Author: Rebecca Truesdell

7:30 PM • Mooreton Pond 

Attendees: Greg Gerou, Cindie VanTassel, Greg Braun, Joe Keller, Justin & Christopher Kratz, Andrew Fuller, Mary Rausch 

Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC Cindie, Greg B 

Treasurer Report

• $53K account balance – MSC Justin, Joe 
• We are expecting a statement for our investment by the July meeting 

Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

Hunters Smoker – October 22, 2022 

• Greg G found a list of games from other events he will share with the committee 

Jr Wildlife Club Committee 

• Fishing tonight – July is at Chahinkapa Zoo for a tour 

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 
• Parades: Sep 10 Headwaters Day – Oct 1 NDSCS Homecoming 

Mooreton Pond Projects 

• 3 docks in thanks to help from Jerry Oren and Del Hoefs 

Air Rifle Program – January 23, 2023 for Junior Wildlife 

Fishing/Hunting Events

Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – Feb 18, 2023 

• Planted 90 white pine with help from Curt Mund, Gary Page, Cindie and Bryan VanTassel, and Brandon VanTassel – a minnow run was done 

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) – Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 15, 2022 – volunteers needed! Sign up at https://rrasc.net/family-fishing-nights or contact Cindie 

Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (Justin Kratz, Kelly Carlson) – TBD for Aug 2022 

• Moving to a Saturday – may incorporate bow fishing 

Fall Youth Goose Hunt (Dylan Teberg, Cindie VanTassel) – Sep 10-11, 2022 

• 4 youth per day 
• Looking into a hunt for adults who have never hunted goose before (possibly to be held in 2023) 

Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Kevin Manock, Greg Gerou) – Sep 17, 2022 

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

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

Banquets/Fundraisers

• Nat’l Wild Turkey Fed, Richland Renegade Toms (Brad Glarum, LeRoy Smith, Cindie VanTassel) – Feb 3, 2023 
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bois-de-Sioux Chapter (Greg Gerou) – TBD for 2023 

Gun Clubs

• Head of the Red Gun Archery Club (Brian Gefre, Kevin Manock) – Open now, Tuesdays & Thursdays 
• Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range (Bob Rosemore, Greg Gerou, Mark Althoff) – Open now, Wednesdays – July 19 is the 4H Fun Shoot 

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 

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

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

“Ask for Permission” signs are available 

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

• 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 

Andrew and Justin are going to work together to put on a .22 shoot – will need targets, ammo – more to come 

Communication 

• Let’s Go Fishing (Fergus Falls): boat rides and fishing trips for disabled, vets and seniors – asking for funds to go towards boat motor repairs – we passed on this 
• Thank you from Twin Town Archery for donating to travel expenses for the youth who went to Nationals 

By Colton Rasanen-Fryar • Daily News coltonrf@wahpetondailynews.com

Jun 13, 2022 Updated Jun 14, 2022

Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club will be holding three family fishing nights throughout the summer for Twin Towns folks to participate in. The events are free of charge with room for 20 participants.

Anyone interested can sign up as this event is meant for all ages. The sportsmen’s club will go over a few separate points and activities related to fishing for the participants including, rod choices for different types of fishing, making a fishing lure, practicing casting with a rod and fish identification.

Participants will be fishing from the river shore with nightcrawlers as bait.

The first event will be held Monday, June 20, at the Knight Shelter Kidder Recreation area in Wahpeton. The next event will take place Monday, July 18, at Welles Park in Breckenridge, Minnesota. The final event of the summer will be Monday, Aug. 15, at the Knight Shelter at Kidder Recreation area.

All events will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m., but participants are recommended to arrive 10 minutes early for registration.

All rods and bait will be provided for participants at each event.

If there are any questions it’s recommended to reach out to 218-643-4374.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com May 11, 2022

Free for youth ages 18 and under, the annual Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby was held Saturday, May 7 by the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC).

