Participants were served lunch, watched as their peers received trophies for the top three catches in many categories and age groups, and receive either a fishing rod or tackle box as a participation prize.
Free for youth ages 18 and under, the annual Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby was held Saturday, May 7 by the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC).
Eighty boys and girls took part in the event at Wahpeton’s Kidder Recreation Area, RRASC stated. When the young anglers weren’t trying to reel one in, they were served lunch, watched as their peers received trophies for the top three catches in many categories and age groups, and received either a fishing rod or tackle box as a participation prize.
Among the biggest fish were:
a 3 pound, 1-ounce smallmouth bass caught by Aydin Luna, 13, who caught three bass total
a 5 pound, 7-ounce white sucker caught by Chase Krueger, 13
a 2 pound, 9-ounce catfish caught by Blade Leitch, 13
a 4 pound, 15-ounce buffalo caught by Kristopher Kratz, 8
a 3 pound, 11-ounce carp caught by Jeremiah Ovsak, 6
Gracin Kaste, 13, tried his luck at reeling one in during the Vince Herding Spring Fishing Derby. Eighty youth took part in the Saturday, May 7 event, hosted by the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club at Kidder Recreation Area in Wahpeton.
Casting contest winners included Maximus Isom, ages 6 and under; Dalton Portales, ages 7-12; and a tie between Christian Last and Troy Berndt, ages 13-18.
“We would like to thank all the participants and businesses and organizations that contributed to help to make this event so successful,” RRASC stated.
Event sponsors and contributors included Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, Smith Tire and Tread, Comstock Construction Inc., Scheels, Red River Valley & Western Railroad, Hornstein Chiropractic, Wahpeton Kiwanis, Farmer’s Union Insurance — Kyle DeVries, Flex TM, Bell Bank, State Farm Insurance — Amanda Fredrick, NAPA, Fastenal, and North Dakota Game and Fish.
From left, Lifetime Membership Award winner Greg Braun, Wayne Beyer, holding the plaque for Hanna Severson, the first-ever recipient of his namesake scholarship, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Greg Gerou.
The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) held its annual spring banquet and awards night Thursday, April 28. The evening included a meal catered by Wahpeton Deli and Club President Greg Gerou talking about the club’s yearly activities.
Gerou thanked everyone who volunteered their time and talent to help RRASC. He noted the importance of following the R3 initiative of the North Dakota Game and Fish’s “R3” initiative of recruiting, retaining and reactivating.
“Recruit new people to enjoy outdoor activities, retain existing outdoor enthusiasts and reactivate people that have suspended their enjoying of the outdoors,” Gerou said. “RRASC’s youth summer fishing derbies, family fishing nights, fall hunting events and many other activities are all aimed at getting and keeping people interested in the many outdoor opportunities the upper Midwest offers.”
The club has grant funding available to local programs such as archery in the schools, the High School Clay Target League, youth hunting and fishing events and shooting range projects. This year, RRASC provided funding for two local archery programs to assist them in their attendance of the national competition. Funding in the amount of $500 was presented to the Twin Town Youth archery team and $500 to the Lidgerwood archery team. All RRASC members wish both of these teams all the best as they attend their national events.
Cindie Van Tassel, event chairperson, joined Gerou in presenting awards for the club’s member and youth big buck contest, longest turkey beard, and longest pheasant tail feather. The winners received Chamber Bucks from the Wahpeton Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce.
Big Buck winners in the adult category were Nathan Rausch, 4X5 mule deer, and Luke Glarum, 6X5 whitetail deer. The youth category winner was Jordan Teberg with a 4X4 whitetail deer. The longest pheasant tail feather adult category winner was Chuck Haus with a 25 1/4-inch feather. The longest turkey beard winner, adult category, was Dave Langenwalter. He entered a 10 1/4-inch beard. In the youth category, the winner was Braxton Heitkamp with a 5 1/8-inch beard.
Next came the member and youth fishing contest winners, who also received Chamber Bucks.
