2019 DENR Smelt Hunt Another year and another perfect night to have DENR’s 2019 Smelt Hunt. The weather on May 3rd was great. Pretty much calm with temperatures high enough you didn’t need a jacket but cool enough that the bonfire kept you warm. This is the third year in a row tarps were not needed to block the wind and some attendees wore light jackets while others were in t-shirts.

There was no direct count of attendees but best guess is around 70 attendees consisting of retirees, those that have attended since the beginning, and a new batch of future smelters, along with a few dozen kids, and, of course, dogs. One thing that was noticed is the most popular dog is a black lab. Some used the hot coals from the fire to cook a delicious pot of gumbo. The rest was pre-made, grilled, or deep fried. The menu that evening consisted of gumbo and rice, onion rings, deep fried mushrooms, chislic, grilled salmon, smoked beef tri tip, bear sliders, pulled pork, variety of brats, buffalo wings, wild turkey, skewered meats, jalapeno poppers, salads, dinosaur nuggets, variety of dips, cinnamon donut holes, a variety of desserts, and of course s'mores.

Once everyone was full, they spent the rest of the evening watching kids play while others played games, visited, and fed the fire that seemed to expand past the fire ring just a little as the evening went on.

Kyle and Casey Heimerl along with other hearty soles went hunting for smelt but were unsuccessful. Some were saying it’s too cold, others too early, and others thought it was a myth that smelt actually exist. In any case, thanks to all that tried.

Thanks to Neal Konda, Kyle and Casey Heimerl, and Tim Tollefsrud for providing wood for the fire. Of course Mike Perkovich attended to the fire as usual.

There is a tradition at the DENR Smelt Hunt that someone is crowned the “Last Person Standing.” This title belongs to the last person to go to bed. As the evening went on, the reigning champion, Steve Pirner, tried to hold on to his title but Brett Spears, a newcomer, stated the next morning that he watched Steve go to bed. However, it was noted that Brett went in his tent for awhile and then came back out. A discussion earlier in the evening with Aviana Knochel and Kim Drennon, also newcomers, who planned on toppling Steve, stated that it doesn’t count if you go to bed and get back up. Aviana and Kim made a great attempt at staying up but ended up disappearing. Therefore, I believe Steve remains the champion and considered the “Last Person Standing.”

With Brad Schultz making it back again this year, breakfast was started in the morning. Thanks Brad for being an early riser. With the help of Phyllis Perkovich, Ken Shelbourn, Fred Baatz, and others, the next morning’s breakfast was on time. Breakfast consisted of all the fixings for breakfast burritos (scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fried potatoes, grated cheese, salsa, tortilla shells) and orange juice and coffee to wash down approximately 35 breakfast burritos.

Thanks go out to Kathleen Grigg, Kenny Doppenberg, Brian Wechsler, Terry Florentz, and all that helped cook and distribute food during the event. It was another great time with family, friends, and dogs getting together during a DENR traditional smelt hunt.

2018 DENR SMELT HUNT2018 DENR SMELT HUNT2018 DENR SMELT HUNT Another year and another successful smelt hunt. The weather on May 4th was awesome with very little wind, temperature just right for a fire and playing games during the day. This is the second year in a row tarps were not needed to block the wind and most attendees were able to wear t-shirts and shorts. Good way to kick off the summer!

According to a rough count approximately 60 adults and dozens of kids and dogs enjoyed a relaxing evening of eating good food and sitting around the campfire enjoying each other’s company. The evening started out with food (of course) and everyone was so busy eating and enjoying the nice weather that no one took time to start the fire.

Smelt Hunt Organizer Brian Gustafson wants to thank all the fishermen who brought fish and all who brought the delicious other food such as pulled pork, variety of brats, chicken wings, marinated shish kababs, chislic, dinosaur nuggets, pheasant, shrimp, onion rings, deep fried mushrooms, jalapeno poppers, egg rolls, poppy seed cake, donut holes, Dimock cheese, pickled fish and eggs, cooked squash and a bunch more. Thanks go out to Brad Schultz, Kathleen Grigg, Terry Florentz, Dale Healey, and Kenny Doppenberg for cooking all that good food and Neal Konda for bringing a truck load of wood to burn.

