fbpx

RGS

Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

You are here: Home / Archives for upland hunting

upland hunting

Last Day of Upland Gunning Season

by

An upland hunter reflects on his last day of the season.

Saturday Morning, February 29, began with a crisp, cool, but sunny morning. It was also the last day of the upland gunning season and a day that brings bittersweet thoughts to my mind each year. It is with regret that I know that it hearkens an end my days afield with my canine companions. Yet I also know that my body needs a rest from endless treks across the mountains, my wife would like to see me around a wee bit more, and spring chores await. And gardening season is upon us and fishing in the creeks is just around the corner as the weather warms.

[Read more…] about Last Day of Upland Gunning Season

Comparing Habitat: Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock, Cottontail Rabbits and Snowshoe Hare

by

cottontail-rabbits-habitat

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 and Snowshoe Hare

Winter Grouse Hunting Strategies – RGS

by

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

New Hunters Graduate From Mentored Hunt Training Presented by The Ruffed Grouse Society

by

new hunters

New hunter mentor program allows new hunters of any age, young or old, to learn about upland bird hunting from mentors.

Kane Pa.:  The Allegheny Chapter (Kane) of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) has completed their new hunter training for 2019.  The New Hunter Mentor Program (NHMP) allows new hunters of any age, young or old, to learn about upland bird hunting from mentors. During a day in the spring and a day in the fall, all attendees learn about shooting, habitat and GPS, bird dog care, and then graduate to an actual hunt for birds with dogs. Experienced grouse and woodcock hunters mentored the graduates for the actual hunt.

[Read more…] about New Hunters Graduate From Mentored Hunt Training Presented by The Ruffed Grouse Society

Finding Your Next Grouse Cover – RGS

by

prime-grouse-cover

Know Your Grouse Cover

You have waited all year for grouse season to arrive. Like many, you have your gear, maybe a new shotgun and shells, and the dog is tuned up and ready to go. Hard to tell which of you is more excited.  

Your travels lead you to familiar covers that have in the past held a promise of multiple flushes. As you and your dog work the grouse cover, anticipation is building for that first point and the explosion of wings. But it never comes, and your heart is sinking fast.

[Read more…] about Finding Your Next Grouse Cover – RGS

A Weekend at Grouse Camp with Ruffed Grouse Society – RGS

by

The day a German immigrant became an adult-onset hunter at RGS Grouse Camp in Wisconsin

Most grouse and woodcock hunters know this situation: standing in young Aspen cover with a shotgun in your hand. All you hear is the tone of the e-collar that tells you a dog is on point maybe 50 yards away from you. Slowly, but with determination, you make your way through the thick cover of late September, just to end up about 15 yards in front of the dog still strongly on point. 

Just six month ago I would never have thought I’d find myself in the Wisconsin North Woods, chasing the King of the Woods and the curious looking timberdoodle. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know of the existence of either of these beautiful birds that are now so common to my vocabulary.

[Read more…] about A Weekend at Grouse Camp with Ruffed Grouse Society – RGS

President’s Message

by

October 1, 2019

Don’t you just love this time of the year?

The air is crisper, skies are brighter, and  colorful  foliage fills the forest. These are the days we live for, and to celebrate our love for October, we’re launching an amazing membership promotion you don’t want to miss!

During October, when you join, renew or rejoin the Ruffed Grouse Society or American Woodcock Society as an auto renewing Regular ($35)member, you’ll receive our latest Upland Awesome Forests t-shirt as a special gift.

[Read more…] about President’s Message

RGS Urges Prudence and Use of Sound Science in Considering a 2019 Wisconsin Grouse Hunting Season Emergency Rule

by

wisconsin-grouse

Wisconsin NRB Will Vote on Emergency Rule

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will vote on a proposed rule to shorten the 2019 ruffed grouse season at their September 24-25th 2019 meeting. The Natural Resources Board (NRB) sets policy and provides direction for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

During an informational session at the June 26th NRB meeting, the Board requested DNR to begin working on an emergency rule to shorten the 2019 ruffed grouse season. An emergency rule that shortened the 2018 ruffed grouse hunting season passed last summer. That rule expired at the conclusion of the 2018 hunting season. 

[Read more…] about RGS Urges Prudence and Use of Sound Science in Considering a 2019 Wisconsin Grouse Hunting Season Emergency Rule

Kentucky Grouse | Life is a Journey – RGS

by

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

Voice Your Support for Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania – RGS

by

grouse and woodcock hunting

On Tuesday, September 10, the Game and Fisheries Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will hold a public hearing on a bill that would allow three days of Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania, and strengthen trespass laws. We encourage our members to contact your State Representative and voice your support for this bill.

[Read more…] about Voice Your Support for Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania – RGS