The adult category winners were Abby Carlson, recording the club’s first-ever alligator gar, plus a walleye at 27 inches. Nathan Rausch recorded a 10 1/2-inch bluegill, a 31-inch dogfish, a 42-inch northern, a 14-inch perch, and a 19-inch smallmouth bass. Vern Shasky tied Nathan with a 19-inch smallmouth bass and Joe Keller entered an impressive 56-inch paddlefish.
In the youth category, Carter Gerou caught a 6-inch perch and a 13-inch largemouth bass, Paisley Gerou caught a 6-inch crappie and Tucker Rezac entered an 18-inch walleye. Congratulations to all the winners.
Throughout the year, RRASC members submit nominations for the various club awards, designed to recognize members for their work in supporting the club’s mission throughout the past year. These include the Sportsmen of the Year, Lifetime Membership and Lifetime Achievement awards.
Justin Kratz received this year’s Sportsman of the Year award, with Heather Retzer honored as Sportswoman of the Year. The Lifetime Membership award was presented to Greg Braun and Lifetime Achievement award went to Greg Gerou. These awards were presented by one of RRASC’s charter members, Wayne Beyer.
Justin was unable to attend due to work assignments and Heather was unable to attend because she was accompanying the Twin Town Youth archery team to their national competition in Utah. Greg Braun and Greg Gerou were on hand to accept their award. Congratulations go to all the 2022 award winners.
Following the award presentations, the entertainment for the evening were Jack Lalor, retired federal game warden and Tim Phalen, retired NDGF district game warden. They told stories of the many comical encounters they had during their career. Some included co-workers, some were about landowners, but the majority were about hunting and fishing incident that they encountered. The two wardens had worked together over the years, and if you get a chance to talk to either of them, ask them about “Marilyn.” It’s a really funny story.
Because the recent banquet will likely be the last attended by Wayne and Joan Beyer, due to his retirement from Wahpeton Parks and Recreation and their relocation to Texas, RRASC followed its long-standing tradition of naming events for exceptional club members. These include the Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby, the Dick Bell Catfish Tournament and the Marv Manock Youth Waterfowl Hunt.
In honor of Wayne’s long-time commitment to the mission of the club, beginning in April 2022, RRASC’s scholarship program will be known as the Wayne Beyer Scholarship. Scholarships in the amount of $500 per student are designed to assist students enrolled in a wildlife supportive program, pursuing a career in fish and wildlife management, wildlife law enforcement, biology or zoology at a two or four-year college. The recipient of the first Wayne Beyer Scholarship was Hanna Severson of Wyndmere, North Dakota. Hanna is enrolled in the animal science program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. RRASC’s board of directors and members wish Wayne and Joan a long and fun-filled retirement.
RRASC’s 2022 events and activities include our monthly meetings, held on the third Thursday of the month, and the monthly junior wildlife activities. This summer’s schedule includes the Dick Bell Catfish Derby, June 4; Family Fishing Nights, June 20, July 18 and Aug 15; Brunk’s Carp and Sucker Derby in August. Fall activities include the Youth Goose Hunt on Sept. 10-11, Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Sept 17, Youth Pheasant Hunt, Oct. 1, and the Ladies Rooster Roundup on Oct. 14-15.
Check out the details and pictures on Facebook and at our website, rrasc.net.
The North Dakota Game & Fish (NDGF) Spring Advisory Board meeting was recently held at Hughes Shelter. We are fortunate to have a wonderful working relationship with an outstanding cadre of wildlife officials.
NDGF hosts spring and fall advisory board meetings across our great state. There is not another state agency that gets out with its constituents more than NDGF. We get to personally interact with them as sportsmen pursue lifetime outdoor recreation interests like hunting, fishing, conservation and wildlife support.
Jeb Williams is the current NDGF director. Jeb is from Beach, just like former Recreation Director LaRee Bumgarner. He is a long-time NDGF employee, very personable, passionate about our state’s wildlife and will do a great job. Jeb was gracious to recognize that partnerships with wildlife clubs like the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) are essential.
There are always hot topics. One is Aquatic Nuisance Species, including zebra mussels. Wahpeton, infamously, introduced them to North Dakota as they followed the Otter Tail River from Minnesota infested waters into the Red River. It doesn’t take long for them to spread, as thousands cover surfaces all the way into Canada.
