Category: Meeting 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 

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 

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 

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

7:30 PM Wahpeton Community Center

Attendees: Greg Gerou, Leroy Smith, Kevin Manock, Cindie VanTassel, Paul Sinner, Brad Edwardson, Melissa Schumacher, Curt Mund, Justin Kratz, Rich Truesdell, Becci Truesdell, Kelly Carlson, Greg Braun, Mary Rausch

Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC Rich, Kevin

President’s Report

Chuck Haus, reimbursement for pheasants

• Youth Pheasant Hunt – Mark Althoff has invoice – 75 birds at $16 each = $1,200.00
• Ladies Rooster roundup – 90 birds at $16 each = $1,440.00
• Motion to repay Chuck for birds released – MSC Greg B, Rich

Treasure’s Report

• Greg G to go to the bank to find out who is on the signature card; need to replace Wayne’s name
• $25,846.16 – after Smoker expenses; pending Smoker revenue

Parks & Recreation Report

• Golf course fishing pier moved
• Fish cleaning station grinder has been down; will be working with NDGF for a different design
• RRASC still has items stored at City Hall on 2nd floor
• Duck boat currently stored off site from WCC
• WCC cleanup and inventory still needs to be done
• Old PA system still in storage; need to make a decision on what to do with it

Members / Committees / Projects Reports

Hunters Smoker – October 22, 2022

• 66 bls stew meat in the fridge; Cindie brought more meet tonight
• Curt going to Fairmont 10/21 to pick up tiger meat
• Have meat for meat raffle
• FRI: get items out of southside storage – cooking crew will start at 4PM at church – setup crew will start at 5PM at WCC
• SAT: food crew to start at 10AM – works to be there by 4:30PM for 5PM doors

Jr Wildlife Club Committee 

• 15 youth for archery tonight
• Nov is wildlife drawing/journaling

Public Relations

• Website & Facebook/Instagram – please share RRASC posts and send in photos!
• 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

• Docks are out

Air Rifle Program – Jan 23, 2023 for Junior Wildlife

Youth Fishing Events

• Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – Feb 18, 2023
• Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby – May 6, 2023
• Dick Bell Catfish Derby – June 3, 2023
• Family Fishing Nights – TBD for 2023
• Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby – TBD for 2023

Youth Hunting Events

• Fall Youth Goose Hunt – TBD for 2023 Both sessions were full – received thank you card from hunters – mentors have been reimbursed. Donating goose hunt to Smoker to be used by the end of 2022
• Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt – TBD for 2023 15 youth attended – youth had a good time – mentors to be reimbursed, Kevin will get info to Greg B
• Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt – TBD for 2023 Good attendance – mentors to be reimbursed. Donation for the youth pheasant from NWTF, Richland Renegade Toms $250. Signup sheets and waivers for all fall hunts will need to be reviewed for next year – Greg G and Hunt Chairs will work together to get these figured out.
• Ladies Rooster Roundup – TBD for 2023

Fundraiser Events

• Wild Turkey Fed, Richland Renegade Toms – Feb 3, 2023 Gun raffle is going on now – see Brad, Leroy or Cindie for tickets
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bois-de-Sioux Chapter – TBD for 2023

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 b. 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 – 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

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

Shotgun shells needed for the upcoming fall hunts

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

NDWF will cost match for the Carcass & Hide Dumpster

NDGF Special allocation lottery application – Greg G will submit

Status of the gun safe at WCC

• The safe at WCC is owned by WCC as per Wayne Beyer
• Do we need a safe for the RRASC in support of the smoker? Needs to be big enough to keep guns and components in boxes
• Rich & Becci are already looking for one for personal use, so they will keep an eye out for options

NDWF Annual Convention January 6, 7 & 8 – Who would like to attend?

Game Wardens Association presented two scholarships, $600 each, to students that are going into wildlife law enforcement

Encourage all members to vote in the 2022 election

Additional pheasant hunt added at Section 17 on 10/22 for 5 youth – Abby was able to line up a dog to accompany – Motion made to reimburse dog handler mileage, MSC Kelly, Rich

Table at Mix & Mingle event; got a few donations, sold a few Smoker tickets, have a few interested potential members

St Mary’s submitted a request for funding

Zoo Boo – Cindie has candy and Halloween pencils – pencils to be handed out with business card to adults

ND Youth Archery – request for financial support; local youth have benefitted from scholarships – motion to provide financial support MSC Rich, Kevin

Lewis & Clark Wildlife Club – raffle tickets for guided fishing excursions

By Wayne Beyer Sep 23, 2022 Updated Oct 31, 2022 

“R3” is a nationwide effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters and fishermen. Wildlife clubs support this important work to get young people outdoors. The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) has accomplished great things by sponsoring a Jr. Wildlife Club.