Eighty boys and girls took part in the event at Wahpeton’s Kidder Recreation Area, RRASC stated. When the young anglers weren’t trying to reel one in, they were served lunch, watched as their peers received trophies for the top three catches in many categories and age groups, and received either a fishing rod or tackle box as a participation prize.

Among the biggest fish were:

• a 3 pound, 1-ounce smallmouth bass caught by Aydin Luna, 13, who caught three bass total
• a 5 pound, 7-ounce white sucker caught by Chase Krueger, 13
• a 2 pound, 9-ounce catfish caught by Blade Leitch, 13
• a 4 pound, 15-ounce buffalo caught by Kristopher Kratz, 8
• a 3 pound, 11-ounce carp caught by Jeremiah Ovsak, 6

Casting contest winners included Maximus Isom, ages 6 and under; Dalton Portales, ages 7-12; and a tie between Christian Last and Troy Berndt, ages 13-18.

“We would like to thank all the participants and businesses and organizations that contributed to help to make this event so successful,” RRASC stated.

Event sponsors and contributors included Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, Smith Tire and Tread, Comstock Construction Inc., Scheels, Red River Valley & Western Railroad, Hornstein Chiropractic, Wahpeton Kiwanis, Farmer’s Union Insurance — Kyle DeVries, Flex TM, Bell Bank, State Farm Insurance — Amanda Fredrick, NAPA, Fastenal, and North Dakota Game and Fish.

Submitted May 6, 2022

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) held its annual spring banquet and awards night Thursday, April 28. The evening included a meal catered by Wahpeton Deli and Club President Greg Gerou talking about the club’s yearly activities.

Gerou thanked everyone who volunteered their time and talent to help RRASC. He noted the importance of following the R3 initiative of the North Dakota Game and Fish’s “R3” initiative of recruiting, retaining and reactivating.

“Recruit new people to enjoy outdoor activities, retain existing outdoor enthusiasts and reactivate people that have suspended their enjoying of the outdoors,” Gerou said. “RRASC’s youth summer fishing derbies, family fishing nights, fall hunting events and many other activities are all aimed at getting and keeping people interested in the many outdoor opportunities the upper Midwest offers.”

The club has grant funding available to local programs such as archery in the schools, the High School Clay Target League, youth hunting and fishing events and shooting range projects. This year, RRASC provided funding for two local archery programs to assist them in their attendance of the national competition. Funding in the amount of $500 was presented to the Twin Town Youth archery team and $500 to the Lidgerwood archery team. All RRASC members wish both of these teams all the best as they attend their national events.

Cindie Van Tassel, event chairperson, joined Gerou in presenting awards for the club’s member and youth big buck contest, longest turkey beard, and longest pheasant tail feather. The winners received Chamber Bucks from the Wahpeton Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce.

Big Buck winners in the adult category were Nathan Rausch, 4X5 mule deer, and Luke Glarum, 6X5 whitetail deer. The youth category winner was Jordan Teberg with a 4X4 whitetail deer. The longest pheasant tail feather adult category winner was Chuck Haus with a 25 1/4-inch feather. The longest turkey beard winner, adult category, was Dave Langenwalter. He entered a 10 1/4-inch beard. In the youth category, the winner was Braxton Heitkamp with a 5 1/8-inch beard.

Next came the member and youth fishing contest winners, who also received Chamber Bucks.

The adult category winners were Abby Carlson, recording the club’s first-ever alligator gar, plus a walleye at 27 inches. Nathan Rausch recorded a 10 1/2-inch bluegill, a 31-inch dogfish, a 42-inch northern, a 14-inch perch, and a 19-inch smallmouth bass. Vern Shasky tied Nathan with a 19-inch smallmouth bass and Joe Keller entered an impressive 56-inch paddlefish.

In the youth category, Carter Gerou caught a 6-inch perch and a 13-inch largemouth bass, Paisley Gerou caught a 6-inch crappie and Tucker Rezac entered an 18-inch walleye. Congratulations to all the winners.