No, there were no smelt found or even hunted since our master smelter was unable to make it this year. But that was okay because the fire was high and warm and everyone settled in to an evening of visiting, card playing, and snacking on what was left.

Before the campfire was lit about half the crowd left with their bellies full for other destinations; leaving room around the campfire for the hearty.

Mike Perkovich did a good job stoking the fire all night. The last person standing was Secretary Pirner but that’s because he was making sure everyone made it to their campers okay. He is eventually going to lose this title because he was in bed around 3-ish, which is pretty early for the evening to close on a smelt hunt.

Brad was there this year so the next morning’s breakfast was on time. We had several individuals cooking so getting it ready was faster than usual. We had Phyllis Perkovich cooking potatoes, Ken Shelbourn cooking bacon, and Addy Gustafson helping with cooking extra potatoes, sausage and eggs. For those that stayed for breakfast we had all the fixings for breakfast burritos (scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fried potatoes, grated cheese, salsa, tortilla shells) and orange juice to wash it down.

All in all it was good time with family, friends and dogs getting together during a DENR traditional smelt hunt.

2017 DENR SMELT HUNT2017 DENR SMELT HUNT2017 DENR SMELT HUNT For those who didn’t make it out to the smelt hunt this year at Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe, you missed a very nice weekend. Smelt Hunt organizer Brian Gustafson doesn’t remember a smelt hunt where he cooked and stayed in shorts and a t-shirt all night long. In spite of the nice weekend, numbers were down slightly. According to a rough count, there were around 58 adults, about two dozen kids and about a dozen dogs. Had Brad Schultz and his lovely wife, Laurie, been able to make it, the total could have reached 60. Brad is one of the originals and had never missed a smelt hunt until this year.

Cooking was done in two shifts. The first was around 6 p.m. and the second around 9 p.m. to accommodate softball players showing up after their games. In Brad Schultz’s absence, two new cooks - Kyle Heimerl and Kenny Doppenberg - joined seasoned cookers Terry Florentz, Dale Healey and Aaron Tieman.

As the sun settles low on the horizon...

...the smelt hunters settle in for an evening of food, visiting, fire and more food.

The crowd grows...

Thanks to a pickup load of firewood from Neal Konda, the campfire grows...

The evening’s food and the smelt hunters begin to settle in. This year’s menu included donut holes, deep fried onion rings, mushrooms, fish, jalapeno poppers, shrimp, egg rolls, chicken gizzards, chislic, corn dogs...

...grilled, brats, mutton skewers, chicken wings, smoked pork, beef tips, pulled beef and pork, bacon-wrapped smokies, a variety of chips and dips, pickled eggs, salads, desserts and more.

Mike Perkovich kept the fire stoked as the evening progressed. A crew went searching for the evasive smelt and ended up with two emerald something and a bunch of toads.

The bright, full moon rose higher and higher and then began to set in the west as a few diehards kept the campfire going through the night. With the smoke going straight up and not wetting an eye, it was a calm night to behold, but still, one-by-one, even the diehards slipped off into the dark night to find a bed or some place to slumber. About 5:30 am, a warm glow began to appear in the east signaling an approaching sunrise. At that point, Steve Pirner and Paul Lorenzen were the last two men standing, and after stoking the fire one last time, they too slipped off to bed.

As the sun arose on another warm, sunny day, a hungry crowd began to gather once again around the campfire, this time waiting for the traditional “After Smelt Hunt Breakfast.” While head cook Brian Gustafson was slow to get up, he and his crew of morning chefs soon joined the campfire crowd too and prepared a really great breakfast that included plenty of bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, salsa, and other fixings to make breakfast burritos. The crowd attacked the breakfast buffet with gusto, leaving hardly any scraps for the poor dogs that stayed through the night. As most of the crowd readied for a departure back to Pierre and other points home, Brian was heard to say, “Hope to see you at next year’s Smelt Hunt!”