Since 1983, the club has sponsored 155 fishing derbies with 11,000 participants, 40 waterfowl and pheasant hunts for 700 youths and 240 Jr. Wildlife events attended by 3,600 girls and boys.

The Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby shows fishing can be enjoyed year-round. Some years, 300 children have participated. The club partners with Heitkamp Construction, who do a phenomenal job on their private pond. Ice fishing equipment is made available. Holes are drilled, bait is provided and hot dogs and hot chocolate are served. It is important to keep the events fun.

The Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby is held on the first Saturday in May. Young people learn about fishing readily available on local natural resources like the Red River. A casting contest is held and club members teach youths about river fishing tips.

RRHSF has a terrific partnership with the ND Game & Fish Department (NDGF). There are four fishing piers on the local Bois de Sioux and Red rivers, along with a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, Aquatic Nuisance Species cleaning station and shoreline fishing areas provided by NDGF grants.

The Dick Bell Catfish Tournament is offered on the first Saturday in June. The world’s largest catfish, Wahpper, reminds everybody that channel catfish offers hot fishing and we are a destination for catfishermen.

Brunk’s Carp and Sucker Fishing Derby has been offered the first Wednesday in August. Rough fish are fun to catch and fishermen often don’t know their catch until the fight is nearly over. Only carp and suckers get tournament awards.

R3 needs to have multi-faceted approaches. Special events have much value. Families remember their hunting and fishing experiences as the best times of their lives. Every time you can get a youth outdoors is a great thing! You never know when that once-in-a-lifetime experience will happen.

Three youth hunts are offered. A Giant Canada goose hunt is set up on a Breckenridge grain stubble field after some careful scouting. NDGF and the Minnesota DNR are youth friendly to each state’s residents. There are many Canada geese broods, then flocks in our Twin Towns.

The Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt is held on Waterfowl Production Areas near Tewaukon Refuge. Puddle duck decoys are set up in shallow wetlands. Youths and mentors crouch in shoreline cattails and the kids are awed by blue-winged teal that coast at warp speed.

The Youth Pheasant Hunt is held on wildlife habitat – prairie and wetlands, of a retired Hankinson farmer – Chuck Haus. It teaches youths the importance of friendly relationships with landowners. Many farmers like Chuck are the best conservationists in our state and we are lucky with 90% private land.

Much goes into youth hunt planning. Hunter education is required. A pre-hunt trap shoot is held so youths become accustomed to moving targets. Ethics, safety, wildlife identification and commitment to conservation are stressed. Ammunition is provided and shotguns can be loaned. Duck and goose calls are given out after some calling instruction. Mentors with dogs volunteer to make the hunts high quality. Many children do not have hunting parents. A delicious venison sausage and pancake breakfast is held for ravenous hunters after a few outdoor hours. Gun cleaning and processing wild game for delicious meals are demonstrated.

There are life lessons. Discipline, patience and meaningful conversation come naturally. Experienced RRASC mentors have positively influenced many young hunters.

The Jr. Wildlife Club enjoys many outdoor activities. A spring birding field trip to Tewaukon Refuge near Cayuga, North Dakota, or Prairie Wetlands Learning Center near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, are among outings. The youths have seen ruddy ducks dancing on a slough, snipe with howitzer flights and American avocets prancing in shallow water. Birdwatching is a lifetime activity, either outdoors or from your home window with a backyard feeder. In the fall, brilliant colors of maple, birch and oak at Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, are toured.

Hands-on classes are held to make fishing jigs, bird nest boxes, trout flies, bat houses, fishing spinners, wood duck nest boxes and wood carving.

Shooting sports with BB guns, air rifles or .22 rifles are offered. Archery is practiced indoors and outdoors to interest youths in our local National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program. Trap shooting and NASP are supported by RRASC.

Extra fishing experiences include three Family Fishing Nights that offer terrific instruction, fly fishing, spear fishing for northern pike and bow fishing for rough fish coming up.

Outdoor and Dutch Oven cooking teaches just how tasty wild game made the right way is extravagant fare. Outdoor photography has shown how special memories can be retained with pictures.