Throughout the year, RRASC members submit nominations for the various club awards, designed to recognize members for their work in supporting the club’s mission throughout the past year. These include the Sportsmen of the Year, Lifetime Membership and Lifetime Achievement awards.

Justin Kratz received this year’s Sportsman of the Year award, with Heather Retzer honored as Sportswoman of the Year. The Lifetime Membership award was presented to Greg Braun and Lifetime Achievement award went to Greg Gerou. These awards were presented by one of RRASC’s charter members, Wayne Beyer.

Justin was unable to attend due to work assignments and Heather was unable to attend because she was accompanying the Twin Town Youth archery team to their national competition in Utah. Greg Braun and Greg Gerou were on hand to accept their award. Congratulations go to all the 2022 award winners.

Following the award presentations, the entertainment for the evening were Jack Lalor, retired federal game warden and Tim Phalen, retired NDGF district game warden. They told stories of the many comical encounters they had during their career. Some included co-workers, some were about landowners, but the majority were about hunting and fishing incident that they encountered. The two wardens had worked together over the years, and if you get a chance to talk to either of them, ask them about “Marilyn.” It’s a really funny story.

Because the recent banquet will likely be the last attended by Wayne and Joan Beyer, due to his retirement from Wahpeton Parks and Recreation and their relocation to Texas, RRASC followed its long-standing tradition of naming events for exceptional club members. These include the Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby, the Dick Bell Catfish Tournament and the Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt.

In honor of Wayne’s long-time commitment to the mission of the club, beginning in April 2022, RRASC’s scholarship program will be known as the Wayne Beyer Scholarship. Scholarships in the amount of $500 per student are designed to assist students enrolled in a wildlife supportive program, pursuing a career in fish and wildlife management, wildlife law enforcement, biology or zoology at a two or four-year college. The recipient of the first Wayne Beyer Scholarship was Hanna Severson of Wyndmere, North Dakota. Hanna is enrolled in the animal science program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. RRASC’s board of directors and members wish Wayne and Joan a long and fun-filled retirement.

RRASC’s 2022 events and activities include our monthly meetings, held on the third Thursday of the month, and the monthly junior wildlife activities. This summer’s schedule includes the Dick Bell Catfish Derby, June 4; Family Fishing Nights, June 20, July 18 and Aug 15; Brunk’s Carp and Sucker Derby in August. Fall activities include the Youth Goose Hunt on Sept. 10-11, Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Sept 17, Youth Pheasant Hunt, Oct. 1, and the Ladies Rooster Roundup on Oct. 14-15.

Check out the details and pictures on Facebook and at our website, rrasc.net.

By Wayne Beyer Apr 23, 2022

The North Dakota Game & Fish (NDGF) Spring Advisory Board meeting was recently held at Hughes Shelter. We are fortunate to have a wonderful working relationship with an outstanding cadre of wildlife officials.

NDGF hosts spring and fall advisory board meetings across our great state. There is not another state agency that gets out with its constituents more than NDGF. We get to personally interact with them as sportsmen pursue lifetime outdoor recreation interests like hunting, fishing, conservation and wildlife support.

Jeb Williams is the current NDGF director. Jeb is from Beach, just like former Recreation Director LaRee Bumgarner. He is a long-time NDGF employee, very personable, passionate about our state’s wildlife and will do a great job. Jeb was gracious to recognize that partnerships with wildlife clubs like the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) are essential.

There are always hot topics. One is Aquatic Nuisance Species, including zebra mussels. Wahpeton, infamously, introduced them to North Dakota as they followed the Otter Tail River from Minnesota infested waters into the Red River. It doesn’t take long for them to spread, as thousands cover surfaces all the way into Canada.

Unfortunately, they have infested the Sheyenne River, Lake Elsie and other southeast North Dakota lakes. NDGF awarded a grant to the Park Board for an ANS cleaning unit that will be installed near the Kidder Rec Area fish cleaning station.

