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RGS

Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Conservation Ethic

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west nile virus

Ben Jones Addresses West Nile Virus Testing in Ruffed Grouse – RGS

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Grouse enthusiasts are abuzz this week with hunting seasons in full swing and recent press releases from key states. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan shared 2018 West Nile Virus testing results after an unexpected laboratory delay (details can be found here).

I read the reports, completed phone interviews with reporters and braced myself. When West Nile Virus appears in the news, it can even eclipse dog breed and shotgun choice “discussions” in level of interest and disagreement. Justifiably so. The appearance of a new disease threatening our beloved ruffed grouse is reason for concern.

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Earliest Test Results of West Nile Virus Sampling in Upper Great Lakes Ruffed Grouse Now Available – RGS

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ruffed grouse
Photo Credit | Steve Oehlenschlager
  • Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Departments of Natural Resources recently announced results of the first year of coordinated West Nile Virus (WNV) sampling efforts for ruffed grouse in their state
  • Rates of WNV antibodies in ruffed grouse varied from around 13 percent in Minnesota and Michigan, and 29 percent in Wisconsin
  • Ruffed Grouse Society continues to emphasize habitat management as the “solution” for WNV, and aid in coordinating surveillance efforts in all 3 states

October 22, 2019
For Immediate Release

Coraopolis, Pa. – The Departments of Natural Resources in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan recently announced results of West Nile Virus (WNV) testing of hunter submitted samples from the 2018 hunting seasons.

Results are the first in a three-year study conducted through a partnership among the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and each state agency. The coordinated effort was planned to better understand ruffed grouse exposure to WNV in the region. Results already demonstrate that some grouse survive exposure to WNV and are not sick when harvested in the fall.

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The Scientific Impact of West Nile on Ruffed Grouse

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Written by: Lisa Williams, PA Game Commission

Photo Credit: Steve Oehlenschlager

Conclusive Evidence that West Nile and Habitat Loss can Spell Disaster for Ruffed Grouse

Republication with permission, the below article was originally written for the Pennsylvania Game Commission News publication. Written by Lisa Williams, PA Game Commission ruffed grouse biologist, Lisa Williams, and originally titled, “Ruffed Tumble – Changing Times for Grouse.” The article explores the most current research, understanding and impacts of West Nile Virus and Habitat on Ruffed Grouse in Pennsylvania.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Stay Focused on Habitat

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RGS Mag Pres Msg Fall 2017

When I hunt grouse and woodcock next fall, I want to better clear my mind of all things occupying my thoughts . . .  I want to stay focused on what I’m doing . . . I want to stay focused on hunting, and when I do, I pick up little cues from the surrounding habitat, I pay closer attention to the dog work, I react to flushes better and shoot straighter, and I’m quite sure you’ve made a similar observation. Staying focused helps us enjoy all the hunt has to offer and gives us a much more fulfilling and satisfying hunting experience regardless of whether we bring back any birds at the end of the day.

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