Category: News

By Manisha Reddy Reporter • Feb 23, 2026

Youth anglers bundled up for a colder-than-last-year event as the Neil Heitkamp Ice Fishing Derby drew a record crowd Feb. 21 at Heitkamp Pond, with organizers crediting community donations and volunteers for keeping the long-running event growing.

Gary Page, owner of Heitkamp Construction, noted that the event’s purpose is “about getting kids outdoors.” Heitkamp Construction and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club helped organize the derby.

Organizers estimated more than 300 kids and families attended, a jump from about 240 last year. A results sheet from the derby listed 233 youth registrations and said 325 fish were recorded, caught and released during the event.

Cindie Van Tassel, coordinator with the Sportsmen’s Club, said this year marked the derby’s 21st year. She said cold weather is always a factor but most families came prepared with small portable shelters, warming stations and winter gear.

Beyond fishing, the derby is designed as an all-ages winter outing. Registration ran from noon to 1 p.m., followed by fishing and weigh-ins through the afternoon. Hot dogs were served, with Van Tassel noting the food line stayed busy.

Both Page and Van Tassel said every child leaves the derby with something in-hand, including welcome items handed out at registration and, for some, prize items drawn during the day. Prizes were awarded both by random drawings and by derby results in fish categories. First-, second- and third-place winners in each fish category received trophies and gift cards worth $25, $15 and $10.

In the perch division, Ali Pacada took first place, Logan Mauch placed second and Jackson Krump placed third. In crappie, Arianne Griffin won, followed by Elija Kubela, then Paisley Gerou. In walleye, Elijah Wanek placed first, Caleb Houle took second and Amelia Houle took third.

Grand prizes were also awarded by age group. Spencer Budke won the age 0-6 boys grand prize, an ice fishing camera. Auvy Loeks won the age 0-6 girls grand prize, an Ugly Stick backpack and fishing chair. Rogan Stroehl won the age 7-11 boys grand prize, an Ugly Stick backpack and fishing chair. Baily Miranowski won the age 7-11 girls grand prize, an ice fishing shelter. Jordan Teberg won the age 12-18 boys grand prize, an ice fishing camera. Bristol Paulson won the age 12-18 girls grand prize, an ice fishing shelter.

Wanek also landed the day’s largest fish, a 22 1/2-inch walleye, and received a donated pail of fishing items for the catch.

Page said the biggest challenges each year are weather, collecting prizes and keeping the community engaged, adding that area businesses and supporters do very well in helping donate. Van Tassel echoed Page, calling the derby a community effort powered by volunteers and contributions.

For those who missed the event, organizers encouraged families to watch for next year’s date on local postings and the groups’ social media pages.

BY WAYNE BEYER

Dick Bell was an outstanding and active member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club for 25 years, serving as Vice-President and being honored with the Sportsman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award and Lifetime Membership Award. He went far beyond paying dues status and showed up for everything.

He was a mentor to many young hunters and fishermen who affectionately called him “Grandpa.”

It all started when the Sportsmen’s Club and 4-H co-sponsored fishing instruction on Mooreton Pond, where he connected with a young boy and taught him how to cast from shore for trout and smallmouth bass. An outdoor role model for his children and grandchildren, Dick soon expanded his influence.

He was the figure responsible for the Dick Bell Catfish Tournament held during Blue Goose Days, so it was named after him.

Dick was recognized as “Sportsman of the Year” by the North Dakota Wildlife Federation and attended annual conferences in Bismarck for many years. The Wahpeton-Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce honored him with the “Extra Mile Award.”

Awards aside, his greatest gift was connecting with people, especially youth experiencing the outdoors.

Dick holds a special place in my memories for mentoring my daughter Kayla during a spear-fishing excursion to Grass Lake near Lidgerwood. His patience, humor and appreciation for the little things, like observing the underwater world, will never be forgotten.

Dick often volunteered for the Junior Wildlife Club. Some of his favorite times were spent hunkering in the cattails during the Youth Waterfowl Hunt, teaching girls and boys about duck calling, waiting patiently for the right shooting times and soaking in the early-morning experience, appreciating sunrises and connecting with nature.

