2014 Annual Report. Ru f f e d G r o u s e Society. A m e r i c a n Wo o d c o c k Society

Transcription

1 2014 Annual Report Ru f f e d G r o u s e Society A m e r i c a n Wo o d c o c k Society

2 From the President & CEO Expanding the Horizons of Healthy Forests We expanded the horizons of healthy forests in 2014, a truly historic year for the Ruffed Grouse Society, and as always, I d like to thank all of the sponsors, members, volunteers and staff who made 2014 a year to remember. The RGS is moving in the right direction, and this is largely due to your hard work and dedication resulting in the enhancement of thousands of acres of healthy forests across the ruffed grouse and American woodcock range. Signifying a landmark event for the future of woodcock populations, the American Woodcock Society was formed in 2014 as a sister organization of RGS. The goal of our organization is, and always has been, to preserve our sporting traditions by creating healthy forests for grouse, woodcock and other forest wildlife. At this crucial time in forest management from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico, the AWS allows us to positively affect our nation s forests and to spread awareness of our mission to a significantly larger group of supporters. The bottom line is that RGS and AWS will be able to collectively benefit more members, officials, conservationists and hunters who are passionate about the birds we love. In 2014, RGS and AWS impacted over 10,000 habitat acres through programs, dedicated over $190,000 for habitat from regional Drummer Funds and worked on 51 Drummer Fund projects, in addition to the thousands of acres of habitat impacted through advocacy and outreach by our wildlife biologists, chapters and volunteers working with landowners and government agencies utilizing scientific management practices. The RGS and AWS created additional habitat through the work of the RGS habitat machines and made strides in outreach through the Forestry and Wildlife Consultants Outreach Program. RGS and AWS also created a new staff position dedicated toward grant writing and fundraising efforts to utilize available funding resources allowing our organizations to better implement our mission. With the creation of the AWS and the 2014 Member-Get-A-Member Campaign, we significantly increased membership increasing our momentum and future impact on young forest habitat. As the leaders in forest conservation, RGS and AWS dedicate all resources to ensure the next generation enjoys healthy forests, abundant wildlife and our sporting traditions. We make a difference creating habitat on the ground, affecting policy and legislation, educating the public on the value of young forest habitat, and we are always striving to introduce our beloved sporting traditions to others both young and old. Through the year in communications to members, the public, elected officials and opinion leaders, we focused our attention on conveying the right message to help those groups understand the importance of active forest management. This included the message that forests follow a natural cycle, that intervention is necessary to create the right scientific conditions so nature takes its course, and that active forest management is essential to keep nature in balance (promote biodiversity and sustainability). If we are clear, consistent and coordinated in the way we communicate, we will be much more effective in improving the decision-making environment for scientific forest management. This annual report will showcase the 2014 habitat impacts from our wildlife biologists, our role on legislation and policy, banquet and event financials and membership reports from our regional directors, the organization s financial status and also a thank you to our many sponsors, members and volunteers for all of their hard work. We are moving in the right direction and look forward to enhancing the future of healthy forests, abundant wildlife and sporting traditions in Sincerely, John B. Eichinger

3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS JAMES H. OLIVER...Chair TERRY WILSON...Vice Chair GEORGE RICH...Treasurer TRACY T. LARSEN...Secretary GAYLEN J. BYKER...Immediate Past Chair JOE BYERS JOE (LEON H.) CHANDLER, M.D. JAMES HAYETT D. WAYNE JACOBSON, JR. DAVID KURITZKY W. STEPHEN MARITZ SHANE T. MENGEL DAVID MOORE JOHN C. OLIVER ROY SMITH DIRECTORS EMERITI S. PROSSER MELLON SALLY B. SEARLE HEADQUARTERS STAFF JOHN B. EICHINGER...President/CEO TRACY M. GREENE...Director of Headquarters Operations RONALD P. BURKERT...Manager, Public Education MATT SOBERG...Editor & Director of Communications SHIRLEY SAM RICE...Membership Services KIM SWISHER...Manager, Accounting RUDY MAMULA...Accountant Receivables, Property & Equipment ALISON KELLEY...Banquet Communications & Graphic Design DAVE WILHELM...Shipping & Receiving DIANNE WHETSELL...Membership/Special Projects MATT EDWARDS...Website Design James Boburka CONSERVATION POLICY DAN R. DESSECKER...Director, All States BIOLOGISTS GARY ZIMMER...Coordinating Biologist, Western Great Lakes ERIC J. ELLIS...MI, OH & IN LINDA D. ORDIWAY, PH.D...Mid-Atlantic & Southern Appalachia ANDREW P. WEIK...NY, New England, Eastern Canada & LA TED DICK...MN, MN DNR Position Partially Funded by RGS/AWS DEVELOPMENT BRUCE WOJCIK...Director of Development, Supervising Regional Director, MI, Northern IN, KY, TN & Southwestern VA MEMBER RELATIONS & OUTREACH MARK D. FOUTS...Director of Member Relations & Outreach, Regional Director, LA, MN, MO, TX & NGWH REGIONAL DIRECTORS MICHAEL GRIFFIN...AK, MN, OR & WA DAVE HANSROTH...Central, Southcentral and Southeast PA, MD, NC, SC, NC, VA & Lewisburg WV DAVE SWEDE JOHNSON...WI, Western UP of MI, Twin Cities MN, IA & IL TERRY LAMB...MI LISA M. ROSSI...IN, OH, Western PA, WV & GA TRIPP WAY...Northeast PA & New England For updated staff listings and contact information, go to RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 1