Other activities have included canoeing, kayaking, dog care, trapping furbearers, boat safety, zoo tours, nature hikes, dog sledding, camping, animal tracking, taxidermy, scrapbooking, wild turkey calling, wildlife museum field trips, nature journaling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, flint knapping and pollinators.

Oftentimes, there are willing outdoor partners like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, NDGF and Pheasants Forever.

Wildlife clubs are made up of sportsmen who do more than buy a hunting and fishing license. They invest in young people to get em outdoors to enjoy the same opportunities this generation has been most fortunate to experience. A Jr. Wildlife Club is an excellent way to make it happen!

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

7:30 PM Wahpeton Community Center 

Minutes Recorded by Justin Kratz 

Attendees: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Kevin Manock, Cindie VanTassel, Justin Kratz, Curt Mund, Paul Sinner, Becci & Rich Truesdell, Chuck Haus, Mark Althoff, Jerry Oren, Brad Glarum, Leroy Smith 

Special Guest: Frank Stanko – Wahpeton Daily News 

Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC Curt & Rich 

President Report

• Because we have details for the fall hunts and the smoker to discuss, the other menu items will not be covered at tonight’s meeting 
• For the youth hunts and the smoker we will need help picking potatoes at Chuck Haus’ 
• Need help to move 8 tables & 36 chairs from WCC to Chuck Haus’ 
• Curt Mund Jerry Oren, Brad Glarum, meet at WCC at 9:30AM Tuesday 9-20 to load tables & chairs. Travel to Chuck’s unload tables & chairs and pick potatoes 
• NDGF Small game, waterfowl, furbearers proclamation is available on line 
• Chahinkapa Zoo Wild Game Night, Nov. 18, RRASC to donate a Savage Axis 6.5 Creedmoor 
• W/B Chamber Mix & Match event, October 13, 5PM – 7:30PM, member booth is $225, Motion by Becky, Second by Justin to participate, Motion Approved. Becky to arrange.  Will need helpers for the event. 

Treasurer Report 

• Justin Kratz bought shotgun shells for the fall hunts 
• Cindie bought supplies for the youth hunts 
• Guides for the youth goose hunt were paid mileage 
• Bank account balance $46,342.95 
• 2023 liability and D&O insurance will be paid this week. 
• Received certificate of appreciation for the TRACKS magazine for the schools 
• MSC Curt, Chuck 

Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

Hunters Smoker – October 22, 2022 

• Curt brought permit for tickets; Becci will work on tickets and posters 
• Chuck Haus donated approximately 40 lb of venison,  need 40 lbs ground, 40 lbs cubed total 
• Added Sponsorship levels, $250, $500, $750, $1000 each includes door tickets, general raffle tickets and club memberships plus recognition at the smoker 
• Volunteers needed for solicitations/donations 
• Rich to contact members for workers at the event 
• Becky to email information to members 
• Richland Renegade Toms donated Savage 64 rifle 
• Chuck Haus will donate a .410 shotgun for the kids giveaway 
• Early Bird ticket sales ends October 20 

Air Rifle Program  – January 23, 2023 for Junior Wildlife 

2023 Fishing Derbies

• Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – February 18, 2023 
• Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby – May 6, 2023 
• Dick Bell Catfish Derby – June 3, 2023 
• Family Fishing Nights – TBD for 2023 
• Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby – TBD for 2023 

Fall Youth Goose Hunt – September 10-11, 2022 

• Posters are out; expecting it to fill up fast 
• Had a good event, all participants shot birds 
• First time hunt for 6 of the 8 hunters 

Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt – September 17, 2022 

• Registration opening early September 
• As of 9-15 have 14 signed up 
• Trap shoot at HOTR 9-16 at 6PM 
• Leave WCC at 5:PM travel to Tewaukon Refuge 
• Refuge staff is ready for the event 

Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt– October 1, 2022 at Chuck Haus’s 

• Working on shells and vests 
• Purchasing vest for hunters 
• NWTF and RRT would like to donate shirts for the pheasant hunt.  This brought up the following 
• Idea brought up to purchase Tee Shirts in quantity for future events with RRASC logo, in various colors & sizes, give shirts to all kids participation in fishing & hunting events. 