Over the years, Dick built meaningful relationships with North Dakota Game and Fish (as a hunter education instructor), the ND Health Department (water quality testing on Mooreton Pond), Boy Scouts (Outdoors Day at Camp Wilderness near Park Rapids, Minnesota), ND Firefighters (another catfish tournament), Wyndmere Public School (archery program), the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (youth games), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (noxious weed control), the Richland County After-School Program (fishing mentor) and the North American Hunting Club (lifetime member).

He believed deeply in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, particularly that science is the proper tool for wildlife policy. Dick regularly consulted with ND Game and Fish biologists on matters such as coyote bounties and was so passionate he earned the nickname “Wile E. Coyote.” It was great fun being the “Roadrunner.”

Dick was a sharpshooter growing up in South Dakota, and he went on to teach many young people how to accurately shoot rifles, shotguns and BB guns.

He patiently showed young fishermen how to tie a clinch knot, thread a nightcrawler onto a hook, make a spinner and accurately cast into a likely catfish hole near a fallen tree.

In recent years, despite challenging health, his positive attitude was an inspiration. Self-pity was not in his dictionary.

There is no finer outdoor mentor you could want your child to learn from. Sympathy and prayers are offered to the family and friends of Dick Bell, who left a lasting mark on the Dakota outdoors.

Wayne Beyer is the former Wahpeton Parks and Recreation director.

 By Shoba Dasari – October 20, 2025 Wahpeton Daily News

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s 36th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker proved once again why it remains one of Wahpeton’s most anticipated fall traditions.

Held Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Wahpeton Community Center, the event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd eager to support local outdoor programs through raffles, games, and a hearty wild game meal.

“The 2025 Smoker was very successful,” said Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club President Greg Gerou. “Guests were enthusiastic and eager to participate in the games and raffles. Ticket sales for the meat raffles went quickly, and many of the games and gun boards sold out in record time.”

As the evening unfolded, volunteers worked efficiently to move through dozens of raffles and prize drawings, allowing the event to wrap up slightly ahead of schedule.

Proceeds from the smoker help fund the club’s annual youth fishing and hunting events, as well as conservation and access projects across Richland County.

“We are grateful for the support and encouragement from everyone that attended,” Gerou said. “The success of this event is what keeps our programs going year after year.”

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club thanked its many volunteers, donors, and community partners who made the event possible, emphasizing that the continued success of the smoker ensures future opportunities for youth and conservation efforts across the region.

Shoba Dasari – October 11, 2025 Wahpeton Daily News

For more than three decades, the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club has gathered friends, families and outdoor enthusiasts together for one of the community’s most anticipated fall traditions — the Sportsmen’s Smoker.

This year marks the 36th annual event, set for Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Wahpeton Community Center. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the evening will feature raffles, games, silent auction items, and a meal of homemade wild game chili and stew, free while supplies last.

Club president Greg Gerou said the smoker began simply as a fundraiser to support the club’s early projects. What started with about 100 attendees has grown into a night hundreds look forward to each fall.

“It evolved into what we have today,” Gerou said. “The number of people that look forward to this is just amazing.”

Over the years, the event has adapted to state rules on gaming, creating some unique twists.

The impact of the event stretches well beyond one evening. Proceeds fund three youth fishing events each summer and three youth hunting events in the fall, along with a ladies-only pheasant hunt and a hunt for disabled veterans.

“We’ve partnered with landowners near Hankinson for the pheasant hunt, and it’s just phenomenal,” Gerou said. “The kids have a great time, and that’s really what we’re trying to do — get the kids interested. If it catches on, it’s a lifetime thing.”

The club also works on projects that benefit the broader community. In recent years, funds have supported fishing access ramps, partnerships with the DNR and Game & Fish, and improvements at Mooreton Pond and other local lakes in Richland County.

Gerou said the event takes months of planning, beginning each July, and about 30 volunteers pitch in on the day of the smoker. The chili and stew are prepared by members themselves under the direction of Curt Mund, with donated venison, and once even moose meat, forming the base.

“It was the best chili we ever had,” Gerou laughed, recalling the moose harvest that provided an extra-special recipe.

This year’s smoker will include around 30 firearms among the raffle prizes, along with numerous other items donated by businesses and community supporters.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased from club members or by calling at 701-640-5136 or 701-403-9010. Advance ticket buyers will also be entered into additional cash drawings.

“This is our one and only fundraiser,” Gerou said. “Everything else we do depends on how well we do at the smoker. If it’s a really good year, we can take on a couple extra projects. Even an average year still supports a lot.”