4 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY For over 50 years, RGS has been creating healthy forests and preserving sporting traditions The Ruffed Grouse Society of America (RGSA) was formed in Monterey, Virginia in October Membership is set at $10 annually or $100 for Life Membership benefits included getting your name on a membership scroll The Ruffed Grouse Society of America publishes its first publication by the same name Vol. 1 No. 1 in Monterey, Virginia in April The 501(c)(3) non-profit status was granted on September 4, Full-time office opened in Rochester, New York The name was changed to the Ruffed Grouse Society of North America. Gordon Gullion was named head of board research and development committee The Society provided a grant to Gordon Gullion for studies in Minnesota in grouse and habitat The Drummer Newsletter of the Ruffed Grouse Society of North America became the official newsletter David C. Batson, II was hired as new executive director August 1, 1974 and national headquarters moved from Rochester, New York to Kingwood, West Virginia. Mark Dilts named as interim editor of The Drummer Board of directors define goals as: Dedicated to improving the environment for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other forest wildlife. A new executive director, Samuel R. Pursglove, Jr., PhD was hired. The Board changes Society s name to The Ruffed Grouse Society. National headquarters moved to Coraopolis, Pennsylvania The first annual Greater Pittsburgh Area Sportsmen s Banquet is held, and the Society s sportsmen s banquet program starts with five fundraising banquets held in Pittsburgh and Reading, Pennsylvania, Detroit and Traverse City, Michigan and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The Forest Wildlife Foundation is formed as an adjunct to RGS The Society receives national award, the prestigious American Motors National Group Conservation Award The Society receives award from The International Wildlife Foundation. RGS assists in the formation of Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada. The first National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt, organized by RGS members in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, takes place in the northern Minnesota The Society forms education committee that reviews cooperative education proposals with the help from The Richard King Mellon Foundation $240,000 grant Paul Carson becomes editor of The Drummer newspaper, and the publication moves from Traverse City, Michigan to Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Carson remains as writer, editor and photographer until retirement in The Society receives The Wildlife Society s Group Achievement Award. Five regional directors, the largest number ever for the Society, are at work in the ruffed grouse and woodcock range For the first time, RGS income tops $1 million. RGS creates the Management Area Program (MAP) The Society signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Forest Service. Daniel R. Dessecker joins RGS staff as the Society s first habitat biologist The newspaper The Drummer gives way to a new color magazine Flight Plan is launched to allow the Society to significantly expand major conservation initiatives, MAP and Coverts. Flight Plan fundraising totals $1,600,000. RGS receives the first of three $100,000 contributions from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support MAP projects There are 285,000 acres of publicly owned forest land enrolled in MAP by year s end. Gordon Gullion, 68, of Cloquet, Minnesota, passes away on September 23, He was elected as an RGS Director Emeritus. The Society extended special recognition to supporters who go to extra lengths to ensure that the Society reaches its goals in the memory of Gullion. 2