Unfortunately, they have infested the Sheyenne River, Lake Elsie and other southeast North Dakota lakes. NDGF awarded a grant to the Park Board for an ANS cleaning unit that will be installed near the Kidder Rec Area fish cleaning station.
Tim Phalen, our former district game warden, retired at year’s end and did a fabulous job serving our area. It was Tim’s idea to start a youth waterfowl hunt. He worked extraordinary long hours yet would always be available for interesting hunter education presentations or attending wildlife club meetings to support efforts to improve hunting and fishing opportunities.
Another issue is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Its reference to zombie deer disease tells you it’s not a good thing. NDGF imposes no archery baiting restrictions in affected deer hunting units. It is arguable that a proactive approach would be to extend it statewide.
Doug Leier, wildlife biologist is another outstanding NDGF employee. Doug is the consummate NDGF communications professional. Artfully writing informative newspaper columns and telling stories on KFGO radio are among his skills. Doug is always at public meetings, gives credit to everybody else and we are fortunate that he is our outdoors voice.
Fishing regulation changes include walleye spearing on the state’s big waters. There is some opposition but NDGF should be credited for trying to maximize outdoor recreation opportunities. They took lots of heat when the sport fishing season was changed to be year-round and it has not appeared to have negatively stressed fish numbers yet resulted in millions of sport fishing hours.
Greg Gerou, RRASC president, did his typical yeoman’s job hosting the meeting. It was an opportunity for him to thank NDGF for their support of four youth fishing derbies, three youth hunts, archery, trap shooting and Red River facilities like fishing piers, fish cleaning station, docks and public shoreline fishing access.
It must be challenging at times to be NDGF professionals who have been educated and field trained to make scientific-based decisions yet they need to be balanced with legislative and societal interests. To be fair, legislators represent their constituents – North Dakota citizens.
BJ Kratz, East Fisheries supervisor, has superbly followed the footsteps of Gene VanEeckhout to support fishing in the southeast, including the Red River, Mooreton Pond and all the new lakes around Hankinson and Lidgerwood. He was moving perch from Hobart Lake near Valley City to area lakes on the day of the meeting.
Doug Madsen, a Cass County Wildlife Club member is our advisory board member representative. The advisory board is just another example of NDGF listening to sportsmen like Doug, a lifelong hunter and fisherman, who ensures public meetings are made available to Wahpeton and other Southeast Wildlife Club area cities.
Put on your calendar the Vince Herding Youth Fishing Derby at the Kidder Recreation Area on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Experience the great things that happen when state agencies like NDGF partners with wildlife clubs like RRASC.
Wayne Beyer is the director of Wahpeton Park and Recreation.
A total of 260 youth took part Saturday, March 5 in the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby on Heitkamp Pond. While the attendance is less than the record 308 youth who participated in 2021, organizers say they are just as proud. This year’s derby was held two weeks later than usual because of February’s severe winter weather.
A bald eagle flew above Heitkamp Pond Saturday, March 5, keeping its watchful eyes on anglers of all ages.
Saturday included the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby and for some at the traditional event, it appeared the late Neil Heitkamp was paying a visit. Heitkamp is remembered as a dedicated promoter of youth outdoor activities and the volunteers of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club continue to follow that mission.
A total of 260 youth took part in the 2022 derby. While the attendance is less than the record 308 youth who participated in 2021, organizers say they are just as proud. This year’s derby was held two weeks later than usual because of February’s severe winter weather.
Moses Alcozer, one of Heitkamp Construction’s employees, proudly helped Owen Welles-Alcozer, 4, Wahpeton, bring in a 7-inch crappie to be recorded.
“We weren’t sure what was going to happen with the delay,” Cindie VanTassel, an organizer, said. “I was very pleased with the number of people in attendance. We even ran out of food at one point, but we got some more hot dogs and we were ready to go.”
Parents, family members, and other caring adults accompanied many of the 2022 derby participants. Moses Alcozer, one of Heitkamp Construction’s employees, proudly helped Owen Welles-Alcozer, 4, Wahpeton, bring in a 7-inch crappie to be recorded.
