In its first membership-wide survey since 2018, the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) revealed a membership that values conservation, serves in the military at rates more than twice the national average, and – above all else – loves dogs.
More than 1,100 members responded to the survey, providing demographic data as well as input about how RGS & AWS can better achieve its mission. Notably, results show a membership that strongly identifies as conservationists – seven in 10 members call themselves primarily conservationists or equally hunters and conservationists – and rely on both private and public lands to pursue their passions.
Additional survey data highlights the following:
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- Three-quarters of RGS & AWS members own a hunting dog, with English setters being the most popular (22%) and German shorthaired pointers next at 15%.
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- More than 17% of members are active-duty military or veterans.
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- Approximately 1/4 of survey takers are younger than 45, and 45% of members are 55 and older.
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- Ninety percent of members enjoy fishing as well as hunting.
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- Altogether, 71% of respondents hunt both public and private land, with an additional 24% hunting only public land.
“RGS & AWS is proud to activate conservation leaders by supporting boots-on-the-ground stewardship and advancing science-based policy initiatives,” said Katie McKalip, vice president of communications and marketing. “We appreciate the members who took time to share their views with us, and we’re excited to utilize the resulting data, both to improve our services to existing members and guide our outreach to future members.”
The survey, sent in May to every member who provided RGS & AWS with an email address, had a 13% response rate.