5 RGS National Board of Directors ~ Presidents Photo by Andrew Wayment 1992 By the close of the year, MAP involves 206 projects representing more than 335,000 acres Trustees of the Richard King Mellon Foundation approve a five-year $750,000 grant to the Society to increase cooperative partnerships between the Society and public lands forest managers Flight Plan is at goal with more than $2.5 million A strategic plan, Partners in Conservation, is established on the foundation of a $6 million endowment to support a corps of Society wildlife biologists working throughout the country. Richard King Mellon Foundation pledges up to $3 million as a match for other contributions to the endowment fund Sam Pursglove leaves as RGS executive director, and Robert Patterson, Jr. becomes executive director in Years of intensive grouse studies culminate in a special conference on the Appalachian Cooperative Grouse Research Project, for which RGS provided more than $130,000. Information from the study includes data on nearly 3,000 grouse from eight Appalachian states from 1996 through Michael Zagata becomes executive director and CEO of RGS Bruce R. Richardson Keith Davis George E. Ford Albert A. Smith Robert J. Lytle Leigh H. Perkins Roy D. Chapin, Jr Robert James T. Stanton Armour David V. Uihlein 2008 Restoring Upland Forest s Future (RUFF) capital campaign was launched to raise $5 million. Gary Zimmer and Mark Banker promoted to senior regional biologists. Two large gifts to the RUFF campaign specifically endow Zimmer s position as the Sally B. Searle Regional Biologist in Wisconsin. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in partnership with the Richard King Mellon Foundation purchases 2,300 acres of land in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. After the purchase, timber rights worth several million dollars are conveyed to RGS for 15 years. Proceeds from timber sales were earmarked for the RGS biologist endowment RGS creates the Drummer Fund, which is a new business plan launched to allow chapters to keep money raised at their events. The money raised is allocated to a statewide Drummer Fund for use on future habitat projects. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Ruffed Grouse Coordinator position is created, founded in part by the Ruffed Grouse Society. An innovative partnership with CON- SOL Energy begins with timber sales on 7,000 acres of land in southwestern Pennsylvania, with potential new opportunities to create habitat on additional future lands William C. Helsley Mark L. Rutledge Alfred S. Warren, Jr Robert W. Brown Joe R. Irwin Edwin H. Gott, Jr Stephen F. Quill D. Wayne Jacobson, Jr Gaylen J. Byker 2014 Current James H. Oliver 2011 RGS celebrates 50 years of creating habitat and supporting hunting. A new biologist position is added for the Michigan and Ohio area John B. Eichinger is named as RGS president and CEO. Daniel Dessecker, RGS director of conservation policy, is named by USDA Agricultural Secretary to his 21-member planning rule advisory group, representing commercial or recreational hunting and fishing interests. RGS files an Amicus Curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court, an important milestone in the history of RGS RGS develops a strategic communications plan, refocusing the organization s mission and develops a tagline: Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Sporting Traditions. In the case in which RGS filed the Amicus Curiae brief, the Supreme Court reversed the 9th Circuit Court decision, one that was potentially harmful to the future of forest management. Gary Zimmer, RGS coordinating biologist, was appointed to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. RGS received a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation for information technology and hardware replacement and software upgrades, new habitat equipment and development of a consulting forester habitat workshop. RGS increases membership by six percent through new member drive. RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 3

6 Photo provided by Lisa Rossi 2014 HIGHLIGHTS The Ruffed Grouse Society made significant strides in 2014 toward enhancing habitat and hunting. RGS CREATES THE AMERICAN WOODCOCK SOCIETY In February 2014, RGS announced the creation of the American Woodcock Society (AWS), a sister organization initiated to expand forest habitat efforts and upland hunting opportunities to new landscapes across the nation. AWS held the first official banquet near Baton Rouge, Louisiana through the Bacasse Chapter (a longtime RGS chapter). RGS DESSECKER SELECTED FOR USDA ADVISORY COMMITTEE In August 2014, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of Dan Dessecker, RGS director of conservation policy, to the National Advisory Committee for implementation of the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule (Planning Rule FACA Advisory Committee), a group of 21 members that will provide guidance and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service on management of America s national forests. Dessecker was selected to represent the interests of commercial and recreational hunters and anglers on the Committee. RGS AND AWS HIRE NEW BIOLOGIST AND GRANT WRITER RGS and AWS hired Eric J. Ellis as the new regional biologist for the Eastern Great Lakes region (Michigan, Ohio and Indiana). In his new position, Ellis will support the Society s management efforts to create healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife and will also focus on grant writing and fundraising efforts to help the organization further enhance young forest habitat. RGS TAKES A LEAD IN THE NANTAHALA AND PISGAH USFS PLAN RGS staff, chapters and members took a lead in advocacy during the revision process of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest (North Carolina) land and resource management plan process in The revised plan will guide management of these national forests for the next 15 years. RGS PARTNERS FOR YOUNG FORESTS IN WISCONSIN RGS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Wisconsin Young Forest Partnership, with 10 other prominent agencies and organizations to halt the ongoing decline of young forest habitats and associated wildlife species in Wisconsin. Under this MOU, the group has agreed to identify, promote and deliver conservation programs that assist landowners with land management through the use of combined resources between agencies, organizations and companies in order to enhance wildlife populations dependent on these early successional forest habitats. MI GEMS GROUSE PROGRAM STARTS WITH RGS AS PARTNER The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, RGS and the USFS kicked off the GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management System) initiative with an event on Drummond Island held in September The GEMS are unique ruffed grouse hunting areas across the northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas that provide great hunting opportunities for a variety of hunters, including youth, adults new to the sport and seniors. Seven GEMS locations were available for the fall 2014 hunting seasons with additional areas planned. RGS EQUIPMENT DONATION IMPROVES HABITAT IN VIRGINIA RGS donated a habitat machine to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VADGIF) for the creation and continued enhancement of quality young forest habitat that benefits ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other forest wildlife species. The donation, a CAT297 multi-terrain loader and mulcher head, continues the RGS and VADGIF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), one of the oldest cooperative agreements regarding the study of ruffed grouse in North America that serves as a template for other organizations and agencies. RGS AND AWS PARTICIPATE IN CUTTING-EDGE WOODCOCK RESEARCH New cutting-edge research tracking the American woodcock migration was first conducted in 2014 by the USGS Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, USGS Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 4

