now available 
    • Buffalo Club raffle tickets now available 
    • NDGF Volunteer training conference – March 4, 2023 
    • RMEF Boise de Sioux banquet – March 25, 2023 
    • Motion made by Curt to do a $400 sponsorship and follow up to see if there is going to be kids games that we historically have contributed to – Seconded by Brad 
    • RAP Auction date confirmed, August 19, 2023 
    • NDWF Camo at the Capital,  March 2 – opportunity to meet legislators 

    Adjournment 

  • January 19, 2023 Minutes

    TIME: 7:30 PM LOCATION: Wahpeton Community Center  

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Curt Mund, Brad Edwardson, Jerry Oren, Greg Braun, Pat Brejcha, Abby Carlson, Becci Truesdell, Rich Truesdell, Justin Kratz, Joe Keller, Brad Glarum, Leroy Smith, guest Lonny Wirst, Mary Rausch 

    Approve Minutes from the previous meeting – MSC Curt, Rich 

    President Report 

    • Review Proposed 2023 Budget – MSC Joe, Rich to approve the budget 
    • Giving Hearts Day, January 23, 2023 – Greg G spoke with Kathy, and the Zoo had met the $3,000 level to participate – going forward, we will plan to use the money raised at Smoker for the Zoo gun to for GHD donation 
    • Northern Lights Council request for financial support – $250 – MSC Greg B, Brad G to give $250 
    • Thrivent statement came in the mail – a question was raised if we should consider additional investment, Greg G and Greg B will follow up 

    Treasurer Report – 

    • $90,219.09 

    Parks & Recreation 

    • Brad E has applied for grants and is waiting to hear back – also gearing up for Heitkamp Derby 

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee

    • 14 youths attended for air rifles
    • February – fishing lures 
    • March – bird houses 

    Public Relations

    • Website – Flickr annual renewal is coming in the next month or so
    • Facebook/Instagram – please share RRASC posts! – 
    • Cindie watches for members or family members that pass away for sympathy cards – see any let her know 
    • Community Events – Wahpeton Winter Wonderland is February 17-18 

    Pop-up online store

    • Abby/Greg G will reach out to John Bradley as the NDGF is looking to set up something similar 
    • Online clothing store; will include stickers, cozies, coffee mugs, etc. 

    Nat’l Wild Turkey Fed, Richland Renegade Toms  – Feb 3, 2023 

    • 20 guns, lots of prizes, JAKES table, ladies raffle, etc 
    • $500 sponsorship, includes 2 tickets: $275 sponsorship, $225 JAKES – MSC Rich, Justin 
    • Names of those in attendance were put into a hat, 2 names drawn to represent RRASC at the banquet – Curt and Brad E were drawn 

    Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – Feb 18, 2023 

    • The committee will get together to prep the rods January 31, 5:30 at Wahpeton Community Center
    • Volunteers needed
    • Donations can be given to Cindie, Gary, or John 

    Bench recognition plaque name nominations 

    • Nominations received: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer, Chuck Haus, Dick Bell, Dave Langenwalter 

    Hosting a hunting and fishing rummage sale at WCC  – TBD for 2023 

    • Outdoors themed: hunting, fishing, archery, camping – booth table rentals to recoup costs of space rental – NO guns will be able to be sold at this event – event name suggestion: Sportsmen’s Treasure Hunt 
    • Cindie is following up with Brad on open dates at the WCC – still trying to lock own a date; Cindie also working with the Chamber for other events going on to increase foot traffic in town 

    Shotgun shells needed for the upcoming fall hunts 

    • All members watch for sales on shells and communicate to Board Members 

    Summary of the RAP Meeting and NDWF Conference, Janusty 6, 7 & 8 

    • NDWF: RRASC has 8 votes, minimum of 4 delegates must attend and each can carry 1 proxy – funds available for youth events, request funds through the Outdoor Heritage Fund 
    • RAP: auction is scheduled for Aug 19, 2023 in Bismarck – they will be looking for volunteers – over 50 firearms available 

    Schedule date & location for the 2023 Club Spring Banquet – April 21 at Hughes Shelter 