The event is open to the public, with anyone 18 and older welcome, or under 18 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“If you want something good to eat and a fun night out, come on down,” Gerou said. “We’ve got raffles and games for just about everybody.”

By Shoba Dasari, Wahpeton Daily News – May 7, 2025

The banks of the Red River of north were bustling with excitement on Saturday, May 3 as more than 110 young participants and their families gathered at the Kidder Recreation Area for the annual Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby, hosted by the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC).

The derby continues the legacy of Vince Herding for more than 30 years who is a founding member of the RRASC known for his passion for the outdoors and dedication to youth conservation.

The event welcomed boys and girls ages 18 and under for a full day of fishing, friendly competition and community spirit.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the event a huge success! We’re also incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors—from local businesses to community organizations—their support helps to make this event possible,” said Becci Truesdell, event co-chair.

Participants competed for top prizes in multiple age categories. Trophies were awarded for the largest catches and for skill in the casting contest, while every participant went home with a thank-you bag full of goodies and a door prize provided by the RRASC.

Top Catch Winners by Age Group:

• 6 and under: James Agayev – 5.45 lb. Redhorse Sucker
• 7 to 12: Adam Agayev – 8.2 lb. Carp
• 13 to 18: Caleb Storo – 8.35 lb. Catfish

Casting Contest Winners (Closest to target):

• 6 and under: Max Isom – 42”
• 7 to 12: Carter Miranowski – 29”
• 13 to 18: Zeke Paulson – 43”

The RRASC praised the volunteers and sponsors whose contributions extend beyond the derby, supporting the club’s year-round efforts to offer free activities for youth and advance conservation across Richland and Wilkin Counties, as well as in North Dakota and Minnesota.

By Cameron Sutphin Reporter

Wahpeton Daily News – Apr 30, 2025

Kristine Askerooth was not only the presenter for the evening at the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) annual Spring Awards Banquet, but she was also recognized for her 35 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including 30 years at Tewaukon Refuge.

Askerooth, an accomplished wildlife biologist, is retiring after dedicating her professional career to conserving natural resources so wildlife and plants would thrive in North Dakota.

Former Wahpeton Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Beyer was one of the many people benefiting from her impact. He presented Askerooth with the Conservation/Wildlife Employee Award for her years of service.

“Kristine was the ultimate educated professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and a Master’s Degree from North Dakota State University for Wildlife Biology Natural Resources Management,” Beyer said.

Beyer continued to praise Askerooth for being an incredible teacher.

“Kristine was an incredible teacher and taught the youth (and senior chaperones) to carefully observe striking details to identify waterfowl and shorebirds, like the chalky blue bill on a ruddy duck, sloping chestnut-red forehead on a canvasback and the long, upturned bill of an American avocet,” he said.

After Askerooth received her award, RRASC President Greg Gerou thanked the board of directors for making RRASC a success.

“I have had the privilege of being the president of the RRASC for the past 19 years … One of the major reasons the club is successful is the dedication of its board of directors,” Gerou said. “I would like to express my personal appreciation to both the past and current members of the board of directors for their dedication to the RRASC.”

Gerou also thanked the many organizations, individuals and businesses that have partnered with RRASC for their dedication to the organization.

“Many of these events have developed into partnerships with other organizations and individuals such as Heitkamp Construction, Chuck and Cheri Haus, Cass County Wildlife Club, Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association and Comstock Construction, along with many others,” he said. “These partnerships assist the club’s commitments to ensuring the event participants have a quality experience.”

Finally, Gerou mentioned the RRASC’s critical event, the Sportsmen’s Smoker.

“This fundraiser drives everything that the club does … The committee members’ dedication to the club and innovative ideas gave us a very successful event. They created a sponsorship program where businesses and individuals became sponsors and club members … They have also developed a partnership with Chahinkapa Zoo, where we share the various equipment for the games,” Gerou said.

Next, awards were given out. Norah Forman received $1,500 from the Wayne Beyer Scholarship. Forman is working towards a B.S. in Biological Science with a concentration in Conservation Biology and Ecology. She is attending Montana State University; her hometown is Fergus Falls.

