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You are here: Home / 2019 / Archives for September 2019

Archives for September 2019

Beyond The Bellwether of Our Forests – RGS

September 26, 2019 by Ruffed Grouse Society

Photo Credit | Steve Oehlenschlager

While the perils and challenges faced by ruffed grouse and American woodcock may be familiar to our conservation-minded members, the continental and even global significance of these issues may not be fully recognized.

In a recent study published online by the journal Science, it was noted that wild bird populations have declined by nearly 30% since 1970 in the continental U.S. and Canada. Sadly, we know these declines to have effected ruffed grouse and American woodcock too. Yet the ruffed grouse and woodcock are not alone in their struggles and we are not alone in our concerns for these birds. Others have taken notice, too.

[Read more…] about Beyond The Bellwether of Our Forests – RGS

Filed Under: Habitat, Read Tagged With: american woodcock, conservation, habitat, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society, wildlife

RGS Urges Prudence and Use of Sound Science in Considering a 2019 Wisconsin Grouse Hunting Season Emergency Rule

September 13, 2019 by Ruffed Grouse Society

wisconsin-grouse

Wisconsin NRB Will Vote on Emergency Rule

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will vote on a proposed rule to shorten the 2019 ruffed grouse season at their September 24-25th 2019 meeting. The Natural Resources Board (NRB) sets policy and provides direction for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

During an informational session at the June 26th NRB meeting, the Board requested DNR to begin working on an emergency rule to shorten the 2019 ruffed grouse season. An emergency rule that shortened the 2018 ruffed grouse hunting season passed last summer. That rule expired at the conclusion of the 2018 hunting season. 

[Read more…] about RGS Urges Prudence and Use of Sound Science in Considering a 2019 Wisconsin Grouse Hunting Season Emergency Rule

Filed Under: Conservation Policy, Hunting, News, Read Tagged With: conservation, hunting, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society, upland hunting, Wisconsin

Ruffed Grouse Habitat | Cost Share Planting for Private Landowners

September 13, 2019 by Ryan Lisson

How You Can Improve Grouse Habitat on Your Property

I’ve always loved the idea of leaving a legacy. Not for fame or glory, by any means, but for something simpler. Being a biologist and a hunter, I fell in love with the idea of bringing my in-law’s property to its maximum wildlife potential. Over the years, we’ve cleared some wildlife openings, built brush piles, planted trails and food plots, and pruned dozens of apple trees. But I wanted to take it further by shaping it into a carefully planned grouse paradise, with the hope that my kids would someday enjoy it. 

[Read more…] about Ruffed Grouse Habitat | Cost Share Planting for Private Landowners

Filed Under: Habitat, Read Tagged With: conservation, cost share, forest management, grouse habitat, habitat, private lands, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society, upland bird

Ben Jones joins Ron Boehme on the Hunting Dog Podcast

September 12, 2019 by Ruffed Grouse Society

It’s September, which means hunting seasons are opening and for many of us, our favorite time of year has just begun. Recently, RGS President and CEO, Ben Jones, joined Ron Boehme of the Hunting Dog Podcast on a Virginia dove hunt. Also joined by Tom Franklin of the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, the three recorded a podcast to discuss the hunt, upland game birds and conservation.

To Listen | Hunting Dog Podcast – Episode 9/9/2019

Filed Under: Habitat, Hunting, Listen Tagged With: dove hunting, podcast, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society

Following RGS/AWS Comments, Fish and Wildlife Service to Open Woodcock Hunting on Erie National Wildlife Refuge – RGS

September 11, 2019 by Brent Rudolph

On Tuesday, September 10, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced a final rule to open or expand hunting opportunities on a number of National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) as of the 2019-2020 hunting season.

During the public comment period as part of this regulatory review, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS) submitted Federal Register comments on August 12 asking for Erie NWR to be opened up for hunting American woodcock. Providing this opportunity for woodcock hunting was among the changes made by the Service, though only up to 40% of the area within NWRs may be made available for migratory bird hunting.

[Read more…] about Following RGS/AWS Comments, Fish and Wildlife Service to Open Woodcock Hunting on Erie National Wildlife Refuge – RGS

Filed Under: Conservation Policy, Hunting, News, Read Tagged With: american woodcock, American Woodcock Society, conservation, habitat, Woodcock, woodcock hunting

RGS Biologist Jon Steigerwaldt joins On The Wing Podcast -RGS

September 11, 2019 by Ruffed Grouse Society

RGS/AWS biologist Jon Steigerwaldt recently joined Bob St. Pierre, host of On The Wing Podcast for an episode about ruffed grouse habitat and hunting. The two were also joined by Jason Meekhoff of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Nick Larson, host of the Project Upland Podcast.

All avid ruffed grouse hunters, the host and guests discuss ruffed grouse hunting, habitat, conservation and the relationship that all of their organizations share.

To Listen | On The Wing Podcast – Episode #44

Filed Under: Habitat, Hunting, Listen, News Tagged With: conservation, habitat, hunting, pheasants forever, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society

2018 Annual Report | Taking Stock

September 9, 2019 by Benjamin C. Jones

READ Full Version | 2018 Annual Report

Last April, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Executive Board and I had our first conversation—the first of many. Initially, the CEO interview brought us together. By the end of that discussion, it was clear we were converging on much more in our conservation pathways.

[Read more…] about 2018 Annual Report | Taking Stock

Filed Under: News, President's Message, Read Tagged With: american woodcock, American Woodcock Society, annual report, conservation, habitat, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society

Kentucky Grouse | Life is a Journey – RGS

September 6, 2019 by Mark Reese

Mark Reese grouse hunting in Kentucky

Lessons in life are always there if we can only let ourselves take time to learn them. This past weekend was one of those times that I continued to learn. As President of the Kentucky River Ruffed Grouse Society, I have been leading the charge to help this bellwether bird of forest health for this period of time. From habitat search to fundraisers I have been involved.

[Read more…] about Kentucky Grouse | Life is a Journey – RGS

Filed Under: Dogs, Hunting, Read, Why We Hunt Tagged With: bird dogs, Kentucky, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society, upland hunting

Voice Your Support for Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania – RGS

September 5, 2019 by Ruffed Grouse Society

grouse and woodcock hunting

On Tuesday, September 10, the Game and Fisheries Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will hold a public hearing on a bill that would allow three days of Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania, and strengthen trespass laws. We encourage our members to contact your State Representative and voice your support for this bill.

[Read more…] about Voice Your Support for Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania – RGS

Filed Under: Action Alert, Conservation Policy, Hunting, Read Tagged With: american woodcock, American Woodcock Society, hunting, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society, upland hunting

The Ruffed Grouse Struggle is Real in Indiana…

September 4, 2019 by Heather Shaw

Photo Credit | Steve Oehlenschlager

On October 31, 2018, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS) submitted a letter in response to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife (IN DNR) Rule Ideas for the 2018 Got INput Period in support of adding ruffed grouse to the list of endangered species of birds in Indiana.

[Read more…] about The Ruffed Grouse Struggle is Real in Indiana…

Filed Under: Conservation Policy, News, Read Tagged With: conservation, habitat, Indiana, ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse society

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