    • Looking for presenter for spring banquet, suggestions include: 
    • NDGF R3 Coordinator: Cayla Bendel 
    • NDGF Education Supervisor: Marty Egeland 
    • MN-DNR R3 Coordinator James Burnham 
    • Others? 
    • Nominations are open for club awards – nominations are open through the March meeting: Sportsperson of the Year, Lifetime membership, Lifetime achievement, Conservationist / Landowner, Conservation officer 

    ND Hunters Ed Wahpeton is scheduled for late March 

    • ND HE has certified over 5,500 students in 2022 
    • You can go out to the NDGF website to setup email alerts for upcoming classes and locations – notifications come out 30 days ahead of classes beginning 

    Other Business

    • Chuck Haus donated 55 pounds of deer meat to the RRASC for the 2023 smoker 
    • NDGF Take A Kid Fishing contest: need to submit a photo – the grand prize is a portable fish house 
    • NDGF site has a Legislative tab to view bills being proposed 
    • Ladies Rooster Roundup is partnering with Her Wilderness for 2023 event – more info to come as event details are finalized 
    • We are considering a 2nd hide dumpster for 2023 due to increased use of our dumpster in 2022 
    • Tewaukon Refuge Manager Patrick Fitzmorris is taking a new assignment 
    • “Ask for Permission” signs are available, free to land owners 

    Communication / Correspondence 

    For the Good of the Order 

    Adjournment 

  • If you have special skills, raise your hand

    By Wayne Beyer Dec 17, 2022 

    The Pareto 80-20 Principle means that 20% of any group does 80% of the actual work. Consider raising your hand and being in that 20%.

    From a kindergarten classroom to retirement years, there are many opportunities to get involved.

    Organizations need every member they can get. The reality is people have very busy schedules nowadays. Modern technology makes us accessible at every moment. Dues paying members are showing their support, albeit a modest way. Appreciate those who raise their hands.

    There are many local citizens who have raised their hands. A great example is Norma Nosek, Mrs. Bagg Farm, whose life we recently celebrated. She dedicated countless hours to volunteer for many activities. We were fortunate to taste garden delicacies preserved like the greatest generation lady she modeled.

    Every volunteer is somebody who raised their hand.

    Successful organizations have many people who raise their hands. A super example is the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, one of the most successful wildlife clubs around. They are fortunate to be led by President Greg Gerou, who raises two hands and shows up for everything.

    Sportsmen’s Club members raise their hands to support seven board positions, manage four fishing derbies and three youth hunts, serve as club representatives for the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, organize the wildly successful Hunters Smoker, offer a Junior Wildlife Club, keep multiple social media up-to-date, support Red River and Mooreton Pond projects, partner with large wildlife organizations like the Wild Turkey Federation and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, teach hunter education and coach shooting sports like archery and trap shooting.

    If you have special skills, non-profits and government agencies really benefit when you raise your hand.

    We have been fortunate that Roger Jensen, who has incredible visionary, architecture, drawing, building design and landscaping skills raised his hand many times over his life to create plans for zoo facilities, picnic shelters, sports facilities, art galleries and maintenance buildings. He is like Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York City’s Central Park.

    Joe Schreiner, whom we tease as the Halsey Hall of Wahpeton, has a terrific baseball voice, knowledge of the game and a passion for kids playing baseball. He has volunteered for several years as a baseball announcer after his son’s American Legion baseball career ended. Joe is so good that he has been a sub announcer for the Fargo Red Hawks.

    Maybe you are a caring person who would be a positive mentor for the Kinship Program?

    It is more fun to be involved with organizations when you are active. I love writing, record-keeping, retaining history and details. Consequently, I raised my hand to be the scribe (secretary-treasurer) for groups like Babe Ruth baseball, Tri-State Safety and Arts Council. You meet many phenomenal people. It is fair to say that volunteers often get more in return than they gave.

    Sometimes long-time members need to take their turn at leadership positions. It was good to see a Wahpeton name in the officer history lists of state organizations like Parks-Recreation, Forestry, Horticulture and Wildlife Federation.

