Ruffed Grouse Society Mission

Conservation is our main mission.

Hunters were the first conservationists and the Ruffed Grouse Society and its members continue that great tradition...

 Ruffed Grouse Chicks by Paul Carson

Our Mission

Established in 1961 the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.

We fulfill that mission by:

  • Helping assure that the traditions of hunting that were given to us are passed to those who succeed us;
  • Promoting the unwritten "ethical code of behavior" that is characterized by respect for the resource, expectations with regard to the hunting experience, and;
  • An unwavering commitment to informing sportsmen and women of the past, present and future of the sport so as to enable our members to fully appreciate its sense of value, personal satisfaction, and the need to perpetuate it for future generations;
  • Enhancing, through ecologically sound wildlife management practices, the environment for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other forest wildlife that utilize or require thick, young forests;
  • Conducting and/or sponsoring research that will lead to a better understanding of the biology and ecological requirements of these species;
  • Sponsoring land management programs on private and public lands that will maintain or enhance the environment for these species; and finally,

 

 

 

Closeup of grouse
 
Hunters in young aspen stand
  • Educating the public and legislative bodies about:
    • Economic contributions associated with the recreational pursuit of these birds;
    • Need to scientifically manage forest lands to ensure that they understand that nature is dynamic and that the plants that provide food, cover, shelter from predators, and a place to rear their young will, unless they are actively managed, be replaced by plants that do not meet these requirements;
    • Ways to provide incentives for landowners to manage for these species;
    • Ways to encourage and provide public access to the places where ruffed grouse, woodcock, and other related wildlife lives so that they can be enjoyed.