Tim Phalen, our former district game warden, retired at year’s end and did a fabulous job serving our area. It was Tim’s idea to start a youth waterfowl hunt. He worked extraordinary long hours yet would always be available for interesting hunter education presentations or attending wildlife club meetings to support efforts to improve hunting and fishing opportunities.

Another issue is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Its reference to zombie deer disease tells you it’s not a good thing. NDGF imposes no archery baiting restrictions in affected deer hunting units. It is arguable that a proactive approach would be to extend it statewide.

Doug Leier, wildlife biologist is another outstanding NDGF employee. Doug is the consummate NDGF communications professional. Artfully writing informative newspaper columns and telling stories on KFGO radio are among his skills. Doug is always at public meetings, gives credit to everybody else and we are fortunate that he is our outdoors voice.

Fishing regulation changes include walleye spearing on the state’s big waters. There is some opposition but NDGF should be credited for trying to maximize outdoor recreation opportunities. They took lots of heat when the sport fishing season was changed to be year-round and it has not appeared to have negatively stressed fish numbers yet resulted in millions of sport fishing hours.

Greg Gerou, RRASC president, did his typical yeoman’s job hosting the meeting. It was an opportunity for him to thank NDGF for their support of four youth fishing derbies, three youth hunts, archery, trap shooting and Red River facilities like fishing piers, fish cleaning station, docks and public shoreline fishing access.

It must be challenging at times to be NDGF professionals who have been educated and field trained to make scientific-based decisions yet they need to be balanced with legislative and societal interests. To be fair, legislators represent their constituents – North Dakota citizens.

BJ Kratz, East Fisheries supervisor, has superbly followed the footsteps of Gene VanEeckhout to support fishing in the southeast, including the Red River, Mooreton Pond and all the new lakes around Hankinson and Lidgerwood. He was moving perch from Hobart Lake near Valley City to area lakes on the day of the meeting.

Doug Madsen, a Cass County Wildlife Club member is our advisory board member representative. The advisory board is just another example of NDGF listening to sportsmen like Doug, a lifelong hunter and fisherman, who ensures public meetings are made available to Wahpeton and other Southeast Wildlife Club area cities.

Put on your calendar the Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby at the Kidder Recreation Area on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Experience the great things that happen when state agencies like NDGF partners with wildlife clubs like RRASC.

Wayne Beyer is the director of Wahpeton Park and Recreation.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Mar 7, 2022

A bald eagle flew above Heitkamp Pond Saturday, March 5, keeping its watchful eyes on anglers of all ages.

Saturday included the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby and for some at the traditional event, it appeared the late Neil Heitkamp was paying a visit. Heitkamp is remembered as a dedicated promoter of youth outdoor activities and the volunteers of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club continue to follow that mission.

A total of 260 youth took part in the 2022 derby. While the attendance is less than the record 308 youth who participated in 2021, organizers say they are just as proud. This year’s derby was held two weeks later than usual because of February’s severe winter weather.

“We weren’t sure what was going to happen with the delay,” Cindie VanTassel, an organizer, said. “I was very pleased with the number of people in attendance. We even ran out of food at one point, but we got some more hot dogs and we were ready to go.”

Parents, family members, and other caring adults accompanied many of the 2022 derby participants. Moses Alcozer, one of Heitkamp Construction’s employees, proudly helped Owen Welles-Alcozer, 4, Wahpeton, bring in a 7-inch crappie to be recorded.

Close to Moses and Owen were brothers Beau and Bryce Ramacher, Rothsay, Minnesota. Beau, 9, and Bryce, 8, are sons of Eric Ramacher, who works at Heitkamp Construction’s neighbor, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative. Andrew Jasken, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is an employee of Minn-Kota Ag Products, Breckenridge, Minnesota. He brought daughter Blake, 3.

“Approximately 75 fish were caught Saturday,” VanTassel said. “It was a good day, with lots of kids catching fish and having a fun time.”