Ladies Rooster Roundup – October 14-15, 2022 

• Registration is open; posters are out 
• Have 10 applications to date 

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

• Silver level sponsor to receive heritage 22 pistol with NWTF logo 
• This with be the NWTF 50th anniversary 
• RRT received a grant from NWTF for $250 in support of the youth pheasant hunt 

Old / New / Unfinished Business/Correspondence 

Looking to purchase banners for parades, Youth Pheasant Hunt, etc and can cozies, stickers and other promotional items 

• Becky to order  
• MSC Curt, Kevin 

Communications 

• Retired Conservation Officer Lowell Skunberg memorial service to be held.  Lowell Skunberg was born on November 6, 1950, in Pelican Rapids, MN, passed May 9, 2022. 
• Twist of Fate event & auction, September 24.  Info on their website.  RRASC donates $500 to this event. 
• CWD is becoming a bigger concern in North Dakota.  It is expected that there will be bills presented in the coming legislative session on both side of the issue for controlling CWD and deed hunting over bait 

Adjournment 

Attendees: Greg Gerou, Greg Braun, Kevin Manock, Cindie VanTassel, Justin Kratz, Curt Mund, Paul Sinner, Becci & Rich Truesdell, Mary Rausch 

Approve minutes from previous meeting – MSC Greg B, Kevin 

Treasurer Report

• Bank account balance $50,625.51 
• Thrivent: next statement should come in September 
• MSC Justin, Cindie 

Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

Hunters Smoker – October 22, 2022 

• Curt brought permit for tickets; Becci will work on tickets and posters 
• Will need 80 lbs of meat: 40 lbs ground, 40 lbs cubed 
• Volunteers needed for solicitations/donations 

SE Area Sportsmen’s Club

• Louie Gaukler passed away 

Jr Wildlife Club Committee

• August is at Head of the Red 
• September will be moving up a week for a nature walk 

Public Relations (Rich Truesdell, Joe Keller, Brad Glarum, Cindie VanTassel, Mandy Steinberger, Abby Carlson) 

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: September 10 Headwaters Day – October 1 NDSCS Homecoming 

Red River Projects

• Looking into putting the dock that is currently in town out at Mooreton Pond, or maybe somewhere along the Wild Rice 

Air Rifle Program – January 23, 2023 for Junior Wildlife 

Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – February 18, 2023 

Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby – May 6, 2023 

Dick Bell Catfish Derby – June 3, 2023 

Family Fishing Nights – TBD for 2023 

• May not be able to continue into 2023 due to lack of volunteer support 
• Kids have enjoyed these nights so we would like to continue them 

Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby – TBD for 2023 

• Good turnout, kids had fun 

Fall Youth Goose Hunt – September 10-11, 2022 

• Posters are out; expecting it to fill up fast 

Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt – September 17, 2022 

• Registration opening early September 

Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt – October 1, 2022 at Chuck Haus’s 

• Working on shells and vests 
• Idea thrown out to invest in vests with RRASC logo on them that we loan out for the day versus buying more year after year – could get them in camo and/or blaze 

Ladies Rooster Roundup – October 14-15, 2022 

• Registration is open; posters are out 

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

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bois-de-Sioux Chapter – TBD for 2023 

Head of the Red Gun Archery Club – Open now, Tuesdays & Thursdays 

• Clays of Glory event September 10 

Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range – Open now, Wednesdays 

• MSC is having a Turkey Shoot on September 5, starting at noon 
• MSC has a gun raffle going, tickets are available 

Recruitment 

• Easel setup at the new store, Trigger Sports 
• Looking into various promotional items to give out at events: koozies, stickers, etc 

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 

Shotgun shells needed for the upcoming fall hunts 

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

From Dick Bell: Wyndmere Make-A-Wish is having a fundraiser on September 17 

• Make-A-Wish event – meal, drawings, auction – would we consider making a donation again? YES, Greg G will get something from storage 

Club insurance – Greg G is going to make an appointment with Beyer Insurance 

Prairie Pothole Partners – working on various events 

NDWF – August 27 & 28 at Sheyenne Riverbend in Valley City 

Chuck Haus will need help in 2-3 weeks to pick potatoes (used at Smoker) 

7:30 PM • Wahpeton Community Center

Attendees: Greg Gerou, Mary Rausch, Greg Braun, Cindie VanTassel, Justin Kratz, Brad Edwardson, Chuck Haus, Becci & Rich Truesdell, Brad Glarum, Abby & Kelly Carlson, Charles Isom (new member), Heather Retzer

Approve minutes from previous meeting: MSC Cindie, Brad G

Treasurer Report

• Bank account balance $52,661.09
• Thrivent statement came in; down about 10% from the original investment due to the current markets
• Greg G work with the Elks for their grant program
• MSC Cindie, Brad G

Parks & Recreation Report

• Fish cleaning station is down due to motor problems; Brad E is working with the ND G&F

