It’s Really Not About Squirrels

At n.a.s.a. (North American Squirrel Association), we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
What began as a small group of friends sharing a passion for the outdoors has grown into a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping seniors and individuals with disabilities experience hunting, fishing, boating, golfing, skiing, and many other outdoor activities at no cost.
Today, hundreds of participants enjoy our programs each year thanks to the generosity of volunteers, donors, and community partners who share our mission.

The North American Squirrel Association—better known as n.a.s.a.—was never truly about hunting squirrels. It has always been about something much bigger: restoring access, independence, and joy to people who thought those things were out of reach.

At its heart, n.a.s.a. exists to help individuals with physical disabilities and seniors enjoy the outdoors at no cost. But the story of how that mission began is what makes this organization so special.

The roots of n.a.s.a. stretch back decades before it officially formed. Long before there was a name, a logo, or a nonprofit, there was a simple but powerful idea—driven largely by Mike Derpinghaus.

After a car accident in 1979 left Mike paralyzed, and later a double amputee, one thing never left him: his connection to the outdoors. Instead of accepting limitations, Mike worked alongside his friends Gary Larson and LeRoy Holley to find solutions. They didn’t wait—they built.

One of their earliest breakthroughs came from friend Don Heidel, who designed a modified barber chair that allowed Mike to transfer into it, be elevated, and rotate while hunting. It restored independence in the woods. That same concept would later evolve into something even bigger—being adapted onto a pontoon boat so Mike could once again enjoy time on the water.

These weren’t just inventions—they were proof of what was possible. And for Mike, they were steps toward a larger vision: creating consistent access to the outdoors for others facing similar challenges.

While Mike, Gary, and LeRoy were building solutions, another story was unfolding nearby…

Dr. Carl Peterson of Coon Valley Chiropractic had started a simple tradition with a small group of friends—getting together each January for a little squirrel hunting competition during the quiet Wisconsin winter. One of those friends was Tony Christnovich, a retired teacher who had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, something he shared with his father. As his father aged, Tony saw firsthand how difficult outdoor experiences could become for the elderly and those with physical limitations.

Tony had known Carl through La Crosse Central High School and later became one of his chiropractic patients. Eventually, Carl invited Tony to join the squirrel hunting group. What started as a casual outing among friends quickly evolved into a friendly competition—and then into an annual squirrel derby.

The first derby was modest: five hunters, one hunting property, and a $25 prize pot. At the end of the day, only one squirrel had been harvested, earning Tony’s nephew the entire winnings.

But the event continued to grow. Carl, known for his quick wit and humor, gave the group a name—the North American Squirrel Association. At the time, it was simply a playful name for the hunting group, but it stuck.

By the second year, 25 hunters gathered. By the third year, nearly 50 people attended, complete with meals, raffles, and prizes. What began as a small hunting competition had turned into a growing community event—one that still continues every January today as the Billy Gowlland Memorial Squirrel Hunting Derby.

As attendance grew, so did the funds raised through the derby. Eventually, the group found themselves with $642 and one important question:

What should they do with the money? That question would become the turning point.

Tony and LeRoy knew each other through business, and that connection brought the two worlds together—one group raising money through a growing outdoor tradition, and another group already building real solutions for accessible outdoor recreation.

LeRoy reached out to Mike and explained that there was a group of men who wanted to help a disabled outdoorsman and had raised $642 through their squirrel derby fundraiser.

But Mike saw the opportunity for something much bigger.

He believed the outdoors should be accessible not just to one person, but to many. What began as a conversation about helping a single outdoorsman soon evolved into a much larger vision—creating an organization dedicated to helping seniors and individuals with disabilities experience the outdoors.

“If we get incorporated, we can really do some damage,” Mike recalled.

And just like that, n.a.s.a. was born—not from a single moment, but from the merging of ideas, experiences, and determination.

Carl had created the name. Tony created the idea.

Mike gave it purpose.

The early years were anything but easy. Meetings were held in a pawn shop. Funding came from gun raffles, small donations, and countless conversations with local businesses. Volunteers gave everything—time, land, equipment, and expertise.

But the mission was clear:

Help people who had the will to experience the outdoors—but no way to do it.

From the beginning, n.a.s.a. committed to principles that still define it today:

• 100% non-paid volunteer-run
• Programs offered at no cost
• Local impact for local people

This wasn’t just an organization—it was a community effort built by people who believed access to the outdoors should be available to everyone.

Early efforts focused on hunting accessibility, including wheelchair-accessible blinds at places like the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge.

But the vision didn’t stop there.

One of the first major breakthroughs came from Mike’s desire to fish and enjoy the water again. During that time, Mike attended an accessible pontoon outing on Shawano Lake through Challenge the Outdoors, Inc.. The experience sparked an idea: what if people in the La Crosse area had access to something similar?

That inspiration led to the creation of a custom-built accessible pontoon boat—later known as the S.S. Squirrel—designed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges.

For many participants, it opened the water to experiences they never thought possible again.

What began as a single idea quickly became one of n.a.s.a.’s defining programs—and a powerful symbol of what could happen when barriers were replaced with opportunity.

As support grew, so did the programs.

n.a.s.a. expanded to offer a wide range of outdoor experiences—hunting, fishing, biking, skiing, kayaking, and golfing. Through adaptive equipment, accessible facilities, and dedicated volunteers, participants were given opportunities many thought were no longer possible.

Each program shared the same purpose:

Not trophies—but participation.
Not competition—but connection.

What began in the La Crosse area soon reached beyond it.

In 2016, the Tomah branch was established, expanding the mission into new communities while staying true to its original purpose. Accessible Outdoor Activities | Tomah, WI – Tomah n.a.s.a

The goal remained the same:

Make the outdoors accessible to more people, in more places.

Today, n.a.s.a. serves seniors, veterans, youth, and individuals with physical disabilities—providing meaningful outdoor experiences at no cost.

What started as a small group of friends and a simple squirrel derby has grown into a community-driven organization creating life-changing moments for thousands.

And through it all, that original derby continues each January—a reminder of where it began.

A day on the water.
A first fish.
A return to hunting after years away.
A chance to simply be outside again.

That’s what n.a.s.a. is really about.

The name may come from a squirrel hunt—but the mission goes far beyond it.

n.a.s.a. exists because a group of people chose not to accept limitations.

Because they believed access shouldn’t depend on ability.

Because they understood that the outdoors isn’t just recreation—it’s freedom, identity, and joy.

And because of that belief, thousands of people have been given something priceless:

A way back in.

n.a.s.a. exists to remove barriers that prevent individuals from enjoying outdoor recreation.
Through adaptive equipment, volunteer support, and community partnerships, we provide opportunities that help participants remain active, engaged, and connected to nature.
Our programs are offered free of charge because we believe financial limitations should never prevent someone from enjoying the outdoors.