2025 RRASC Annual Awards:

• Lifetime Achievement: Chuck Haus
• Lifetime Member: Kathy Langenwalter
• Sportsperson of the Year: Bob Rosemore
• Distinguished Service: Steve Manock
• Volunteer Service: Greg Gerou and Greg Braun
• Landowner / Conservationist: Tom Schmaltz and Kathy Diekman
• Conservation/Wildlife Employee: Kristine Askerooth

2025 RRASC Hunting Contest Winners:

• Big Buck Contest: (Adult) Joe Keller 3×4 mule deer buck
• Big Buck Contest: (Adult) Rich Truesdell 5×5 whitetail buck
• Big Buck Contest: (Youth) Charlie Smith 4×4 whitetail buck
• 2025 Longest Pheasant Tail Feather: (Adult) Mark Althoff 26.5-inch feather
• 2025 Longest Turkey Beard: (Adult) Joe Keller 9.5-inch beard
• 2025 Waterfowl Harvest Award: (Adult) Abby Carlson 16 species harvested

2025 RRASC Fishing Contest Winners (adults – including catch and release):

• Chuck Haus: Smallmouth Bass 18 inches / Sheepshead 21 inches
• Cindie Van Tassel: Crappie 14.5 inches / Sunfish 9-3/4 inches / Bluegill 10-3/8 inches
• Justin Krantz: Catfish 26 inches / Walleye 26 inches
• Rich Truesdell: Perch 12 inches

2025 RRASC Fishing Contest Winners (youth – including catch and release):

• Kris Krantz: Catfish 19.1 inches
• Charlie Smith: Crappie 14.5 inches
• Journey Gerou: Perch 8-3/4 inches
• Carter Gerou: Sunfish 10.5 inches / Walleye 20 inches

The RRASC thanked Van Tassel for hosting the evening and Askerooth for programming for the evening.

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club Junior Wildlife Club members made their own wren houses on Thursday, March 20, at Comstock Construction.

Melissa and Stuart Schumacher got the wren birdhouse project ready for the youth. Stuart Schumacher gave the demonstration to the kids before they started putting their wren houses together.

“The way we set it up is we have everything pre-cut and ready to go,” Melissa Schumacher said.

Comstock Construction has been hosting the birdhouse-making event for over 10 years.

“That’s usually one of our most popular events during the year; it’s one of the bigger turnouts,” Melissa Schumacher said.

These activities are free of charge for members because of the support of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club.

Youth between the ages of eight and 16 can go to www.rrasc.net, look under the Jr. Wildlife tab, fill out the information, and become a member.

Giving Hearts Day donation: Cindie Van Tassel, left, board member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club presented Kathy Diekman, director of Chahinkapa Zoo with a check for $2,000.00 as part of the Giving Hearts Day campaign which helps area charities and nonprofits.

Wahpeton Daily News – October 22, 2024

By Bobbi Steffens, Assistant Managing Editor

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s 35th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker was held Saturday. Members and guests filled the Wahpeton Community Center to enjoy the evening’s activities.

RRASC President Greg Gerou relayed that the club is made up of a great group of volunteers, about 160 members in total. “If not for them, we wouldn’t have any of – events and activities – the annual smoker provides a lot of funding for the club and the volunteers work hard to put it all together.”

Funds raised from the smoker are used for the events the group sponsors including summer fishing derbies, fall youth hunting, an ice fishing derby and the junior wildlife program.

“The club likes to provide opportunities for kids who may not otherwise get to be involved with outdoor things like fishing and hunting,” Gerou said. “That is why the volunteers do it, making those opportunities possible,”

The smoker is a time for like-minded people to come together, enjoy a meal, games, raffles and a chance to catch up with one another.

Gerou shared that RRASC is always looking for new members to join in. “It costs $10 a year to be a club member. We encourage our members to volunteer for the areas they are comfortable with, but it is not a requirement. We just want people to help out if they can.”

What might that volunteering look like? Gerou wants people to know that they don’t need a set of special skills to get involved.

“Yes, you can join if you are an avid outdoors person but you can help in other ways,” Gerou said. “On the fall hunts we serve breakfast – maybe you can help with the sausage and pancakes. Or if you like to craft, you could help build birdhouses and wood duck houses. Do you like to bird watch – we look for chaperones when we go out to Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge. Even things like logistics, event planning – just reach out if you are interested.”

