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Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

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ruffed grouse

West Nile Virus in Ruffed Grouse and Test Kit How-To Video

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Photo By | Timothy Flanigan

An update on West Nile Virus in Ruffed Grouse and a test kit how-to video.

The second-year results for the Great Lake states’ collaborative West Nile Virus (WNV) study are in, and there’s good news, bad news and hope, for ruffed grouse in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

The good

In total, hunters provided 786 samples in all three states from the 2019 hunting season: 281 from Michigan, 188 from Wisconsin and 317 from Minnesota. The total number of samples was up a bit from the 721 submitted the year prior, though Wisconsin’s individual sample total went down. In 2018, Michigan tested 213 samples, Wisconsin tested 235, and Minnesota tested 273. While some birds did test positive for WNV antibodies, the percentages were low. The results from 2018 and 2019 also showed that these birds can survive being infected. 

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Public Land Provides Pandemic Remedy

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Public land hunting is often synonymous with ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting here in North America. We are incredibly fortunate to have free and easy access to a multitude of public lands rooted in the foundation of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Established on the recognition that wildlife and wildlife-based recreation are an inherent public resource, this system ensures that wildlife and habitat will be managed and used for the benefit of the people.

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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.

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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

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Brent Rudolph Featured on the Project Upland Podcast – RGS

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“Achieving conservation work from capitol hill to a bird cover near you with Brent Rudolph of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society.“

RGS & AWS Director of Conservation Policy was recently featured on an episode of the Project Upland Podcast.

To Listen | Episode #109 | Conservation and Bird Dogs with Brent Rudolph

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COVID-19 Impacts on Timber Markets and Forest Wildlife

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How COVID-19 Could Affect Grouse Habitat

It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a bit of a whirlwind and things haven’t gone as planned. With all the stay-at-home orders, shutdowns, and disruptions, you’re likely looking forward to the fall hunting season more than ever and getting back into the grouse woods to unwind a bit. Unfortunately, coronavirus and COVID-19 still have some potentially nasty consequences in store for timber markets and subsequently ruffed grouse, in the form of habitat impacts. Here’s how the two are surprisingly connected, and some potential ways that the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) could help.

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Regional Director Mike Neiduski featured on Three Rivers Land Trust Campfire Conversations

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RGS & AWS Southeast Regional Director was recently featured on an episode of the Three River Land Trust podcast.

To Listen | Campfire Conversation with Mike Neiduski

Show Notes from Three Rivers Land Trust:

We’ve got a very special guest today: Mack the puppy! Along with her, we’ve got Mike Neiduski – Southeast Regional Director for Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society.

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An Ohio Chapter Story – Ruffed Grouse Society Original Film

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Ohio Ruffed Grouse Society Chapter Habitat Day

Join the Gilbert R. Symons / Cincinnati Area Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society for a habitat work day and chapter gathering. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Gilbert R. Symons Chapter, like all of our chapters, represents the face and the boots on the ground movement of our mission.

Fighting for Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife and Conservation Ethic our chapters make-up the core of our existence as an organization. Without them our collective voice would not be heard, our impact would not be felt and our forests and our wildlife would suffer.

For their tireless efforts and their passionate devotion to our cause we would like to say THANK YOU to all of our RGS & AWS chapters for their leadership as conservationists.