RGS Blog

MeatEater Podcast Asks: Can Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Be Saved?

March 9, 2026 by Ruffed Grouse Society

A recent episode of the MeatEater Podcast takes a thoughtful look at a question many upland hunters and conservationists are asking: What does the future hold for ruffed grouse and American woodcock? In Episode 845, host Steven Rinella explores the challenges facing these iconic upland birds and the landscapes they depend on. The episode also features insights from RGS & AWS VP of Conservation, Karl Malcolm, who discusses the critical role healthy, diverse forests play in sustaining grouse and woodcock populations. The conversation highlights how changes in forest age structure across the eastern U.S. have reduced the amount of early successional habitat...

Severe East Coast Winter Weather Results in Woodcock Die-offs

February 19, 2026 by Ruffed Grouse Society

The Cape May Peninsula in New Jersey has long been known as an important migratory stopover site for a myriad of birds in the Atlantic Flyway, including American woodcock. A recent bout of extreme weather on the East Coast led to the death of more than 170 woodcock at Cape May Point. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance these birds maintain. A Perfect Storm Cape May Average Temperature for the Month of January 2026 The daily range of reported temperatures (gray bars) and 24-hour highs (red ticks) and lows (blue ticks), placed over the daily average high (faint...

Celebrating Grouse, Woodcock and Healthy Forests at Pheasant Fest

February 18, 2026 by Ruffed Grouse Society

Pheasant Fest is where conservation, community and upland traditions come together. This year, RGS & AWS is inviting attendees to slow down and start Saturday morning with conversation. Coffee and Covers is a casual meet-and-greet with RGS & AWS award-winning Covers magazine Editor-in-Chief Britney Booth, open to everyone attending the show. Held over a cup of coffee, this relaxed gathering is designed for easy conversation about conservation, storytelling, upland hunting traditions and the role media plays in connecting people to the landscapes and wildlife we care about. There’s no formal agenda and no presentation. Attendees are welcome to stop by and chat...

Artist Spotlight: Sarah Trumble

February 13, 2026 by Ruffed Grouse Society

Sarah Trumble is a natural history illustrator based in Somerset, England. Her work combines the delicate medium of watercolor with a strong a desire for scientific accuracy, creating work that’s as aesthetic as it is informative. With subjects ranging from deer species like red, fallow and sika stags to more specialised game like wild boar, ibex and trout, she’s risen to the technical expectations of her audience and ensures anatomical precision in every piece. This is especially evident when capturing the animal’s gaze, which she considers essential to conveying life and realism. Over time, Sarah’s artistic reach has extended well beyond...

Grouse Parmesan Sandwiches with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil and Homemade Marinara

February 12, 2026 by Ruffed Grouse Society

by Chef Jeremiah Doughty, From Field To Plate This recipe combines the unique flavor of grouse with the classic elements of a chicken parmesan sandwich, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. The crispy grouse cutlets, tangy marinara, creamy fresh mozzarella and aromatic basil create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Although originally made with sage grouse, as you can see by the dark-colored meat in the images, this recipe can be adapted for use with any kind of gamebird. Yields: 2 to 4 sandwiches Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Ingredients: For the grouse cutlets: 2 grouse breasts, boneless and skinless (about 4 to 6 ounces...

Sara Cerv Earns Regional Forestry Leadership Honor

February 11, 2026 by Ruffed Grouse Society

The team at RGS & AWS is proud to recognize forest conservation director Sara Cerv on advancing from state-level recognition in North Carolina to receiving the regional Appalachian Society of American Foresters Young Forest Leadership Award. As a regional recipient, she will now be considered for the national award. Honorees are selected through a committee review process. This prestigious award, reserved for forestry professionals under 40, recognizes outstanding leadership in developing and promoting programs or projects, or through sustained service that benefits the practice of forestry and the Society. Sara has served as the Appalachian Society of American Foresters membership chair for...

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