By Wayne Beyer
August 20, 2026 • Wahpeton Daily News
Greg Gerou was an outstanding president of the Red River Area Sportsmen’s Club (RRASC) for 20 years.
The RRASC is a well-run organization with a diversified agenda that Greg helped spearhead. Meetings were managed efficiently and orderly. Club members have much respect and admiration for Greg, who has deservedly received all the club awards — Sportsman of the Year, Lifetime Membership, Lifetime Achievement and Volunteer Service.
Greg has the charisma, wit and personality to be an outstanding, confident public speaker and emcee. He was the voice of the RRASC Sportsman’s Smoker and helped other wildlife organizations, such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, around the area. He promoted the outdoors on KBMW radio, sometimes wrote Daily News stories and presented at local service clubs.
Greg is the head cook for breakfasts at the Youth Waterfowl Hunt at Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge and Youth Pheasant Hunt at the Chuck Haus farm west of Hankinson. The ravenous young hunters are spoiled by delicious pancakes made by Greg and sausage from Manock Meats.
RRASC has a superb relationship with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF), much of it due to Greg’s presence at events such as Advisory Board meetings, often held in Wahpeton.
Greg is an accomplished grant writer and received many grants from NDGF, including several Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters grants.
The North Dakota Wildlife Federation (NDWF) is the sportsmen’s voice for North Dakota’s wildlife, habitat and access. Greg is a longtime member and currently serves as vice president.
Greg was dedicated and never missed NDWF state conferences and quarterly meetings. I remember a one-day, back-and-forth trip to Makoti, five hours and 338 miles from Wahpeton.
Greg was very active with the Joe Pikarski Trap Club north of Mooreton. He spearheaded many projects, wrote grant applications and coached high school trap shooting.
Greg’s friendly personality connected with other area wildlife clubs. He befriended Chuck Haus of the Richland Wildlife Club, headquartered in Hankinson, and helped influence the high-quality Youth Pheasant Hunt on Chuck’s habitat-rich farm.
Mooreton Pond projects are often accomplished due to Greg’s diligence. Greg grew up in Mooreton and was proud to see how Mooreton Pond, managed by the Richland County Park Board, has provided many outdoor recreation opportunities for local residents. He has worked with Korey Skovholt, a supportive adjacent farmer, to install and remove docks and fishing piers, place rock for fishing piers and make repairs.
Greg has served as a North Dakota hunter education instructor for many years. Hunter education teaches firearm safety, ethics, conservation and landowner relations. Teachers commit six evenings each April and August in Wahpeton.
Greg is proud of his grandson, Carter, who often catches big fish in the club’s internal contest and enjoys the youth hunts. Greg is an outstanding mentor.
Whenever volunteers are needed, Greg is simply there. Red River fishing derbies, Junior Wildlife Club, ice fishing derbies, Awards Banquet — count on Greg.
RRASC is a renowned Upper Midwest wildlife club. It’s not surprising after two decades of top-notch outdoor leadership from Greg Gerou.
Wayne Beyer is the former Wahpeton Parks and Recreation director.