Henry Slettedahl, who won an ice auger.
Close to Moses and Owen were brothers Beau and Bryce Ramacher, Rothsay, Minnesota. Beau, 9, and Bryce, 8, are sons of Eric Ramacher, who works at Heitkamp Construction’s neighbor, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative. Andrew Jasken, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is an employee of Minn-Kota Ag Products, Breckenridge, Minnesota. He brought daughter Blake, 3.
“Approximately 75 fish were caught Saturday,” VanTassel said. “It was a good day, with lots of kids catching fish and having a fun time.”
The day’s prizewinners included Ryker Stroehl and Jayci Lawrence, who each won fish finding sets; Henry Slettedahl, who won an ice auger; Hunter Loibl and Sadie Steffens, who each won an ice shelter; and Athena Nelson, who won fishing equipment not much taller than herself.
“I come for the thrill of it,” Spencer Hettwer, 17, Wahpeton, said. “It’s my second year taking part.”
Since 2005, the Heitkamp Derby has been held with one goal in mind: “It’s all about the kids.” This year’s sponsors included Heitkamp Construction, RRASC, and many generous local businesses.
“I think it’s very good to give the kids a reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” Gary Page, president, and owner of Heitkamp Construction said previously.
Heitkamp Pond is the site of the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, February 19. This year’s event carries on a tradition that last year included 308 youth, their families and the members of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) as volunteers.
Whether you’re an expert angler or have never picked up a rod before, if you’re young, there is an opportunity for free, public outdoor fun in Wahpeton.
Heitkamp Pond is the site of the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. This year’s event carries on a tradition that last year included 308 youth, their families and the members of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) as volunteers.
“I think it’s very good to give the kids a reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors,” said Gary Page, president and owner of Heitkamp Construction.
Fun is often a family affair. Wrex Geffre, 4, Wahpeton, took part in the Neil Heitkamp Youth Ice Fishing Derby for the first time in 2021. He was joined by brothers Axel, 6, and Jax, 8. This year’s derby takes place from 1-3 Saturday at Heitkamp Pond, Wahpeton.
Since 2005, the Heitkamp Derby has been held with one goal in mind: “It’s all about the kids.” Sponsors including Heitkamp Construction, RRASC and many generous local businesses have carried on Neil E. Heitkamp’s dedication to promoting the local outdoors to regional youth.
“It’s my first time fishing,” said Harper Bult, 6-and-a-half, in 2021. “I’m liking it a lot.”
Bult had every reason to enjoy herself. Within the derby’s first hour, she had caught five fish and did not seem to be slowing down.
Adults are asked to accompany younger derby participants. The event is open to youth up to age 18.
“(My sons) saw a flyer, and, well, we’ve always wanted to try this,” Brittany Geffre, Wahpeton, said, when she brought Wrex, 4, Axel, 6, and Jax, 8. “They’re out with their grandpas today.”
Heitkamp Pond is located at 18205 75th St. SE, Wahpeton, just northeast of Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative. Derby registration begins at 12 p.m. at the pond. In the event of poor weather, the derby will be held Saturday, Feb. 26.
“Restrooms and warming houses will be provided. Parking will be restricted to certain areas. (Having) sleds for transporting gear (is) encouraged,” an event flyer states.
Heitkamp Derby participants are also requested to bring their own fishing gear if possible, although equipment will be available for those without any. Because the derby is taking place in winter, guests are reminded to dress warmly and have extra clothes in the event anyone gets wet.
“There will be door prizes for all participants,” the flyer stated. “Trophies (will be given) for perch, sunfish, crappie and walleye (catches).”
In addition to prizes, Heitkamp Derby participants can enjoy complimentary hot dogs and hot chocolate, as well as the convenience of fishing on a pre-drilled hole with furnished bait.
“The Heitkamp Construction crew does a phenomenal job. They treat ice fishermen like treasured customers,” Wahpeton Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Beyer wrote earlier in February.
