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Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

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Bird-In-Hand | A Ruffed Grouse Hunting Essay by Mark Parman

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A hunter’s reflection on the complexities and associated emotions of the moment we find ourselves bird-in-hand…

In the closing minutes of the last day of Wisconsin’s ruffed grouse season, I shot a beautiful mature gray bird that flushed wild high out of a mature aspen. Holding that improbable bird, part of me wanted to let out a wild barbaric WHOOP, one which would rip through the surrounding woods, but doing so never seems quite right to me in this sober moment when I have just ended the life of such a wildly noble creature. On top of the elation, I felt regret, twinges of guilt, I even foolishly wished we hunters had a shoot-and-release. Part of me wanted to throw that bird in the air and watch it fly away, but hunting requires pulling the trigger or at least the intent to do so, otherwise it isn’t hunting. It’s something else, I don’t know what, but it’s not hunting.

[Read more…] about Bird-In-Hand | A Ruffed Grouse Hunting Essay by Mark Parman

RGS & AWS Staff and Member featured on the Project Upland Podcast – RGS

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“RGS & AWS staff Jon Steigerwaldt and Jared Elm along with RGS & AWS member, Simon Tiedge preview the upcoming hunting season, talk bird dogs, grouse habitat and more.“

RGS & AWS staff Jon Steigerwaldt and Jared Elm as well RGS member Simon Tiedge were recently featured on an episode of the Project Upland Podcast.

To Listen | Episode #114 | Tailgate Podcast with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society

[Read more…] about RGS & AWS Staff and Member featured on the Project Upland Podcast – RGS

Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Hire Glen Blackwood as Director of Regional Development in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana – RGS

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Glen Blackwood hired as regional director of development in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.

The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS | AWS) are proud to announce the hiring of Glen Blackwood as the newly appointed director of regional development in Michigan. In his role, Blackwood will direct business development and fundraising programs in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana along with promoting recruitment events, educational activities, and habitat days.

[Read more…] about Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Hire Glen Blackwood as Director of Regional Development in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana – RGS

Winter Foot Care and Injury Prevention for Bird Dogs – RGS

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Examining risks and foot care methods for bird dogs during the winter.

From the crusty hard snow to the dry air and freezing cold temperatures, winter conditions can take a toll on your bird dogs, especially their feet. Being prepared and knowing how to deal with foot care, maintenance and injuries simply come with the territory of owning bird dogs. 

Having owned a large sled dog kennel, I am very familiar with booties, putting booties on my dogs and getting a sore back in the process. I have found it much easier to prevent problems than than trying to heal an active dog’s foot. Foot injuries take time to heal.

[Read more…] about Winter Foot Care and Injury Prevention for Bird Dogs – RGS

Kentucky Grouse | Life is a Journey – RGS

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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

Enter To Win | Bird Dog Photo Calendar Contest

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We hope everyone is ready, today we’re launching the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS) 2021 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 Calendar Contest

FILM TRAILER | Live For October

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Watch the latest trailer for an upcoming Ruffed Grouse Society film.

Follow RGS/AWS Northeast regional director, Joe Levesque through the October woods as he shares the experience with Zach Hein of CZ-USA and Alex Costa of ANR Design.

This is a story about the grouse woods, unpredictable weather, witty birds, first hunts, and friends. Join RGS/AWS as you feel the experience and Live For October.

Full Film to be released August 2019

In the Time of Ruffed Grouse…

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ruffed grouse hunting in New Hampshire

Hunting ruffed grouse through the golden age, whenever it may be for you.

“Golden Ages” come and go. Consider for a moment why the term even exists. The idea itself can be relative. My ‘Golden Age’ can be different than it might be when examining a larger timeline. The individual elements that define my Golden Age may vary greatly compared with those of others. This story reflects some of those moments, but the term relative seems to be a much more relevant word . . . 

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EDITOR NOTE: GIVE ME A WINDOW . . . That’s all I need . . .

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Nagy Illustration

By Matt Soberg, RGS & AWS Editor & Director of Communications

Now is your window to help RGS & AWS create healthy forests and increase the voice for  the future of grouse and woodcock – New member drive ends April 1!

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I was flying to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home of the Ruffed Grouse Society headquarters, watching a movie on my smartphone through the GoGo entertainment app offered by Delta, when I heard a character say, “Give me a window, that’s all I need.”

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GROUSE AND WOODCOCK HUNTING GATEWAYS

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A focus on simple gateways to grouse hunting can recruit our next generation of hunters.

By Matt Soberg, RGS/AWS Editor & Director of Communications

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We always hear about perceived barriers to entry purportedly inherent in grouse and woodcock hunting. “There are no birds around, and it’s hard to find them. The cover is so thick, too hard and strenuous. When you do find birds, the shots are impossible. Guns are intimidating, and I don’t know how to train a bird dog.” Blah, blah, blah.

Grouse hunting is not that scary. Trust me.

[Read more…] about GROUSE AND WOODCOCK HUNTING GATEWAYS