Category: News

Greg Gerou, Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club

Feb 26, 2024 – Wahpeton Daily News

With favorable weather leading up to Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, Heitkamp Construction, together with the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, organized the annual Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby.

The derby was held on the property owned by Heitkamp Construction at 18205 Red River Road. It was open to any young “fisherperson” 18 years of age and younger. Both boys and girls were welcome.

Prior to the event, both Heitkamp Construction and the Sportsmen’s Club were checking ice conditions, wanting to insure everyone would be safe as they had fun catching fish and enjoying the day.

Using Heitkamp’s Pond for the derby has been a tradition for many years. The derby has a growing reputation and it brought members of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation to assist with the event. NDWF President Kerry Whipp and NDWF Executive Director John Bradley were put to work clearing holes, helping with registration and handout the hot dogs. Kerry also took a lot of pictures.

Registration started at 12 p.m., and as the young anglers registered, they were given a door prize of an Ugly Stick ice fishing rod and reel. Age groups were 0-6 boys and girls, 7-11 boys and girls and 12-18 boys and girls, with approximately 160 in attendance along with parents and grandparents. During the entire derby, the Heitkamp Construction Crew served hot chocolate, hot dogs and cookies for everyone enjoyment.

The derby’s fishing started at 1 p.m., and this year’s event brought in more than 100 fish to be registered before the derby ended at 3 p.m. The event was catch and release, so as soon as the fish were brought in and measured, they were released back into the pond.

Trophies were given for the best crappie, perch, sunfish and walleye. Each category had first, second and third place winners, with each receiving a trophy and gift cards. First place in the categories were:

• Crappie — Rylan Gunnerson with a 15-½ inch fish
• Perch – Mila Hought with a 10-¾ inch fish
• Sunfish – Nora Nelson with an 8-¼ inch fish
• Walleye – Westyn Helfenstein with a 16-½ in fish.

The 16-1/2 inch walleye named Lyle, caught by three-year-old Helfenstein, was the largest fish of the day. To Westyn’s great surprise, she also won an ice fishing container filled with $200 in tackle presented by Gary Page, owner of Heitkamp Construction.

There was also a prize given out for the smallest fish measured, which was a 4-½ inch perch caught by Luke Isom. Luke received a handmade ice fishing rod and a large ice fishing rod storage container.

At the end of the event, names were drawn for a grand prize in each of the registration age groups, which included portable ice fishing shanties, underwater cameras and gift cards. The days prizes also included five hand-built ice fishing rods donated by Lonnie Wurst of Richland Custom Rods out of Barney, North Dakota.

A huge thank you goes to Gary Page, the owner of Heitkamp Construction, for allowing the derby to be held on their private pond. A special thank you goes to Butch Stollenwerk, Jon Hegge and the Heitkamp Construction crew for collecting the door prizes and their many friends that came out to help with the event.

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club was a working partner, turning out a number of volunteers, providing bait and loaner ice fishing rods. Cindie Van Tassel was the club’s coordinator, working with Heitkamp Construction to insure everything ran smoothly during the event. The Wahpeton Parks and Rec Department supplied tables, chairs, made the trophies and the provided safety cones for the parking areas.

Thank you to the Wahpeton and Breckenridge, Minnesota, communities and many generous businesses that provided prizes for the anglers. This year, the Heitkamp Derby even got some television air time on Valley News Live’s “North Dakota Nice” when Amanda Kosior talked about the derby and all its activities.

The kids had a great time, which made this year’s Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby such a big success.

By Frank Stanko Daily News

Feb 19, 2024

One-hundred-seventy-six youth were registered for the 19th Annual Neil E. Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby. They caught approximately 175 fish, with many of the youth having a great time along the way. This year’s derby took place Saturday, Feb. 17 on Heitkamp Pond.

This year’s anglers included Westyn Helfenstein, 3, Foxhome, Minnesota, who came in first for two categories. Lyle, a 16 1/2-inch walleye named by Helfenstein, won the girl the best in walleye and largest fish categories. Helfenstein came with her mom, Alisha.

“Westyn received an ice fishing pail with more than $200 worth of ice fishing equipment,” the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club announced Monday, Feb. 19.

Helfenstein also came in second for the walleye category, with a 13-inch fish caught. The third place rank went to Emily Andrews, who caught a 12 1/2-inch walleye.

In addition to walleyes, there were winners in the perch, sunfish and crappie categories. The perch catches were led by Milo Hough’s 10 3/4-inch catch, followed by Aiden Luna’s 10 1/2-inch catch and Leana Ascheman’s 10-inch catch.

The sunfish catches were led by Nora Nelson’s 8 1/4-inch catch, followed by Joshua Barth’s 8-inch catch and Rylan Gunnerson’s 7 1/2-inch catch. Gunnerson came in first for the crappie catches with a 15 1/2-inch catch. He was followed by Ella Snyder’s 13 1/2-inch catch and Colt Besette’s 13-inch catch.

Ranking as the lowest catch overall was a 4 1/2-inch perch caught by Luke Isom. Still, Isom was a winner. He received an handmade ice fishing road and a large ice fishing rod storage container.

“All first place winners received a trophy and a handcrafted ice fishing rod made by Lonnie Wurst,” the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club announced. “Second place winners all received a trophy and a $20 gift card. Third place winners all received a trophy and a $10 gift card.”

There were also several grand prize winners based on anglers’ ages. Sam Sandry and Taia Krogh each won a $50 gift card and portable ice fishing shelter for being the top boy and girl in the 0-6 age range. James Svailes won a portable ice fishing shelter for being the top boy in the 7-11 age range. Scarlette Davis won an underwater camera for being the top girl in the 7-11 age range. Finally, Joel Bultema and Kenna Manock won a portable fish house and an underwater camera, respectively, for being the tops in the 12-18 age range.

  Winning was not everything on Saturday, however. There were also opportunities for fun, like when Denver Leinen, 5, Hankinson, North Dakota, made an ice angel. Duan Van Der Merwe, 14, whose family is visiting Wahpeton from South Africa, got to walk on the ice for the first time.

“We just want to give a huge thank you to the generous various businesses, individuals, friends and employees of Heitkamp Construction and the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club for putting together another wonderful event for the youth in our community,” derby organizers said Monday.

Additional photos from the derby will run in Thursday’s Daily News.

By North Dakota Wildlife Federation

Jan. 31, 2024 – Wahpeton Daily News

The North Dakota Wildlife Federation (NDWF) recognized several area sportsmen and women at their annual convention, held Jan. 6, 2024, in Fargo, North Dakota.

Rebecca “Becci” Truesdell, a member of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club in Wahpeton, was recognized as the “2024 Sportswoman of the Year.”

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

Whipp also recognized outdoor writer Brad Dokken, Grand Forks as the “Conservation Communicator of the Year.” 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,” Whipp said. “His writing brings the sights, smells, and sounds of his outdoor forays to his readers.”

Federation Executive Director John Bradley presented the Cass County Wildlife Club with the “2024 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. 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 said.

Rodney O’Clair, Jamestown, North Dakota, was given a “Special Recognition” award for his work as treasurer of the Federation, being a long-time board of directors member, and his work representing the North Dakota Hunter Education Association.

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.