Beyer is one of the people that potential volunteers or benefactors can contact. The list includes:
Beyer, Wahpeton Parks and Recreation, 701-642-2811
Jon Hegge or Page, Heitkamp Construction, 701-642-5948
Vern Shasky, 701-640-4133, or Cindie Van Tassel, 218-770-7970, RRASC
“My little brother Dean (from Breckenridge, Minnesota) comes out every year and he said, ‘Hey, come on down to this thing,” Pat Beyer said in 2021. “It’s a great time to get the kids out. They’re outside and enjoying the outdoors and we’re all together as a family with some good people.”
Heitkamp Derby guests and participants are reminded that event sponsors are not responsible for accidents. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including:
following North Dakota and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing guidelines
wearing face masks when entering or exiting the derby area and at sign in locations, prize locations, the weigh in area for catches and the food table; disposable masks will be available
practicing of social distancing if not in a portable fish house or within your family’s fishing area
understanding that entering the derby site releases sponsors, volunteers, supporters and families of any liability involved with exposure to and/or infection from the coronavirus, COVID-19
“Everyone is asked to conduct themselves in a manner so as to be safe around all individuals attending this event,” Page said.
Look to Daily News for coverage of the 2022 Neil Heitkamp Fishing Derby.
The (RRASC) Red River Area Sportsmen Club did it again! They approved a generous gift to Chahinkapa Zoo.
In the nick of time for our Giving Hearts Day self match, they donated $1,500. This donation is qualifying the zoo for the big event on Feb. 10, Giving Hearts Day 2022! Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the RRASC! Your ongoing support of youth conservation is our region is amazing!
Anyone wishing to contribute to the 24-hour fundraising event can go to givingheartsday.org on Feb. 10 and donate to your favorite non-profit. You may also donate in person.
Thank you from the bottom of our wild hearts for considering Chahinkapa Zoo on Giving Hearts Day!
By Wayne Beyer – Dec 24, 2021 – Wahpeton Daily News
Why wait ‘til Christmas when you can celebrate Christmas every day? Santa doesn’t box up and gift-wrap people, but we are blessed by folks, many quietly behind the scenes, who we consider presents. Santa’s list here is just a sampling of some we appreciate.
Billy Dablow, KBMW DJ, who can interview anybody and any topic with professionalism and knowledge. It must go with redheads as we remember Scott ‘Lars’ Nulph and Scott Sorum, who doubled as a Daily News Sports Editor at one time.
Jason Ehlert, excavating guy who donates it all for John Randall Field and baseball. He’s following in the footsteps of father LeRoy, who could strategically place any rock anywhere along a river bank.
NDSCS teachers like Jeff Jelinek/Civil Engineering, Bryan Wolfgram and Jeremy Hoesel/Building Technology, whose students learn first-hand about the value of supporting the community with projects like garden plots, park storage building, softball/football storage building, etc.
Thor Mitskog, a former Wahpeton native, who sponsored the Chahinkapa Park pond overlook renovation in memory of his sister, Nikki.
Troy Vosberg, who coaches our Special Olympics basketball team. He also coaches his son’s youth basketball team and we are grateful for all the parents, grandparents and volunteers who coach youth sports teams.
Jessica Kostuck, who manages the Gardeners Market, a great local opportunity to purchase and eat healthy, locally grown garden produce.
Abby/Kelly Carlson, Becci/Rich Truesdell, Mary/Nathan Rausch, Melissa/Stuart Schumacher and other young couples who volunteer many hours for the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club that gives young people many hours of outdoor recreation experiences like fishing, hunting, archery, trap shooting and bird-watching. They show we are in good hands with the next generation.
Kathy Lenk, Tri-State Safety Association President who goes the extra mile to offer safety training in fun, creative ways.
Kent Loken, the Community Band director who leads people of all ages, teenagers to 90-year-olds, who love music to offer sweet tunes to appreciative audiences. Kent and Jana Berndt co-directed local singers and esteemed Concordia band students to produce a phenomenalChristmas Cantata!
Heather Retzer, Nathan Hill, Mike Goroski, Jeff Jelinek and others who teach archery and a highly successful National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program. Archery is a lifelong recreation activity and it trains youths to enjoy outdoor bow hunting.