2016 DENR SMELT HUNT2016 DENR SMELT HUNT2016 DENR SMELT HUNT Hearty smelt hunters from DENR ventured north to Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe on April 29, 2016, for the annual Hearty smelt hunters from DENR ventured north to Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe on April 29, 2016, for the annual DENR smelt hunt. Although meteorologists were forecasting rain, wind and cold weather, they missed the mark DENR smelt hunt. Although meteorologists were forecasting rain, wind and cold weather, they missed the mark and pleasant weather was enjoyed by about 50 optimistic adults and 20 kids in attendance. It was noted by at and pleasant weather was enjoyed by about 50 optimistic adults and 20 kids in attendance. It was noted by at least one attendee that this year’s hunt had more kids than dogs. Smelt hleast one attendee that this year’s hunt had more kids than dogs. Smelt hunt organizer Brian Gustafson and chief cooks Brad Schultz and Terry Florentz fired up the deep fat fryers early in the evening and soon there were onion rings, mushrooms, zucchini, Brussel sprouts, pickles, jalapeno bites, shrimp, walleye, pizza rolls, egg rolls, chislic, cinnamon-coated donut balls, and plenty of other stuff individuals brought premade such as desserts, salads, dip, and more. Dale Healey, who returned to DENR after a few years away at a different state agency, brought smoked pork and buffalo. Neal Konda brought a truck load of wood to keep the smelt hunters warm. Aaron Leingang organized his crew of smelt hunters to brave the cold water. Their efforts resulted in zero smelt, but they did manage to net a minnow. To ensure smelt would be part of the evening offering, however, Aaron brought some store-bought smelt. With bellies full and enjoyable time spent around the campfire, the crowd made their way to tents, campers or the comfort of their homes. Except, of course, for one who stayed awake to make sure the fire was tended throughout the night. This year’s Smelt Hunt concluded the next morning with breakfast burritos and a choice of coffee, orange juice or milk.

...while the cooks start firing up the deep fat fryers and grill.

The “early crowd” for the 2016 smelt hunt begins to gather at Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe...

Kids play by the water…

...the camp fire is stoked in anticipation of cooler temperatures when the sun goes down...

As dusk settles, the crowd continues to grow...

...and people start settling in for food, fun and fellowship.

As the smelt hunters let the food settle, they begin the arduous task of solving at least some of America’s and the world’s problems.

The camp fire grows...

...and the kids relish in the fact that they’re staying up later than many of them ever have before.

And lest we forget why this annual event is held, the real smelt hunters venture into the cold waters in search of, well, smelt. The net result was a minnow...and in keeping with tradition, a DENR staffer ate it raw. Well played, Drew!

Smelt hunters begin to settle in to enjoy the fire and camaraderie as the night grows colder. “Hope to see you at next year’s Smelt Hunt!”

- Brian Gustafson DENR Smelt Hunt organizer

2014 DENR SMELT HUNT2014 DENR SMELT HUNT2014 DENR SMELT HUNT Hardy smelt hunters from DENR and other organizations ventured north to Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe on May Hardy smelt hunters from DENR and other organizations ventured north to Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe on May 2, 2014, for the annual DENR smelt hunt. While the temperature was a bit brisk, the calm wind made for an en-2, 2014, for the annual DENR smelt hunt. While the temperature was a bit brisk, the calm wind made for an en-joyable evening. joyable evening. Hunt organizer Brian Gustafson and chief cook Brad Schultz fired up the deep fat fryers early in the evening and soon there were onion rings, breaded mushrooms, venison, elk, shrimp, walleye, catfish, and Lita Magedanz’s world-famous egg rolls being enjoyed by all. Meanwhile, Rick Boddicker fired up the grill and added various grilled meats to the menu. After the early crowd was full, the cooks took about an hour off to re-hydrate, and then did it all over again for the late crowd. Around midnight, Aaron Leingang organized his crew of smelt hunters and off to the boat ramp area they went. However, no matter how hard they seined, nary a smelt was found. The walleye may get hungry this year. After enjoying the campfire, most of the crowd had wandered off to their tents and campers by about 5:00 am, but one sleepless soul stayed up and tended the fire all night. The next morning was a little windy, but that did not stop our cooking crew from making all the trimmings for the ultimate breakfast burritos. After breakfast, most went back to town, but a few diehards - dogs, men and women - stayed out for night two. After enjoying another camp fire that night and a great goose chislic breakfast the next morning, camp was tore down and we sadly left the “Land of Sky Blue Waters.” *Photos courtesy of Dale Healey from DOT

