Category: News

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Mar 7, 2022

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.

“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.

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.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Feb 14, 2022

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.

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!

2022 promises to be a great zoo season!

In appreciation,

Kathy

Kathy Diekman is the director of Chahinkapa Zoo.

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.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Oct 25, 2021 Updated Oct 27, 2021

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.

“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.

To learn more, visit rrasc.net.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Oct 14, 2021

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.”

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? By visiting www.rrasc.net.

By Audra Anderson • Daily News Sep 3, 2021 Updated Sep 4, 2021

Warriors on the Wing, a first annual two-day pheasant hunting event to benefit veterans, will begin Saturday, Sept. 11 at Stiklestad Lodge in Fort Ransom, North Dakota. And there’s still more spots to fill.

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club and the Cass County Sportsmen’s Club have collaborated to create the flagship event, Daily News previously reported. Warriors on the Wing organizer Abby Carlson said the event will focus on hunting newcomers and can accommodate eight veterans.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 1, they had five veterans registered for the event. Carlson said they are now accepting any veteran or active duty service member to fill the eight slots before Saturday. Those who have already signed up are eager for the weekend to arrive, she said.

“I get text messages almost daily (about it),” Carlson laughed.

Carlson, an experienced hunter, started an event three years ago called Ladies Rooster Roundup that focused on getting women outdoors. She and her friend, who was retiring from the army, talked about the hunt as a way to get her friend involved in a new hobby. Carlson’s friend died before they were able to get the Warriors on the Wing event off the ground.

“Upon her passing, we created this event in memory of her, just to give veterans something to look forward to,” Carlson said.

At the beginning of the event, the veterans will get to know each other and learn about gun handling and North Dakota laws and regulations. Carlson, who has been guiding youth hunts for the past five years and women’s hunts for the past three years, will be leading the demonstrations. Next, the veterans will move on to the trap shooting range, where they will hone their skills. Then, the newbies will put their training to the test and hunt for pheasant.

After the hunt, Carlson will lead a demonstration on cleaning the birds. The veterans will also get to have some low-stakes fun with axe throwing and a trap shoot competition. The event will conclude with a social and dinner, Carlson said.

Carlson previously set a fundraising goal of $5,800 to cover the costs of the event. She said as of Wednesday they were just $200 short of the goal. There have been a mix of community members and organizations, such as the North Dakota Wildlife Federation and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, that have donated to the event, Carlson said.

“Hunting has been a huge passion of mine ever since I was a kid. I’ve always had a huge love for the outdoors,” Abby Carlson said.

Hunting is more than just a hobby for Carlson and her husband, Kelly. It also ties into their livelihood. The couple run a German Shorthaired Pointer kennel in Wahpeton, and their world revolves around their dogs and the couple’s children, Abby Carlson said.

“For me, it’s all about family and camaraderie. That’s why hunting is so important to me. It’s a great, healthy way to spend additional time with family,” Kelly Carlson said.

They hope Saturday’s event opens the door for a new hobby, or at the very least, is a weekend well spent for the participating veterans.

Veterans or active-duty service members interested in participating in the event can connect with the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club at https://rrasc.net.

Wahpeton Daily News – Jul 29, 2021

Dear Editor,

Back in March of 1985, the idea of a local sportsmen/wildlife organization was envisioned by members of the Wahpeton and Breckenridge community, that wanting to promote conservation along with improving hunting and fishing in the area. One very significant individual of that early group was Larry Brunkhorst. He wanted a working group for sportspeople and wildlife conservationists to work on safeguarding our outdoor heritage and habitat development. This passion lead him to become the clubs first President and he held that position for many years. The organization that is known as the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club is a true reflection of Larry’s commitment to and passion for the outdoors, the local wildlife and habitat conservation. Little did he know what the future held for the RRASC?

Since its successful beginning, the RRASC has evolved to include “passing along our outdoor heritage” as part of its mission. This has been realized by providing opportunities for hundreds of young people to experience hunting, fishing, habitat conservation and other out-of-doors activities, all focused on developing their interested in the outdoors. One of these events is true Larry Brunkhorst; named Brunk’s Carp and Sucker Derby, fishing for species that many people would throw back. During these derbies, no fish that were weighted in were never wasted.

Arrangements were made with Chahinkapa Zoo and the fish went to feed the zoo animals. In true “Brunk” fashion, it was one more way to get young people out to enjoy the sport of fishing. Held in early August, it rounds out clubs fishing events, and is a great way to end the summer.