Members / Committees / Projects Reports

Hunters Smoker – October 22, 2022

• Committee will start meeting soon
• Richland Renegade Toms is donating a gun towards a youth who participated in one of the club events
• Chuck Haus will also be donating a shotgun towards a youth

Jr Wildlife Club Committee

• July was at Chahinkapa Zoo for a tour; 40 youth and adults participated
• August is at Head of the Red

Public Relations (Rich Truesdell, Joe Keller, Brad Glarum, Cindie VanTassel, Mandy Steinberger, Abby Carlson)

• Website & Facebook/Instagram – please share RRASC posts!
• Cindie watches for members or family members that pass away for sympathy cards – see any let her know
• Parades: September 10 Headwaters Day, October 1 NDSCS Homecoming

Red River Projects

• Looking for a location for the fishing pier near Bois de Sioux

Air Rifle Program – January 23, 2023 for Junior Wildlife

Fishing Events

• Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – February 18, 2023
• Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby  – May 6, 2023
• Dick Bell Catfish Derby – June 3, 2023
• Family Fishing Nights – June 20, July 18, August 15, 2022 – volunteers needed! Sign up at https://rrasc.net/eventsor contact Cindie. August 15 at Kidder Rec from 6:30-8:30
• Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby – August 3, 2022 Moving to a Saturday next year – may incorporate bow fishing

Fall Youth Goose Hunt – September 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)
• Shooting at Head of the Red on Friday night, hunt Saturday and Sunday
• Sign-ups will open next month

Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt – September 17, 2022

• Will continue to go through Parks & Rec for registration
• 20 youth max for this event

Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt – October 1, 2022 at Chuck Haus’s

• Chuck has ordered 250 pheasants for the 2 youth hunts and the Ladies Rooster Roundup

Ladies Rooster Roundup – October 14-15, 2022

• 97% of the budget has been fundraised; lodging has been reserved for Saturday night; classroom & target shooting on Saturday; pheasant hunt on Sunday

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

• 50th year anniversary for the organization this year; Richland Renegade Toms is in its 16th year; tickets for gun raffle will be available next month

Head of the Red Gun Archery Club – Open now, Tuesdays & Thursdays

• 40 kids from Wahpeton participated in the high school clay target league; 36 at Colfax were signed up; Fairmount also had a team at state

Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range – Open now, Wednesdays

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 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 – 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

• Richland Renegade Toms will donate shells; RRASC targets are also available to be used

Shot gun shells needed for the upcoming fall hunts

• Greg G sent out a list of our inventory to the fall hunt chairs; feel free to purchase towards our restocking and turn in your receipts

Request for funding for the Red River Valley NAVHDA – “Point Of Faith” Youth Day Clinic August 13, 2022

• Will be held in Richland County near Kindred for up to 18 youth
• Motion made to give $500 and be a gold level sponsor: MSC Chuck, Rich

Food Pantry Expansion Project – no action taken

Hunters Ed starts August 15 in Wahpeton

Club insurance – Greg G is going to make an appointment with Beyer Insurance

7:30 PM    |    Wahpeton Community Center 

Attendees: Greg Gerou, Becci Truesdell, Rich Truesdell, Greg Braun, Justin Kratz, Andrew Fuller, Cindie VanTassel, Curt Mund, Brad Edwardson, Abby Carlson, Kelly Carlson, Mary Rausch 

Approve minutes from the previous meeting – MSC Curt, Justin 

President Report 

Presentation of Sportsman & Sportswoman of the Year awards 

Election of Officers 

• Nominees: President: Greg Gerou, Vice President: Brad Glarum, Treasurer: Greg Braun, Secretary: Mary Rausch, 2 Year Director: Rich Truesdell, 1 Year Director: Kelly Carlson 
• Motion to cast a unanimous ballot as no other nominations received – MSC Rich, Greg B 

Follow up on NDGF Advisory Meeting – 42 attendees; 9 from ND G&F – several topics covered; one major one being number of deer licenses and CWD going through herds 

Treasurer Report 

• Quickbooks update – this is now setup 
• 2021 Tax Return – May 15, was completed by Wayne 
• $51,676.47 account balance – MSC Cindie, Curt 
• Investment setup at Thrivent of $10,000 – we will receive quarterly statements 
• R3 grant from ND G&F was approved for $3,000 for youth events 
• RMEF state grant for $1,500 has been submitted 