7 Highlights and the USFWS with assistance and funding from RGS and AWS, in part, and other cooperators. GoogleEarth maps on the RGS/AWS website showed migratory locations of woodcock outfitted with satellite transmitters (PTTs) the PTTs were small enough to fit on a woodcock s back during migration and powerful enough to transmit multiple locations to the ARGOS satellite network. By 2016, researchers plan on deploying up to 45 PTTs on woodcock both in their breeding and wintering grounds in the Central Management Region. RGS REPORTS NATIONAL GROUSE AND WOODCOCK HUNT RESULTS The RGS National Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Hunt (NGWH) was held on October 9 and 10, 2014 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and is sponsored by the Grand Rapids RGS Chapter. In 2014, each hunter harvested an average of 1.07 grouse per day; the average daily harvest in 2013 was 1.06 grouse. The 2014 woodcock harvest was down from that achieved in In 2014, each hunter harvested an average of 1.8 woodcock per day; the average daily harvest in 2013 was 2.03 woodcock. Physical examination of grouse and woodcock harvested at the NGWH demonstrated that the 2014 spring conditions may have affected local populations. The drop in reproductive success for both grouse and woodcock was expected given the delayed, wet and cool spring that northern Minnesota experienced this year, said RGS Director of Conservation Policy Dan Dessecker. In addition, the proportion of immature birds harvested in 2014 was 10 percent below the long-term average for ruffed grouse and 20 percent below for woodcock. RGS BIOLOGIST ATTENDS WOODCOCK WINGBEE RGS and AWS Regional Wildlife Biologist Andrew Weik attended the annual Woodcock Wingbee last March, which was hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife RGS AND AWS MEMBER-GET-A- MEMBER CAMPAIGN INCREASED MEMBERSHIP AND CREATED HABITAT With the help of longtime corporate sponsor Orvis, RGS and AWS increased membership and created habitat in 2014 through the Member-Get-A-Member Campaign where members recruited grouse and woodcock hunters to become members, and both recruiting and new members received Orvis gift cards. Recruiting members were placed in habitat drawings, and five habitat grants of $2,500 were given to state Drummer Funds of the winners choice ($12,500 toward habitat as part of the program). Department at Caddo Lake State Park in eastern Texas. About 20 biologists from across the woodcock range gathered at the annual meeting to determine the age and sex of woodcock represented by over 12,800 wings submitted by woodcock hunters the previous hunting season. RGS AND AWS UPDATE MEMBERSHIP DUES RGS and AWS increased membership dues in 2014 raising the regular membership rates from $25 to $35 and offered a three-year membership for $90. RGS and AWS also offered a Dual Membership in both organizations for $60 and three years for $180. RGS MAGAZINE WINS 2014 APEX AWARDS Photo provided by Andrew Weik The Ruffed Grouse Society magazine received multiple 2014 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence including the prestigious Grand Award in the Magazines, Journals and Tabloids category and an award in the Magazine Design and Layout category through the work of Editor Matt Soberg and Art Direction of Patrick Iten. RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 5

