Category: News

Cass County Wildlife Club, Brad Dokken, Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell and Rodney O’Clair all were recognized at the Federation’s annual convention Saturday, Jan. 6.

Grand Forks Herald – January 10, 2024

FARGO – The North Dakota Wildlife Federation recognized several area sportsmen and sportswomen at their annual convention Jan. 6 in Fargo.

Brad Dokken, longtime outdoor writer for the Grand Forks Herald, was named “Conservation Communicator of the Year” by the Federation. Dokken’s outdoor articles cover hunting and fishing adventures and topics in North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada.

Brad Dokken with a Devils Lake northern pike. Dokken was recognized by the North Dakota Wildlife Federation as its “Conservation Communicator of the Year” at the group’s annual convention Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Fargo.

“Brad, writing for the Grand Forks Herald, has become something of an ‘endangered species’ as the only outdoor writer for a daily newspaper in the state,” said Kerry Whipp, president of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. “His writing brings the sights, smells and sounds of his outdoor forays to his readers.”

Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell, a member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club in Wahpeton, North Dakota, was recognized as the “Sportswoman of the Year.”

“Truesdell is the driving force behind the club’s annual fund-raising event, the co-chair for the club’s annual youth fishing derby and manages the club’s website,” Whipp said. “Becci is responsible for the success of the many Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s events and programs.”

John Bradley, the Federation’s executive director, presented the Cass County Wildlife Club, based in Casselton, North Dakota, with the “Affiliate Club of the Year” award.

“The Cass County Club owns and maintains a trap range and rifle range that are open to the public,” Bradley said. “Club members teach Hunter Education classes, host youth hunting and fishing events and support local ‘Archery in the Schools’ programs.

“Cass County also has partnerships with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Cass County Park Board to develop and maintain habitat and recreation facilities on local wildlife management and fishing areas,” Bradley added.

The Wildlife Federation honored Rodney O’Clair of Jamestown with a “Special Recognition” award for his work as treasurer of the Federation, his longtime service on the Board of Directors and his work representing the North Dakota Hunter Education Association.

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January 10, 2024|News

Jamestown Sun – January 10, 2024

The North Dakota Wildlife Federation recognized several area sportsmen and women on Jan. 6 at its annual convention in Fargo. Among those recognized was Rodney O’Clair, Jamestown, who received a special recognition award for his work as treasurer and longtime board of directors member of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation and for his work representing the North Dakota Hunter Education Association.

Also recognized was Brad Dokken, Grand Forks, as the Conservation Communicator of the Year. Dokken, a writer for the Grand Forks Herald, was noted for writing outdoor articles covering hunting and fishing adventures and topics in North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada.

Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell, a member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club in Wahpeton, was recognized as the 2024 Sportswoman of the Year, and the Cass County Wildlife Club received the 2024 Affiliate Club of the Year award.

Grand Forks Herald

Jan. 10—FARGO — The North Dakota Wildlife Federation recognized several area sportsmen and sportswomen at their annual convention Jan. 6 in Fargo.

Brad Dokken, longtime outdoor writer for the Grand Forks Herald, was named “Conservation Communicator of the Year” by the Federation. Dokken’s outdoor articles cover hunting and fishing adventures and topics in North Dakota, Minnesota and Canada.

“Brad, writing for the Grand Forks Herald, has become something of an ‘endangered species’ as the only outdoor writer for a daily newspaper in the state,” said Kerry Whipp, president of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. “His writing brings the sights, smells and sounds of his outdoor forays to his readers.”

Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell, a member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club in Wahpeton, North Dakota, was recognized as the “Sportswoman of the Year.”

“Truesdell is the driving force behind the club’s annual fund-raising event, the co-chair for the club’s annual youth fishing derby and manages the club’s website,” Whipp said. “Becci is responsible for the success of the many Red River Area Sportsmen’s club’s events and programs.”

John Bradley, the Federation’s executive director, presented the Cass County Wildlife Club, based in Casselton, North Dakota, with the “Affiliate Club of the Year” award.

“The Cass County Club owns and maintains a trap range and rifle range that are open to the public,” Bradley said. “Club members teach Hunter Education classes, host youth hunting and fishing events and support local ‘Archery in the Schools’ programs.

“Cass County also has partnerships with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Cass County Park Board to develop and maintain habitat and recreation facilities on local wildlife management and fishing areas,” Bradley added.

The Wildlife Federation honored Rodney O’Clair of Jamestown with a “Special Recognition” award for his work as treasurer of the Federation, his longtime service on the Board of Directors and his work representing the North Dakota Hunter Education Association.

Wahpeton Daily News – October 30, 2023

WAHPETON — The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) has partnered with TG Sanitation, Tractor Supply and the Blazer Express to place deer carcass and hide collection dumpsters for the 2023 hunting season.