RRASC expressed a heartfelt “thank you” to all who joined in on the annual fundraiser. The continued support, along with the generosity of local businesses and individuals, enables them to continue providing outdoor opportunities for youth and championing wildlife conservation.

Their work does not stop with the smoker however. Gerou shared that the fall continues to be busy with other involvement such as Sportsmen Against Hunger, a charitable program that raises money for processing of donated deer meat, and coordinates distribution to food pantries.

Hunters can also find containment dumpsters for hides and carcasses in the Twin Towns, including Tractor Supply and Blazer Express, sponsored by the club. RRASC encourages all hunters to utilize these dumpsters and dispose of their hides and carcasses in a clean and safe manner. Being mindful and respectful of what goes in the dumpsters and cleaning up around them as needed is the only request. The dumpsters are available to all deer hunters in either state, so if a Minnesota hunter has a carcass, they can take it to the carcass dumpster located in Wahpeton.

“If you want to talk about our programs or are interested in helping out, just reach out,” Gerou said. “You can find great information on our website, email us, we will do our best to answer your questions.

Wahpeton Daily News – October 11, 2024

By Wayne Beyer 

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) has been one of the premiere wildlife clubs in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Club members are working hard for the annual Sportsmen’s Smoker fund-raiser on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4:00-10:00 p.m. at the Wahpeton Community Center. Delicious venison stew and chili, prizes, games and comradery make it a topnotch event.

There are many reasons to support RRASC.

Archery, including the National Archery in the Schools Program, air rifle shooting and art (Jr. Duck Stamp Contest) get support.

Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby reminds young fishermen about the diversity of fish in the Red River. Birdwatching field trips include Tewaukon Refuge and Prairie Wetlands.

Canada Goose Hunt for youths is offered in Minnesota in early September.

Dick Bell Catfish Tournament has been held over Carousel Days, now Blue Goose Days, since its inception. Deer hides and deer carcass disposal sites are offered in November.

Education for conservation is a priority, including Prairie Wetlands Learning Center membership.

Fishing on the Red River and Mooreton Pond is supported by piers and docks.

Grants to Head of the Red and Mooreton Joe Pikarski trap shooting ranges support local shooting sports.

High school trap shooting teams receive grants for practices and tournaments.

Ice Fishing Derby named after Neil Heitkamp is held on Heitkamp Pond in February.

Junior Wildlife Club has had a monthly activity since April, 2002.

Kidder Recreation Area riverside benches and Henry Knight Shelter have been sponsored.

Ladies Pheasant Hunt gets the gals hunting each fall.

Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt hosts kids hunting on sloughs around Tewaukon Refuge. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources support includes projects like walleye rearing ponds.

North Dakota Game & Fish (NDGF) is a frequent partner, like Advisory Board Meetings and Aquatic Nuisance Species / zebra mussel prevention. North Dakota Wildlife Federation is the voice for North Dakota sportsmen, especially during Legislative sessions. Club members Greg Gerou (Vice President) and Joe Keller (Board Member) are officers.

Outdoor Adventure Foundation helps make outdoor hunting and fishing dreams come true for children and young adults with life-threatening illnesses.

Parks & Recreation receives local funding matches from RRASC for NDGF projects.

Queen bees and pollinators support natural habitat, a priority of the Prairie Pothole Partners, another RRASC membership.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation fundraiser includes RRASC sponsorship.

Scholarships are awarded to college students seeking wildlife management degrees. Scouts receive grants for Eagle Scout projects. The Southeast Sportsmen’s Club gets all the local wildlife clubs together.

Twist of Fate Deer Hunt offers a quality deer hunt for people who have physical challenges. TRACKS conservation magazines are sponsored for every Wahpeton and Breckenridge 4th grade student.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service / Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge projects include the Smith Waterfowl Production Area south of Lidgerwood. RRASC was the first known wildlife club to sponsor a WPA.

Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby gets the fishing season started on the first May Saturday at the Kidder Recreation Area.

Wild Turkey Federation is supported by a sponsorship of the Renegade Toms fund-raiser in Mooreton.

X-factor – RRASC has positively impacted getting many kids outdoors.

Youth Pheasant Hunt gets kids hunting ring-necks on the prairie of Chuck Haus’s Hankinson farm.

Zoo support is annually provided for the Chahinkapa Zoo ‘Wild Games’ fundraiser.

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club is a shining example of the ABC’s of a great wildlife club.