All the people who volunteer for special interest boards and their spirit, passion, enthusiasm and hours of public service to benefit many. Some representatives include Mike Ferrell/Bois deSioux Golf Course, Brian Nordick/BW Blades Hockey, Korey Skovholt/Three Rivers Gymnastics,Brian Rugland/Head of the Red Youth Activities Association, Shannon King/Southern ValleyFigure Skating Club, Lois Berndt/Richland County Historical Society, RichardPeterson/Slowpitch Softball, Joe Schreiner / Baseball Committee, Lori Jensen / Red Door ArtGallery, Cindie VanTassel / Junior Wildlife Club, Laura Youngbird / Three Rivers Arts Council,Brian Gefre / Trap Shooting Team and so many more.
Public officials often go the extra mile to serve people, too. Roger Jensen is a ParkCommissioner and former NDSCS Architectural instructor who has designed dozens of park, city, art sculptures and zoo facilities the last couple years. Or course we appreciate all the elected government leaders on the County Commissions, City Councils, Park Board, SchoolBoards and others.
Santa knows our best gifts wear walking shoes, blue jeans and T-shirts. Whatever they wear as they devote the best gift ever – time.
Wayne Beyer is director of Wahpeton Parks and Recreation.
Wahpeton Daily News – Nov 8, 2021 Updated Dec 16, 2021
WAHPETON — The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) is working with TG Sanitation to place carcass and hide collection dumpsters again this year.
“The carcass dumpster and a hide dumpster are in the parking lot of Tractor Supply of Wahpeton,” RRASC President Greg Gerou said. “A hide dumpster is in the north parking lot of the Blazer Express in Breckenridge. These dumpsters will be in place through the muzzleloader deer season.”
Organizers ask that the public be respectful of the businesses and keep the area around the dumpsters clean. Signs will be posted on the dumpsters.
“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 deer hunters of the area,” Gerou said.
Tractor Supply Co. is located at 1202 Fourth Ave. S. in Wahpeton. Blazer Express is located at 821 U.S. Highway 75 in Breckenridge, Minnesota.
Numerous guests at the 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker, held Saturday in Wahpeton, were soon either in line for wild game chili or stew, looking over raffle items or chatting with their friends and neighbors.
Shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, the Wahpeton Community Center was bustling.
Within minutes after doors opened for the 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker, numerous guests were either in line for wild game chili or stew, looking over raffle items or chatting with their friends and neighbors.
“All of our advance tickets — 500 total — were sold out,” Becky Truesdell said. “And we’re still letting in people at the door. It’s exciting.”
Truesdell was among the countless volunteers and organizers who kept the Smoker going Saturday night. The event is the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club’s only annual fundraiser.
“If I win, that’s great. If not, it’s still going to a good cause.” Mandy Steinberger said as she dropped tickets into the raffle basket.
“The smoker supports everything that we do,” Club President Greg Gerou said previously.
Gerou kept guests informed during the smoker, reporting on the evening’s food, raffles and games. More than 160 items were available as part of the general, ladies and meat raffles. They included:
• a knife, metal sign and gift card package donated by Cook Chiropractic Clinic, Lindberg’s Shooter Shoppe and Pizza Ranch
• an air rifle and free burrito donated by Red River Valley and Western Railroad and Taco John’s
• a Mall of America amusement park package donated by KBMW and B92.7
• a beaver hat and gloves donated by Hough Furs
• a Thermacell, metal sign and gift card package donated by the Gazette Barber Shop, Lindberg’s Shooter Shoppe and Thrifty White Pharmacy in Breckenridge, Minnesota
• a makeup gift bag and gift card package from Mary Kay — April Brejcha and Prante’s Fine Dining
“Thank you to the businesses and individuals who donated prizes and/or their time to make this evening a success,” the club stated. “(We also thank) the Wahpeton Community Center for the use of their facility. A big thanks (also) to all who came tonight to help support our wildlife and youth projects.”
Mandy Steinberger, manager of the Breckenridge Family Community Center, said she was happy to support something she likes.