    Youth sports need many parents and supporters to raise their hands to coach, serve Boards, organize fundraisers, host quality games and tournaments and support their children.

    There are local volunteers like Mary Ann Conrad, Janet Gagelin, Judy Oren and Cindie VanTassel who raise their hands for several organizations.

    Chahinkapa Zoo, service clubs, Parks-Recreation, Red Door Art Gallery, Arts Council, Historical Societies and numerous non-profits are only as efficient as their volunteers.

    Be brave. Raise your hand high.

    Wayne Beyer is the retired director of Wahpeton Parks and Recreation.

  • Twin Towns do it better together

    By Wayne Beyer Dec 3, 2022 

    The Red River of the North connects the sister cities of Breckenridge, Minnesota, and Wahpeton, North Dakota. We are blessed with local partnerships to benefit citizens with the arts, health, leisure, natural resources, physical fitness, recreation and sports.

    The Bois de Sioux Golf Course is a shining star, the only known course in the United States with nine holes in two states. Superintendent Jake Richels and Head Pro Dustin Harris have done spectacular work for a finely manicured grounds and well-organized golfing opportunities for people of all ages, attested by the late Heb Diederick when he was 100 years old.

    It makes sense to combine sports when numbers are desirable for a quality program. Kudos to B-W Blades Hockey, Three Rivers Gymnastics, Southern Valley Figure Skating Club and Twin Town Archery Club who have offered youth recreation activities for many years on their own nickel. The Head of the Red Youth Activities Association does a wonderful job offering dual-city activities at Stern Arena.

    Jim Sturdevant worked very hard for four decades to offer a fifth and sixth grade football program for Wahpeton, Breckenridge and surrounding area youths. The Optimists Club sponsors an annual Twin Town Track Meet.

    Artists from the surrounding region meet at the Red Door Art Gallery, local home for the arts on Dakota Avenue. One of the fun public presentations is when students from Breckenridge and Wahpeton schools are featured with a youth art show.

    The Three Rivers Arts Council maximizes funding from both states to offer Music in the Park, murals and sculptures in the Twin Towns. World Fest brought musicians from around the world to both school systems. The Headwaters Music Festival sponsored outdoor music at Breckenridge and Wahpeton venues. Music offered by Christmas and Easter cantatas, Alphean Male Chorus and Community Band are wonderful Twin Town concerts.

    The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club offers outdoor activities for Wilkin-Richland youths. This fall, the Canada goose hunt was held near Breckenridge while the pheasant and duck hunts were on the North Dakota side. The Junior Wildlife Club offers a conservation activity each month for Twin Town youths at many area outdoor locations.

    Duplication is not needed if a single event can handle the masses. A single Easter Egg Hunt is held at the Breckenridge Middle School, sponsored by Breckenridge Community Education. They do a super job offering a variety of fun activities.

    The public schools should be commended for combining sports. If there are enough athletes for separate teams, that allows for more participation. But when needed, consolidation keeps programs alive or provides opportunities for more, like wrestling, cross country, fastpitch softball, swimming, hockey and gymnastics.

    A sidewalk on the Dakota Avenue bridge connects Breckenridge/Wahpeton trails and park systems. Cross-country ski trails follow the golf course contour on both sides of the river.

    Adult recreation activities like softball, basketball and volleyball are offered openly to residents in both states. There is no such thing as non-resident fees. OK Tire Store/Bridgestone sponsor a bowling tournament for Richland/Wilkin County Special Olympics athletes.

    Chahinkapa Zoo benefits from both states. Tewaukon Refuge, Cayuga, North Dakota, and Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, are key Blue Goose Days sponsors.

    Public access to the rivers has worked well with a Minnesota ramp on the Bois de Sioux River and North Dakota ramp on the Red River. It is fun to see the ice fishing village when fishermen from both states enjoy hot walleye bites.

    The Tri-State Safety Association offers safety training for the tri-state area. The Kinship Program has always been a dual-city mentoring program. The Health Watch and Healthy Communities ran their course but offered coop Soup Walks, bicycle rides and Wildlife Walks.

    There are many other examples. The Twin Towns do it better together.