Because of the foresight of Larry and the other founders, the club has become an integral part of the South East North Dakota/West Central Minnesota working to enhance the outdoor experience for the people that live in the area. It has also grown into a working partner of larger groups throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, all striving toward the same goals. These include the North Dakota Game & Fish Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the North Dakota Wildlife Federation.

Through the years, Larry has contributed to various club projects, taking the lead on some and working hard on others to insure each one was done properly, for the benefit of people, the club and especially the wildlife. If you followed the meeting minutes over the years, there are very few where Larry’s name did not appear on the list of attendees. Just another element of his steadfast dedication to conservation.

  In the spring of 2010, Larry was recognized for his contributions, with the Lifetime Achievement Award, only the second person in the clubs history to receive that tribute. The clubs bylaws state, “The award for Lifetime Achievement, seeks to identify and recognize club member(s) for their lifelong achievements in support of the purpose and goals of the RRASC”. Through Larry’s commitment to the club, there was no one more deserving of receiving this recognition. The award has a special distinction in that; the nominations come from club members (peers of the person being nominated). These members have witnessed the individuals work, and acknowledged that they are deserving of recognition and appreciation for their continuous contributions. Larry was also one the first people to be presented with the clubs Lifetime Membership Award.

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club has a tradition of honoring club members with a tree planting at the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge south of Cayuga, North Dakota. Larry’s name will be added to this register and be forever recognized for his commitment to the environment and wildlife conservation.

If you visit the refuge, the plaque near the main building entrance denotes all the people that have been honored with a tree planting. He will be in some very good company.

Larry’s legacy lives on in the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, through it events, its wildlife project, its commitment to conservation and youth activities. An enormous thank you goes to Larry for having the foresight to establish such a unique organization. I do not see it slowing down any time soon. We recognize the value the clubs provides and the members will do our best to keep your dream alive

  It was appropriate that Larry’s memorial service took place on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2020. It was the third Thursday of the month. The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club holds its monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month. We did have a meeting that night; and I know Larry was there is sprit.

I attended Larry’s memorial service, funeral and the military honors that followed. It was a fitting tribute to “Brunk” for a life well lived. God speed, my friend.

By Frank Stanko • Daily News franks@wahpetondailynews.com Jun 25, 2021

The Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club and the Cass County Sportsmen’s Club have collaborated to create the 1st Annual Warriors on the Wing event.

A two-day pheasant hunt for disabled veterans, Warriors on the Wing will begin Saturday, Sept. 11. The event is expected to be held at Stiklestad Lodge, Fort Ransom, North Dakota, Daily News previously reported. Organizers say their goal is to offer Warriors on the Wing at no charge to local disabled veterans.

“To offer this event at no charge to our local disabled veterans, we need to raise roughly $5,800,” Abby Carlson said. “We are more than 50 percent to our goal. Every additional dollar brings us one step closer to supporting our veterans.”

Warriors on the Wing would not be possible without the generous support from local communities, Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club President Greg Gerou said.

“Any monetary donation is appreciated and will go directly to support this event for our veterans,” he said.

Checks in any amount can be sent to Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club, P.O. Box 1, Wahpeton, ND, 58074. Please write “Warriors on the Wing” in the memo space.

Warriors on the Wing organizers shared a planned event schedule.

“On the first day, the veterans will be getting to know one another, creating friendships and developing new support groups,” Carlson said. “We will be guiding them through the basics of pheasant hunting, including bird identification, bird cleaning, North Dakota laws and regulation, hunting dogs and hunter’s safety.”

Veterans will also be able to practice their rifle marksmanship on the long range and enjoy a 3-D archery range. Sunday, Sept. 12 will be spent in the field, hunting and putting to use information from the day prior.

“Our ultimate goal is to create a new foundation for outdoor sportsman ship and a network for support for our local veterans,” Gerou said. “We are all aware of the struggles of our veterans and soldiers. One of the goals is to offer a pathway for them to develop a passion for the outdoors and instill additional camaraderie among these valued members of our communities.”

Both the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club and Cass County Sportsmen’s Club will start advertising for veterans and hunters in July.

Earlier this year, Carlson said she hopes Warriors on the Wing will be “an honorable event, something respectful and healing.”

The late SFC. Michelle Grecco, who lost her life to suicide in July 2020, was one of Carlson’s best friends, Daily News reported in March. At the time of her death, Grecco had just retired from the United States Army.

“Our goal was to get her involved in the outdoors, in hunting,” Carlson said previously. “Her passing brought me into this.”