Northwest Montana Ruffed Grouse Report 4-21-2014

It looks like grouse populations will be high again here in northwest Montana.  Adult survival from last year is substantial and throughout the winter Gracie and Maisy were consistently kicking up several birds a day.

Spring drumming has started providing further evidence of adult survival.  Each afternoon when I run the dogs I’m hearing at least three or four different males drumming in a relatively small area.  It’s a bit early to start considering spring chick survival since that’s a month out but at least things are as good as they can be at the moment with high numbers of potential breeding adults.

Stay tuned for more reports as the spring progresses.






Ruffed Grouse Society hosts tasting event - Bellevue OH 4/25/14

The Gilbert R. Symons Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society will host Spirits for Wild Game - A Tasting Event 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, at the Riff Distillery, 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue.

The evening will feature a silent auction, craft beer from Ei8ht Ball Brewing, bourbon, and wine selections paired with heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by famous chef, David Cook: wild game (wild turkey, woodcock, dove, ruffed grouse, Canada goose, rabbit, lake trout, wild-caught Alaskan halibut, Michigan salmon, mallard duck, venison, bear, venison, quail, pheasant, elk, salmon pate, Lake Erie fish, Italian sausage-style venison, and Morel mushrooms).

Tickets are $75. Proceeds will be used to enhance habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other forest wildlife.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Jeff Rhinock at 513-324-1334.

MI DNR Awards Communities Conservation Grants To Ruffed Grouse Society

The Department of Natural Resources April 14 announced recipients of the 2014 Wildlife Habitat grants. A total of $737,720 was awarded to various conservation and nonprofit organizations, units of government and landowners.


Examples of funded projects include planting native grasslands for pheasant habitat at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area, planting fruit trees for wild turkey and ruffed grouse food sources in several locations across the state and improving accessibility for limited-mobility hunters and wildlife enthusiasts at Sharonville State Game Area.

Ruffed Grouse Society, $30,800, Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm and Clinton counties.


RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY WINS SPORTDOG SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST

SportDOG Brand, a leading manufacturer of electronic dog training products, recently announced the Ruffed Grouse Society as the winner of the SportDOG 10,000 Fan Conservation Contest. During the week of March 31 through April 4, 2014, social media fans voted RGS as their favorite conservation organization on the SportDOG Facebook page. RGS will receive a $1,000 donation that will be placed in the RGS Drummer Fund designated to create habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other forest wildlife.

The support for RGS shows the eternal dedication and passion fans have for grouse and woodcock hunting and habitat. RGS is North America’s foremost forest conservation organization dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forests for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other forest wildlife. Supporters understands the importance of RGS habitat impact across the nation.

The social media-based contest is one in a long list of SportDOG Brand Conservation Fund programs that support numerous conservation initiatives. These include the Conservation Fund Youth Program, plus support of local, grassroots conservation projects, and national-level sponsorships of premier organizations including RGS.

RGS appreciates SportDOG Brand’s commitment to conservation and thanks all who supported

RGS in this contest. More information about RGS can be found at www.ruffedgrousesociety.org and about SportDOG Brand at www.sportdog.com.

Hunting the American Woodcock and Grouse in Michigan Video



Bird hunting is one of the many exciting activities that makes Michigan one of the premiere outdoor destinations in the country. Join two Michigan hunters as they travel to West Branch, MI in search of the American woodcock and discuss the importance of having a pointing dog with you.