Parks & Recreation Report

• New Wahpeton Parks & Recreation Director – Brad Edwardson 
• Reminder that there is a $5/trophy charge so the P&R can replenish stock 
• Mark Althoff & Richland Clay Target League looking for donations – Greg G will reach out to Mark to ask about grant form 

Members / Committees / Projects Reports 

Hunters Smoker (Curt Mund, Vern Shasky, Rich & Becci Truesdell, Abby Carlson) – October 22, 2022 

Banquet gun is being discussed by the committee 

SE Area Sportsmen’s Club 

• Looking at putting on a carp tournament at Tewaukon; nothing has been decided yet 

Jr Wildlife Club Committee 

• April: birding May: outdoor cooking June: Fishing at Mooreton Pond 

Wayne Beyer Scholarship

• Hannah Sievertson was our first recipient since naming after Wayne 

Public Relations 

• Parades: June 4 Blue Goose Days, September 10 Headwaters Day, October 1 NDSCS Homecoming 

Mooreton Pond Projects

• Waiting for ground to dry out to put docks in 

Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby – Feb 18, 2023 

• 200 white pine being planted 

Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby – May 6, 2023 

• 80+ youth participated at 2022 event

Dick Bell Catfish Derby – June 4, 2022 

• Fishing rods and tackle kits bought for prizes
• Questionnaire going out to see if a different time would be better that day 

Family Fishing Nights – June 20, July 18 & August 15, 2022 

• Cindie is looking at the 3rd Monday of June, July and August – permits acquired – volunteers needed! 

Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby – TBD for Aug 2022 

• Justin Kratz expressed interest in chairing this event – looking at having this at a different date/time 

Fall Youth Hunts

• Fall Youth Goose Hunt – September 10-11, 2022 
• Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt – September 17, 2022 
• Fall Youth Pheasant Hunt – October 1, 2022 
• NDGF R3 Grant approval for $3,000 for hunting events – does not have to be youth-specific 

Ladies Rooster Roundup – October 14-15, 2022 

• Cass County Wildlife has pledged annual, repeating support 
• Events for the weekend will be Friday evening and Saturday day 

Events

• National Wild Turkey Federation Richland Renegade Toms – February 3, 2023 
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – TBD for 2023 

Trap Clubs

• Head of the Red Gun Archery Club – Open now 
• Mooreton Sportsmen’s Club, Joe Pikarski Trap Range & MSC Rifle/Pistol Range – Will open June 1, 2022 

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

• Deer, Elk, etc.
• Turkey Beard
• Pheasant Tail Feather
• Waterfowl – number of species harvested 

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

• Fresh Water
• Salt Water 

Old / New / Unfinished Business / Correspondence 

Bench recognition plaque name nominations 

• The plan is to have multiple names per plaque – 5 benches will need plaques 
• Names placed: Randy Hovde, Vince Herding, Mike Fenske, Jeff Trom, Larry Brunkhorst, Marv Manock, Randy Hoerer, Wayne Beyer
• Nominations received to order: 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 

Sort and storage of inventory of shotgun shells, recommended by Wayne 

Hosting a hunting and fishing rummage sale at WCC, suggested by 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 

Wildlife prints donated by Brett Lambrecht 

Committee member(s) needed for the following: 

• ND Sportfishing Congress (replacing Wayne) – meetings typically in Bismarck – ? 
• Prairie Pothole Partners (replacing Wayne) – meetings locally or at Tewaukon – ? 
• NDGF Advisory Board contact (replacing Wayne) – Greg G 
• Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby Chairperson (replacing Wayne) – Justin 
• Grant Funding Coordinator (replacing Wayne) – ? 
• SE Area Sportsmen’s Club (replacing Vern) – Rich, Greg B 
• Wayne Beyer Scholarship Committee (replacing Vern) – Kelly 
• Mooreton Pond Development Committee (replacing Vern) – Curt 
• Sportsmen’s Smoker Committee (replacing Vern) – Kelly, Justin 
• Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby (replacing Vern) – Justin 

Future club projects that utilized bus transportation will need to schedule the bus and a driver as part of the event – driver(s) would need CDL 

NDGF State Fair Volunteers, July 22-30, Minot, ND 

SE Area Tech School Ag Program: 28 students in program – built wood duck houses for Tewaukon 

Youth Morning Dove Hunt – Justin interested in hosting this as an event in the fall if there is interest 

Youth Rim Fire Shoot – Andrew and Justin will partner on this as a potential event 

Communication 

• Thank you to Wayne Beyer for his dedication to the RRASC!