About the North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a.)

It's really not about squirrels. It has always been about helping people reclaim something meaningful: the chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and experience the freedom that nature brings. Today, the North American Squirrel Association exists to help seniors and individuals with physical disabilities enjoy outdoor recreation at no cost—and the story of how that mission began is what makes n.a.s.a. so special.

The roots of n.a.s.a. go back to a simple idea among a few friends—holding a small squirrel hunting derby. Dr. Carl Peterson of Coon Valley Chiropractic had known Tony Christnovich for years through their connections around La Crosse Central High School. When Tony became Carl's patient, their shared love of the outdoors led to an invitation to join a small group. That first derby was simple: five hunters, one property, and a $25 pot. Only one squirrel was harvested—earning Tony's nephew the entire pot. Carl gave the group a name: the North American Squirrel Association. At the time, it was just a name.

But the derby continued—and it grew. In year two, 25 hunters gathered at the Rustic Valley Inn. By year three, nearly 50 people attended, with meals, raffles, and prizes. What started as a small gathering had become a community event—one that continues every January to this day.

While Carl and Tony were building momentum through the derby, another story had already been unfolding—one driven by vision. Mike Derpinghaus had been living with paralysis since a car accident in 1979 and later became a double amputee. But his connection to the outdoors never left him. For years, Mike worked alongside his friends Gary Larson and LeRoy Holley, developing ways to get back outdoors. They didn't wait for solutions—they built them.

One of the earliest breakthroughs came from a simple but powerful idea: a modified barber chair. Mike could transfer into the chair, be lifted, and rotate to hunt more effectively. That same concept was later adapted onto the first pontoon boat, allowing Mike to fish and enjoy the water in ways not possible before. These weren't just inventions—they were proof of what was possible.

Mike had been chasing something bigger for years: a way to consistently provide access to the outdoors for people with disabilities. Then came the meeting. LeRoy called Mike and told him there was a group that had raised some money and wanted to help. When Mike met Tony and the others, they had $642 from the growing squirrel derby and a simple question—what should they do with it? Mike saw two paths: build one accessible hunting blind, or build something much bigger. He proposed forming a nonprofit—one that could help many instead of just one. That idea became the purpose of n.a.s.a. The group had already created the name through the derby—but Mike gave it direction.

In the early days, Mike, LeRoy and Gary worked side by side—traveling to gun shows, running raffles, and raising funds however they could. Meetings were held in the pawn shop. They built the organization from the ground up, asking businesses for support and finding people willing to believe in the mission. The first major vision became reality: an accessible pontoon boat on Lake Onalaska—opening the outdoors to countless individuals.

Carl and Tony created the derby. The derby created momentum. But Mike created the purpose. What began as a small group of friends and a single squirrel hunting derby became something far greater—a mission built on access, independence, and opportunity. And to this day, that original derby remains at the heart of it all—a reminder of where it started, and why it continues.