The Rural Forests Markets Act will create revenue for family forests and sustain healthy forests and wildlife habitat WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, introduced the bipartisan Rural Forests Markets Act to help small-scale, family foresters access new economic opportunities through climate solutions like carbon markets. “Big or small, our forests are an important part of the solution to the climate crisis,” said Ranking Member Stabenow. “For too long, environmental market opportunities have been out of reach for many...
habitat
Comparing Habitat: Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock, Cottontail Rabbits and Snowshoe Hare
Exploring habitat for ruffed grouse and woodcock as it relates to cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare. There’s a lot of information online about the different habitat types that wild game species like ruffed grouse and cottontail rabbits use, which is definitely important to know for hunting or wildlife watching opportunities. But we don’t often talk about the similarities between them. Truth be told, there’s a lot of overlap between many wild game species, and that means effects to one habitat type can impact (for the better or worse) other species too. [Read more…] about Comparing Habitat: Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock, Cottontail Rabbits...
Minnesota Forests | Success in Conservation and Habitat – RGS
Take a look at the successful creation of habitat and conservation in Minnesota forests with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American woodcock Society If you’re reading this post in the great state of Minnesota, it’s likely that you may have spent time grouse hunting in Minnesota forests. And if it also feels like Minnesota has it pretty good when it comes to grouse habitat and populations, you wouldn’t be wrong. In part, that’s due to your continued support of Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS). Our staff are involved in several important conservation programs to increase and improve habitat...
Wisconsin Approves Ruffed Grouse Management Plan – RGS
State of Wisconsin approves first ever Ruffed Grouse Management Plan Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) voted to approve the states very first ruffed grouse management plan. The impetuous and need for this plan was set forward after the NRB voted on an emergency rule to shorten the 2018 ruffed grouse season. Support for this plan was extensive with 15 members from 13 different government and non-government organizations making up the planning committee. Including two familiar faces: Current RGS Regional Wildlife Biologist Jon Steigerwaldt and past RGS Wildlife Biologist Gary Zimmer. [Read more…] about Wisconsin Approves Ruffed Grouse Management Plan –...
Winter Ruffed Grouse Survival – RGS
Examining food and cover necessary for winter grouse survival.
In northern Wisconsin, winter regrouping of ruffed grouse starts to take place toward the end of October and the first part of November. The grouse group together this time of the year, not for security or for a social gathering, but because there is good food and cover in a single location. When in a group, grouse remain individualists. Each will flush on their own accord when pressured. It is the availability of high quality habitat and food that has brought them together.
[Read more…] about Winter Ruffed Grouse Survival – RGSWinter Grouse Hunting Strategies – RGS
Things to consider before your next winter grouse hunt.
Here in Wisconsin, the snow is deep, and the winds are howling, and we have settled in for the winter. However, winter grouse hunting is possible and there are still areas that have not seen as much snow or cold temperatures as certain areas of the ruffed grouse range.
If I am considering going to a new area this time of year, I first do some research. Here are some of the things that I consider before heading out:
[Read more…] about Winter Grouse Hunting Strategies – RGS