...while the cooks start firing up the deep fat fryers and grill.

The “early crowd” of the 2014 smelt hunt begins to gather on Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe...

As dusk settles, the campfire is lit and gradually grows.

After the smelt hunt team returned from the Okobojo boat ramp area smeltless...

...the camp fire was stoked up to warm them back up.

...contemplation and medita-tion after a hard week at work.

The camp fire not only kept the crew warm, it also provided the ultimate atmosphere for...

...while some early risers wait for breakfast as they rehash memorable events of the night before.

The next morning, Brad Schultz and Brian Gustafson cook up all the trim-mings for the ultimate breakfast burritos...

As the 2014 Smelt Hunt came to a close, Smelt Hunt Chairman Brian Gustafson was heard to say, “Hope to see YOU at the 2015 DENR Smelt Hunt!”

DENR’s annual smelt hunt for 2010 took place April 30 on beautiful Lake Oahe. Too bad Mother Nature did not cooperate and decided to be windy after around 7 p.m. Despite the wind and cool temperatures, a hardy crowd participated. This year’s “smelt hunters” included a 9-month old girl, college kids who have participated since they were young, college graduates now working for DENR, significant others, and some older gentlemen. As the evening progressed, those that were hungry huddled around the grills and deep fryers or around the warm campfire. Some on the outer edges expressed concern that the onion rings, mushrooms, smelt, donut holes, venison, elk, chicken gizzards, shrimp, antelope, pheasant, buffalo wings, salads, vegetables, egg rolls, and other delectables were not making it to them. Of course a veteran smelt hunter knows enough to stand by the cooks if you are hungry. Although the wind kept us from seining for smelt, Aaron Leingang was kind enough to catch and clean plenty of smelt ahead of time for all to eat. However, the tradition of newcomers to eat raw smelt will have to wait until next year. Saturday morning greeted us with more wind. A huge breakfast - consisting of 15 pounds of hash browns, 5-1/2 pounds of bacon, 5 pounds of pork sausage, 4 dozen scrambled eggs, venison sausage, and all the fixings for breakfast burritos - was cooked. The crowd was still hungry and ate everything except one or two burritos. See you next year!

Hope to see you at next year’s Smelt Feed!

2009 Smelt Hunt

DENR’s annual smelt hunt for 2009 took place on beautiful Lake Oahe April 24 despite the presence of mid-afternoon rain, snow, and a stiff and cold wind. However, once Mother Nature finished spitting at us, she decided to provide us with a calm, cool night. As darkness began to fall, the crowd kept growing to include more than a half dozen sons and daughters from college who made the trip back to Pierre for this annual event that many have attended since they were old enough to walk. The cooks were kept busy as the festive crowd sat around the fire, played on the beach, and visited while they devoured mountains of onion rings, venison, mutton, elk chislic, barbecued buffalo, pork loin, shrimp, antelope, pheasant, stuffed mushrooms, buffalo wings, salads, vegetables, and the list goes on. Around midnight, part of the crowd went to the beach to seine for smelt, but unfortunately, the dramatic drop in temperature that day made the actual hunt for smelt not very fruitful. Saturday morning greeted us with sunshine and a huge breakfast was cooked up consisting of hash brown potatoes, bacon, pork and venison sausage, and all the fixings for breakfast burritos. As you can tell, no one went home hungry. See you next year!

See you at next year’s

DENR Smelt Hunt!