    Wayne Beyer is the retired director of Wahpeton Parks and Recreation.

  • November 17, 2022 Minutes

    Attendees: Greg Gerou, Jerry Oren, Justin Kratz, Brad Edwardson, Greg Braun, Curt Mund, Rich Truesdell, Becci Truesdell, Cindie VanTassel, Mary Rausch

    Approve minutes from the previous meeting – MSC Curt, Rich

    President’s Report

    • Yearly rental of the storage unit
    • Support for Richland County Wildlife Club banquet – 12/3; funding going to the new trap range
    • NDWF Raffle 2023 Fishing Frenzy, $20/ticket
    • Schedule BOD budget planning meeting prior to Jan 2023 meeting
    • Per Wayne, a reminder about grant applications due dates – Greg G and Brad will review & start working on it
    • Need to manage grant applications and keep records for future reference
    • Need to follow up on UEI number application for future grants
    • NDWF Annual Conference and RAP Committee meeting, January 6-8, 2023. Need item(s) for the NDWF silent auction – will come up with something with our club logo on it. Greg G will attend – open to other members to attend.
    • Nominations are open for Club awards – nominations need to be submitted by March 2023 meeting: Sportsperson of the Year, Lifetime Membership, Lifetime Achievement, Landowner/Conversationist, Wildlife Officer Recognition

    Treasurer’s Report

    • Account balance: $85,791.68 – MSC Becci, Cindie

    Secretary Report

    • Mary, Becci and Greg B to get together and align membership email lists each has

    Parks & Recreation Report

    • Golf course fishing pier area clean up came in at $3200; NDG&F reimbursed for this project

    Members / Committees / Projects Reports

    Hunters Smoker – October 21, 2023

    • Thank you to the Committee!!
    • Add the sponsors to the membership list and emails
    • Estimated profit of $49K

    Jr Wildlife Club Committee

    • Nov: wildlife drawing/sketching
    • Dec: no meeting
    • Jan: air rifles

    Public Relations

    • Website (Becci Truesdell), Facebook/Instagram (Abby Carlson) – please share RRASC posts!
    • Cindie watches for members or family members that pass away for sympathy cards – see any let her know

    Air Rifle Program – Jan 23, 2023 for Junior Wildlife

    Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – Feb 18, 2023

    • Have started meeting, posters are ready – looking to meet early Feb to restring reels
    • Committee member(s) needed!

    Nat’l Wild Turkey Fed, Richland Renegade Toms – Feb 3, 2023

    • Gun raffle is going on now – see Brad, Leroy or Cindie for tickets
    • Support for Richland Renegade Toms banquet

    Recruitment (Greg Gerou, Abby & Kelly Carlson, Becci & Rich Truesdell)

    • Had a table at Chamber event; had some interest but no new members to date
    • Discussed holding a summer fun night where interested people can come learn more about us

    RRASC Internal Hunting Contests (April – March) – Youth & Adult categories

    • Deer/Elk/etc
    • Turkey Beard
    • Pheasant Tail Feather
    • Waterfowl, # of species harvested

    RRASC Internal Fishing Contests (April – March) – Youth & Adult categories

    • Fresh Water
    • Salt Water

    Old / New / Unfinished Business/Correspondence

    Bench recognition plaque name nominations

    • Nominations received: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer, Chuck Haus, Dick Bell, Dave Langenwalter, Louie Gaukler\

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

    “Ask for Permission” signs are available

    Hosting a hunting and fishing rummage sale at WCC (Cindie) – TBD for 2022/2023

    • Outdoors themed: hunting, fishing, archery, camping – booth table rentals to recoup costs of space rental – NO guns will be able to be sold at this event – event name suggestion: Sportsmens Treasure Hunt
    • Cindie is following up with Brad on open dates at the WCC – still trying to lock own a date; Cindie also working with the Chamber for other events going on to increase foot traffic in town

    Shot gun shells needed for the upcoming fall hunts

    • Seven cases of 12 gauge and four cases of 20 gauge have been purchased

    RAP auction to be held in 2023, exact date TBD

Red River Area Sportsmen's Club

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