When people think of RGS & AWS most thoughts go to young aspen forest and thickets in the Great Lakes or the stonewalls and forgotten orchards of the Northeast. Few will think of Western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, but that’s where RGS & AWS began. Founded in Monterey, Virginia in 1961, RGS & AWS has a long history in the Old Dominion State that continues to this day.
The H.C. Edwards Chapter went through a variety of name changes early in their time as a chapter. Established originally in 1977 as the Virginia Chapter, they changed names to the Shenandoah Valley Chapter in 1990 and, finally in 2003, what’s now the H.C. Edwards Chapter. It was named in honor of Harlan Crawford “Duck” Edwards; a man recognized for being the driving force behind keeping the chapter strong and growing, and his efforts in promoting their annual banquet. Duck was 97 years old when he passed away Feb. 12, 2019, and was still very active in the local RGS & AWS chapter that bears his name. In 1990, their inaugural banquet was held with their 30th annual banquet in 2019. Over the years, the chapter’s had incredible support from people like Brad Rhodenizer, Larry Oder, Eddie Back and a number of others. The members of the H.C. Edwards Chapter were able to build their banquet up to 300 attendees and 85 sponsors. All this work allowed them to raise $362,000 for RGS & AWS between 1992 and 2008. By hosting multiple shoots, a well-attended banquet and planning multiple habitat projects, the H.C. Edwards Chapter’s continued to support the mission of RGS & AWS over the decades.
Al Bourgois, Chapter Habitat Chair and banquet committee member, coordinates with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VADWR) and National Forest Service to enhance and create habitat for grouse and woodcock. Coordinating projects since 2020, the chapter has planted close to a dozen different types of trees, including pear, Indio Bush, grey dogwood, Red-Osier dogwood and hazelnut. The work on these sites isn’t done after the trees are in the ground. Al and members like David Coleman make return visits to maintain the sites and ensure the success of the work. These projects also included acres of mulching helped by RGS & AWS, seeding and, with the dedication of member John Dickerson, a direct focus on brining the hazelnut tree back to Virginia by providing seed and instruction to members at chapter events. Current Chapter President Cortland Burke worked with VADWR writer Peter Brookes in the fall of 2024 to create an article discussing woodcock hunting in Virginia. This was in an effort to bring attention to the support needed for woodcock in Virginia. Now, in 2025, chapter leadership is working to help bolster membership in the state and grow the next generation of conservationists in Virginia. Teaming up with their fellow Virginia chapter, the James River Chapter, the two are working to support the mission in Virginia and create opportunities for both new and experienced upland hunters with a variety of different events. By hosting hunts at local preserves, educational “Grouse Talks,” and shotgun fitting events, both chapters are upholding the sporting tradition across the Old Dominion.
The H.C. Edwards Chapter is truly special and showcases the power and importance of our members across the entire organization. RGS & AWS has a long history of forest management, and this chapter carries the banner and continues to help support the work we need in the Southern Appalachians and, specifically, in Virginia.