“If I win, that’s great. If not, it’s still going to a good cause,” Steinberger said as she dropped tickets into the raffle basket.
“First prize is a Mossberg Patriot 308 with a scope, followed by cash prizes from $50 to $100,” Daily News previously reported.
Smoker attendees under age 18 were required to attend with a parent or guardian.
“We try to have something for everyone,” Rich Truesdell said previously. “We encourage families to come. We do get a good amount of people and we try to keep this open to everyone.”
The Junior Wildlife Club, a subdivision of the Sportsmen’s Club, is free, youth-orientated and offered to all between ages 8-16.
“Join today (for) fun outdoor-related activities the third Thursday of each month,” a card stated.
The Sportsmen’s Club itself has one meeting a month and various volunteer events year wide.
“Be involved as little or as much as you want,” the club stated.
WHAT? The 32nd Annual Sportsmen’s Smoker will be held Saturday Oct. 23.
WHEN AND WHERE? Doors open at 5 p.m. at the Wahpeton Community Center, 304 Fifth St. S.
WHO IS THIS FOR? The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club is hosting the event, their own fundraiser of the year, for the public.
WHAT ARE THE PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS? The money will be used to support local youth programs, wildlife projects and Chahinkapa Zoo. “The money goes to the events for the kids,” co-organizer Vern Shasky said. “We keep the money local, in Wahpeton-Breckenridge and this part of the states.”
WOULD YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THOSE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? “The smoker supports everything that we do,” Club President Greg Gerou said. “We have our three fishing derbies in the summer and the partnership with Heitkamp Construction for the winter ice fishing derby. This fall, we had three hunts for the kids, for goose, waterfowl and pheasant.”
WHAT ELSE DO THOSE YOUTH RECEIVE? Access to educational and art opportunities with the Junior Wildlife Club. Rich Truesdell, a member of the club board, talked about how youth activities include not only hunting and fishing, but also taking in nature with bird watching and hiking. Youth recently visited Maplewood State Park in Minnesota. “We want to get more kids and people outside,” he said.
WHAT DOES A $20 SMOKER TICKET GET ME? Free wild game chili and stew until it’s gone, meat and cheese appetizers courtesy of local butchers and the chance to win with gun boards, raffles and games.
WHAT TYPES OF RAFFLES? There will be a ladies raffle, general raffle and meat raffles. First prize is a Mossberg Patriot 308 with a scope, followed by cash prizes from $50 to $100.
ARE THERE NEW RAFFLE PRIZES THIS YEAR? Guests will have the opportunity to win any of two Texas hog hunting trips. An all-inclusive pheasant hunt is also being offered. It covers everything from land to transportation to services including cleaning and management. “The only thing you have to do is show up and pull the trigger,” Gerou said.
DO YOUNG HUNTERS HAVE A CHANCE AT PRIZES? “Dean Bellmore wanted to donate a gun for our young hunters,” Gerou said. “He purchased one and all the kids who participated in the pheasant hunt will be put in a drawing to determine who will receive it. Eric Greenquist purchased one, too. All of the young hunters are eligible to receive that one. We’ll be doing those drawings at the smoker.”
HOW DO ORGANIZERS FEEL ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY? “We have really good relationships with people in town. We’ve gotten so much support from people and businesses. We couldn’t do it without them,” Gerou said.
MAY I BUY MY TICKETS EARLY? Yes, but you have to do so before Thursday, Oct. 21. Early bird tickets are entered into an additional gun raffle, for the chance to win a Mossberg Patriot 243.
IS IT BEST TO BUY NOW? “We’re selling tickets like crazy. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to purchase at the door,” Gerou said.
WHO CAN I BUY MY TICKETS FROM? Call Curt Mund at 701-640-3857, Vern Shasky at 701-640-4133 or Truesdell at 701-640-5136.
WHO’S ON THE SMOKER COMMITTEE? Mund, Shasky, Rich and Becky Truesdell and Abby Carlson.
CAN I BRING MY KIDS? Smoker attendees under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. “We try to have something for everyone,” Rich Truesdell said. “We encourage families to come. We do get a good amount of people and we try to keep this open to everyone.”