The day’s prizewinners included Ryker Stroehl and Jayci Lawrence, who each won fish finding sets; Henry Slettedahl, who won an ice auger; Hunter Loibl and Sadie Steffens, who each won an ice shelter; and Athena Nelson, who won fishing equipment not much taller than herself.

“I come for the thrill of it,” Spencer Hettwer, 17, Wahpeton, said. “It’s my second year taking part.”

Since 2005, the Heitkamp Derby has been held with one goal in mind: “It’s all about the kids.” This year’s sponsors included Heitkamp Construction, RRASC, and many generous local businesses.

“I think it’s very good to give the kids a reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” Gary Page, president, and owner of Heitkamp Construction said previously.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Feb 14, 2022

Whether you’re an expert angler or have never picked up a rod before, if you’re young, there is an opportunity for free, public outdoor fun in Wahpeton.

Heitkamp Pond is the site of the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. This year’s event carries on a tradition that last year included 308 youth, their families and the members of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) as volunteers.

“I think it’s very good to give the kids a reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” said Gary Page, president and owner of Heitkamp Construction.

Since 2005, the Heitkamp Derby has been held with one goal in mind: “It’s all about the kids.” Sponsors including Heitkamp Construction, RRASC and many generous local businesses have carried on Neil E. Heitkamp’s dedication to promoting the local outdoors to regional youth.

“It’s my first time fishing,” said Harper Bult, 6-and-a-half, in 2021. “I’m liking it a lot.”

Bult had every reason to enjoy herself. Within the derby’s first hour, she had caught five fish and did not seem to be slowing down.

Adults are asked to accompany younger derby participants. The event is open to youth up to age 18.

“(My sons) saw a flyer, and, well, we’ve always wanted to try this,” Brittany Geffre, Wahpeton, said, when she brought Wrex, 4, Axel, 6, and Jax, 8. “They’re out with their grandpas today.”

Heitkamp Pond is located at 18205 75th St. SE, Wahpeton, just northeast of Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative. Derby registration begins at 12 p.m. at the pond. In the event of poor weather, the derby will be held Saturday, Feb. 26.

“Restrooms and warming houses will be provided. Parking will be restricted to certain areas. (Having) sleds for transporting gear (is) encouraged,” an event flyer states.

Heitkamp Derby participants are also requested to bring their own fishing gear if possible, although equipment will be available for those without any. Because the derby is taking place in winter, guests are reminded to dress warmly and have extra clothes in the event anyone gets wet.

“There will be door prizes for all participants,” the flyer stated. “Trophies (will be given) for perch, sunfish, crappie and walleye (catches).”

In addition to prizes, Heitkamp Derby participants can enjoy complimentary hot dogs and hot chocolate, as well as the convenience of fishing on a pre-drilled hole with furnished bait.

“The Heitkamp Construction crew does a phenomenal job. They treat ice fishermen like treasured customers,” Wahpeton Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Beyer wrote earlier in February.

Beyer is one of the people that potential volunteers or benefactors can contact. The list includes:

• Beyer, Wahpeton Parks and Recreation, 701-642-2811
• Jon Hegge or Page, Heitkamp Construction, 701-642-5948
• Vern Shasky, 701-640-4133, or Cindie Van Tassel, 218-770-7970, RRASC

“My little brother Dean (from Breckenridge, Minnesota) comes out every year and he said, ‘Hey, come on down to this thing,” Pat Beyer said in 2021. “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.”

Heitkamp Derby guests and participants are reminded that event sponsors are not responsible for accidents. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including:

• following North Dakota and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing guidelines
• wearing face masks when entering or exiting the derby area and at sign in locations, prize locations, the weigh in area for catches and the food table; disposable masks will be available
• practicing of social distancing if not in a portable fish house or within your family’s fishing area
• understanding that entering the derby site releases sponsors, volunteers, supporters and families of any liability involved with exposure to and/or infection from the coronavirus, COVID-19

“Everyone is asked to conduct themselves in a manner so as to be safe around all individuals attending this event,” Page said.

Look to Daily News for coverage of the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Fishing Derby.