8 HEALTHY FORESTS 6

9 Photos by T.C. Flanigan Photo by James Boburka THE RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY AND AMERICAN WOODCOCK SOCIETY BIOLOGISTS WORK WITH LANDOWNERS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO CREATE HEALTHY FORESTS FOR RUFFED GROUSE, AMERICAN WOODCOCK AND OTHER FOREST WILDLIFE UTILIZING SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. RGS/AWS HABITAT IMPACT 2014 A Record Year Historical Total $1,051,173 Total habitat project costs for 2014 $860,878 Raised matching funds for habitat projects $190,295 Dedicated for habitat projects from regional Drummer Funds 51 Drummer Fund projects for grouse/woodcock habitat >10,000 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS/AWS programs (does not include total consulted or overall affected acres) $4,076,185 Dedicated for grouse/woodcock habitat projects 698 Overall grouse/woodcock habitat projects 524,511 Habitat acres enhanced directly by RGS/AWS programs Healthy Forests, continued on page 8 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 7

10 REGIONAL HABITAT HIGHLIGHTS Healthy Forests, continued from page 7 EASTERN GREAT LAKES $40,340 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 10 Drummer Fund Projects 361 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS/AWS programs The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) introduced the Grouse Enhanced Management System (GEMS) in 2014 providing a unique recreational opportunity for grouse hunters and others that enjoy young forest species. RGS/AWS assisted the DNR every step of the way with this roll out and provided planning and financial assistance to get the sites up and running. This included securing a Wildlife Habitat Program grant for $68,600 to complete native tree and shrub plantings, non-commercial aspen cuts and wildlife openings management at current and future GEMS locations. RGS/AWS enhanced relationships with USFS staff and provided comments on national forest plans, encouraged young forests activities and provided written support letters for all proposed early successional projects on the Wayne, Hoosier, Hiawatha and Huron-Manistee National Forests. In late summer, RGS and AWS completed a $30,800 woodcock habitat improvement project on four state game areas in mid-michigan. Project activities took place in both young aspen stands and in idle fields where quality woodcock habitat was created that is suitable for roosting, feeding and breeding (courtship, nesting and brood rearing) of local and migrating woodcock. This project was also funded by a Michigan Wildlife Habitat grant. During this project one location served as a demonstration area for a Young Forest Habitat Field Tour for DNR, non-profit, agency, and conservation district staff. RGS/AWS provided significant comments and feedback during the updating of the Indiana State Wildlife Action Plan to champion the protection of American woodcock and ruffed grouse in a state where populations of both are plummeting and young forest habitat regeneration is seriously lacking. Photo by Matt Soberg MID-ATLANTIC AND SOUTHERN APPALACHIA $55,940 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 10 Drummer Fund Projects 5,857 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS/AWS programs RGS/AWS and our members have been actively engaged in the Forest Plan Revision process for The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina. Most recently, the USFS has released the newly proposed Management Areas (MA) which include nearly 7,000 acres where timber production can be used to create forest habitat diversity and in restoration and connectivity, which is a management move in the right ecological direction. We will remain active through 2015 in the pursuit of sound ecologic management of our national forests for sustainable wildlife populations and equality among user groups. In Virginia, our members are actively taking part in the development of 78,000-acre management project (the Lower Cowpasture Project incorporating multiple stakeholder groups on the George Washington National Forest. RGS/AWS continues to work cooperatively with the Maryland DNR at McKee-Beshers WMA near Poolesville and the USACE at Jennings Randolph Lake in Maryland and West Virginia as both projects are expanding. In Pennsylvania, the Bill Goudy Memorial Woodcock Project (SGL 82) has had substantial work completed in 2014 through the continued efforts by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and funding made possible through member donations. A sign dedication ceremony, press day and tour will be scheduled later this spring for all interested individuals. This will be a potential long-term project. To date, the CONSOL Energy Cooperative is approaching 13,000 acres of early successional habitat created, and as our initial agreement ends in May of 2015, we are working to extend this successful program. 8