In late October and early November, a carcass dumpster and a hide dumpster will be in the parking lot of Tractor Supply of Wahpeton. A hide dumpster will be in the north parking lot of the Blazer Express in Breckenridge, Minnesota. Signs will be posted on the dumpsters.

These dumpsters will be in place through the muzzleloader deer season.

We ask that the public be respectful of the businesses and keep the area around the dumpsters clean. These are carcass and hide collection dumpsters only, do not put regular garbage in them.

Thank you to TG Sanitation, Tractor Supply and the Blazer Express for helping the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club to provide this service to the hunters of the area. Thank you to the North Dakota Wildlife Federation for sharing the cost of the dumpsters.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com

Oct 23, 2023 Updated Nov 30, 2023  

“This is our big fall fundraiser. It drives everything we do,” Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club President Greg Gerou said about the 34th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker.

Gerou gave that reminder Saturday, Oct. 21, before a growing crowd at the Wahpeton Community Center. As they have for more than 30 years, Southern Red River Valley residents came out to support local youth programs, wildlife projects and Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton.

“I think the mission of the club is really what drives it,” Gerou said leading up to the Smoker. “We’re focusing on getting youth outdoors locally, in Wahpeton, Breckenridge and the two counties. When people ask what we do with the money, we say it stays here. It stays local. The other side of it is that we work very hard to make this a fun night. There are a lot of things going on that people can enjoy.”

Fun was had in a variety of ways, from exciting table games to the thrill of browsing and bidding on silent auction items. When guests wanted to take a break from the marketplace and gaming, they could enjoy hearty wild game chili and wild game stew, as well as socializing.

“A lot of what we’re doing on that night is driven by local people and businesses when they’re donating. It’s local products that people are familiar with and have a use for,” Gerou said previously.

Frank Stanko • Daily News October 7, 2023 

Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) President Greg Gerou visited with Daily News about this year’s event. It is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21, in Wahpeton.

What’s new? 

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s 34th Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Wahpeton Community Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Can anyone attend? 

Yes, this is a public event. A $20 ticket allows guests the chance for a fun evening. The Smoker traditionally includes raffles and games, including the popular general raffle, ladies’ raffle, silent auction, and meat raffles.

What’s on the menu? 

The price of a ticket allows guests all they can eat wild game chili and wild game stew. Including venison from deer, the foods will be served until they are gone.

Are tickets guaranteed to be available at the door? 

No. It is strongly encouraged to buy Sportsmen’s Smoker tickets in advance. Guests can do so by calling Rich at 701-640-5136 or Becci at 701-403-9010.

What benefits do I get if I buy an early bird ticket? 

Well, besides peace of mind, buying an early bird ticket — available until Thursday, Oct. 19 — allows a guest entrance into an exclusive additional gun raffle.

I’m a parent, can I bring my child to the Sportsman’s Smoker? 

Yes. Guests who are under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. (Note from Club – This is an adult-orientated event and it is recommended not to bring young children. All attendees still pay the $20 ticket price)

What does the money go towards? 

“Proceeds are used to support local youth programs, wildlife projects and the Chahinkapa Zoo,” RRASC stated.

What are some of those projects? 

They include improving development of and access to the Red, Otter Tail and Bois de Sioux rivers, the Junior Wildlife Club, which provides outdoor activities for ages 8-16, youth fishing derbies in the spring, summer and winter, youth duck, goose and pheasant hunts, and college scholarships for students enrolled in wildlife management or enforcement courses, among other things.

Why does the Sportsmen’s Smoker endure? 

“I think the mission of the club is really what drives it,” Gerou said. “We’re focusing on getting youth outdoors locally, in Wahpeton, Breckenridge and the two counties. When people ask what we do with the money, we say it stays here. It stays local. The other side of it is that we work very hard to make this a fun night. There are a lot of things going on that people can enjoy.”

How beneficial are partnerships? 

“A lot of what we’re doing on that night is driven by local people and businesses when they’re donating. It’s local products that people are familiar with and have a use for,” Gerou said.

Is there another example of a good partnership? 

“We’re very fortunate where we are able to use the kitchen facilities at St. John’s Church,” Gerou said. “We’ve asked them if we could do that and they’ve been very gracious in allowing us to do that. We come in, doing our food prep the night before the Smoker, and then we make sure to clean up. I make a point of coming back on the following Monday, checking with the staff about how we did in cleaning up. I don’t want to mess up that relationship.”

How can I learn more about RRASC’s work? 

By visiting www.rrasc.net. The Wahpeton Community Center is located at 304 Fifth St. S. in Wahpeton.

Frank Stanko • Daily News May 8, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Wayne Beyer Dec 17, 2022 

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

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

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

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

Every volunteer is somebody who raised their hand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be brave. Raise your hand high.

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

By Wayne Beyer Dec 3, 2022 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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