Call to order by President Greg Gerou at 7:34 p.m.
Attendance: Greg G., Greg B., Brad E., Cindie V., Jerry O., Josh B., Melissa S., Rich T., Bob R., Brad G., Kelly C., Curt M.
Minutes: (No changes noted.) MSC (Brad G./Rich T.) to approve January 15
Board of Directors Reports
President
- Doug Madsen (701-238-3087) wants to know if RRASC would host the NDGF District 5 Spring Advisory Meeting. Open dates are Monday 4-21-2025 or Tuesday 4-22-2025.
- Decision is for Monday, April 21. Evening event 7 p.m. at Hughes Shelter. 4 people will be needed to help with setup and clean up. Club will provide dinner and beverages.
- Need committee chairs for the Dick Bell Catfish Derby (June) and the Brunk’s Carp & Sucker Derby (August). There are instructions on what was done prior. Let Greg know if interested.
- Greg will be presenting the RRASC to the Lions Club on February 26
- Consider establishing a partnership with the Richland / Wilkin Kinship. Help with their events, they can share our Jr Wildlife information.
- Wahpeton Buffalo Club Raffle to Support the Zoo. $20 / ticket – 10 $500 Visa gift cards
- Scott Muehler Family donated to RRASC – adult hunting cloth, knife set, bone saw, antler mount plaque, binoculars. A thank you letter has been sent.
- RMEF Grant Program announced for 2025. This may make grant applications easier for next year.
- For the March Meeting – Mark Althoff will present the mounted pheasant
- Nominations are open for the following:
- Sportsman of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Lifetime Membership
- Agricultural / Landowner Conservationist of the Year
- Conservation Officer Recognition
- Distinguished Service Award
- Volunteer Service Award
- A list of previous recipients can be found on our website – https://rrasc.net/member-recognitions
- Nominations will close at the end of the March meeting – please don’t wait until the last minute to nominate
Vice President
- NWTF banquet was down about 25 people. Weather was probably a factor. Had a lower profit this year.
Treasurer
- Expenses: Storage Unit $935, Lonnie $80 (Jr Wildlife), Daily News $150 (Advertising), Econo $28.28, Cindie $2339.06 (Heitkamp)
- Square has been connected for online payments for memberships.
- Need to do our taxes
- $112, 388.42 total between all accounts (checking, savings, Thrivent and cash)
- MSC (Cindie/Bob)
Directors
- Rich is working on a new FFL for the Smoker. Has been talking to his brother about applying. Requests the club to pay for the paperwork. MSC (Bob/Kelly)
- Kelly brought up the Schmitt & Sons has a bunch of insulated buildings the aquired from the diversion project in Fargo as a possibility for the club. We would need to find land for it and initial expenses would include moving costs, concrete, electrical and plumbing.
General Committee Reports
Jr. Wildlife Club
- February 20 Air Rifle – 14 kids attended. TJ & Mandy ran the event – thank you!
- March 20 – Birdhouses at Comstock there will be room for 25
- April 29 – Tewaukon Bird Watching. Will have room for 16 kids, no parents on the bus. They are welcome to follow in own vehicle. Binoculars recommended.
Park & Recreation
- Game & Fish grant for fishing cleaning and aquatic stations. Need to reach out about it.
- April 29 Wahpeton special vote for sales taxx increase for the Wellness Center.
- Infinity Center in Breckenridge has proposed archery range and simulators.
Scholarship
- Only had one applicant this year and they had fantastic qualifications. Also last time they are available to apply. Motion to give them $1,500. MSC (Kelly/Brad)
- Board of Directors will review scholarship language for future years to distribute money set aside by number of applicants.
Public Relations
- Please remember to share your photos with the club (redriverareasportsmen@gmail.com) and follow and share our social posts.
Recruitment
- Becci proposed the purchase of a custom branded 10×10 canopy, 7.5’ outdoor sail sign flag and 8’ table cloth for the club to use for events. Total cost about $2,500. Will run final designs by the Board of Directors. MSC (Kelly/Brad)
Seasonal Committee Reports
- Heitkamp Fishing Derby – Moved to March 1 from 1-3 p.m. 20th year of the event
- Cindie has all the prizes picked up
- There will be a new parking layout this year.
- In need of volunteers, especially because of date change.
Internal Club Contests
- Abby Carlson – Walleye 27.5”, Crappie 9”, Bluegill 11”
Old / New / Unfinished Business
- Club’s Spring Banquet – April 24 @ Hughes Shelter. Need to determine the speaker.
- Club received the Non-profit of the Year from the Wahpeton/Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce. Rich was also nominated for the Mark Werre Volunteer Award.
- Received a donation letter from Northern Lights Council. Motion to donate $300 again this year with a letter that the money is to be applied to the updates for fishing at Camp Wilderness. MSC (Greg B./Kelly)
- Southern Valley Figure Skating donation request – pass
- Bob said the Hankinson Wildlife Club has a large gun safe they purchased and don’t use. They are interested in getting rid of it. He will find out more information.
Other Group Events
- Bois de Sioux Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet April 5 at the Wahpeton Events Center
- Bronze Sponsor Package $800 (6 meal tickets / 3 memberships) MSC (Cindie/Kelly)
Meeting adjourned at 8:54: p.m.