Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) biologist Jon Steigerwaldt along with RGS forest wildlife specialist, Jared Elm joined host Nick Larson on a recent episode of the Project Upland Podcast.
[Read more…] about Jon Steigerwaldt and Jared Elm featured on Project Upland Podcast – RGS
On Monday, November 18th, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) reported results that confirmed three ruffed grouse submitted for testing were infected with Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
The grouse were taken in Itasca county and submitted to the DNR for testing by hunters. The hunters noted the birds seemed unable to escape or fly. They also appeared emaciated, having significant muscle and tissue loss. Like West Nile Virus, ruffed grouse become infected with EEE when bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease.
[Read more…] about Minnesota DNR Reports Findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Ruffed Grouse
The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society previously notified members of a chance to gain Sunday hunting opportunities in Pennsylvania through Senate Bill 147.
This week, the House Game and Fisheries Committee added an amendment to SB 147, primarily to require written landowner permission for Sunday hunting. This amendment has alleviated some lingering concerns and created the best chance yet to allow hunters that want the opportunity for Sunday hunting to have that choice. The rundown of votes that passed the amended version of SB 147 out of the House Game and Fisheries Committee can be found here.
[Read more…] about Voice Your Support for Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania – RGS
October 16, 2019
For Immediate Release
Coraopolis, Pa. – The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and American Woodcock Society (AWS) held the 38th Annual National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt (NGWH) on Thursday and Friday October 10 and 11, 2019 in and around Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Throughout the NGWH history, data have been consistently collected from all harvested birds by RGS/AWS wildlife biologists to provide historic perspective on population trends. Results this year showed increased harvest rates compared to 2018, and considerably improved grouse recruitment.
[Read more…] about 2019 National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt Results – Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society
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
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
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.
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.
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
We hope everyone is ready, today we’re launching the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS) 2020 Conservation Calendar Contest. Dust off the best photos of your grouse and woodcock dogs and let’s see ’em. Everyone loves a bird dog, right?
[Read more…] about Enter To Win | Bird Dog Photo Contest