11 MINNESOTA* $12,500 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 5 Drummer Fund Projects** 1,645 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS/AWS programs *In cooperation with the MN DNR RGS was involved in several important projects in Minnesota in The Society was a sponsor (with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association) of a State Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant (amount $440,000) to acquire private land which should become the first Wildlife Management Area in northern St. Louis County. The 220-acre Pelican River WMA near Orr will be a showcase wildlife/public hunting area featuring very good bird habitat. Two CPL buckthorn removal grants are also underway; one in the Cloquet/Duluth Area (partnership again with MDHA) and one in Central MN- primarily Mille Lacs/Cambridge area. New Hunter Walking Trails were created in the Warroad Area and additional RGS projects were initiated in Aitkin, Little Falls, Mille Lacs WMA, Baudette, Grand Rapids and Sandstone. NEW ENGLAND $19,000 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 10 Drummer Fund Projects 270 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS/AWS programs In Vermont, Drummer Funds were allocated for work on the Atherton Meadows WMA, Plymsbury WMA, Bird Mountain WMA, Whitney Creek WMA, Bald Hill WMA, Steam Mill Brook WMA, Coolidge State Forest, and Groton State Forest. In New Hampshire, RGS/AWS continued to support the Fish & Game Department s grouse wing and tail survey and again collaborated on the popular grouse and woodcock hunting workshop at the State s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center; a habitat improvement and demonstration project for the Center is in the planning stages, as is a landowner forest management workshop on nicely-managed private property in western New Hampshire. Drummer Funds were allocated to help secure access to 22,000 acres of working forest in eastern Maine, and RGS/AWS and the Maine 4H Shooting Sports program are planning to incorporate a hands-on grouse ecology program for youth in one of the State s summer conservation camps. In Massachusetts after a meeting involving RGS/AWS, the Division of Wildlife state biologist efficiently commenced a significant timber harvest for the improvement of young forest habitat on the Farmington River WMA in western Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, RGS/AWS assisted the Rhode Island state biologist in timber inventory and harvest layout on the Nicholas Farm WMA in 2014, as the timber sale was executed and the 63-acre clear cut was completed. The Nutmeg Chapter in Connecticut Photo by Dave Veldman held a habitat work day on the Goshen WMA; based on their success in 2014, this likely will be an annual event. In New York as a result of input from many RGS/AWS members during the public comment period for the Tug Hill Planning Unit in northern New York, RGS/AWS has been asked and is assisting NYSDEC with forest management planning for the Tug Hill WMA. RGS/AWS has donated a tracked-forestry machine with mulching head to NYSDEC for use on habitat improvement projects. Also, RGS/AWS has helped form the New York Young Forest Initiative, and NYSDEC has hired a young forest biologist to coordinate the use of the RGS/AWS-donated machine and habitat management for the state. WESTERN GREAT LAKES $62,515 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 16 Drummer Fund Projects 3,328 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS/AWS programs In 2014, the Society was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Wisconsin Young Forest Partnership, a group of 12 agencies and organizations that have joined forces and resources to bring more young forest habitat to the state. The Society was also involved with the establishment of the Michigan Grouse Enhanced Management Systems (GEMS). A number of the selected GEMS sites are long standing cooperative Ruffed Grouse Management Areas that RGS and agencies have partnered on, some since the mid 1980 s. The Wisconsin Coverts Project, a woodland wildlife management program for private landowners supported by RGS/AWS, completed its 24th workshop in August with 27 attendees. Since its inception in 1994, 610 Coverts Cooperators have attended these workshops and own or manage over 359,000 acres. Healthy Forests, continued on page 10 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 9

12 Healthy Forests, continued from page 9 RGS-OWNED HABITAT MACHINES RGS-OWNED MACHINES COMPLETED HABITAT MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ON MORE THAN 90 PROJECTS COVERING OVER 1,343 ACRES OF HABITAT IN Photo by Matt Soberg MICHIGAN/OHIO: RGS machines worked on 16 projects totaling 504 acres in Michigan and Ohio in The original RGS machine was moved to Ohio to complete a project with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before heading to New York. MINNESOTA: RGS donated a forestry machine to the Minnesota DNR in In 2014, that machine completed 146 miles of trail clearing, boundary line maintenance and firebreak construction while also treating 323 acres of brushland/opening projects. NEW YORK: RGS donated the used Michigan machine to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to promote management activities in that state. PENNSYLVANIA: A former RGS machine was donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in During 2014, this machine worked on 32 upland restoration projects totaling 338 acres and an additional 7 wetland projects totaling 19 acres. VIRGINIA: A former RGS machine was donated to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries this year and worked on 6 projects totaling 32 acres. WISCONSIN: A new Terex machine was purchased in Eleven habitat projects covering approximately 55 acres were completed in 2014 despite some very difficult weather conditions during much of the prime work season. { 1,343 7 MACHINES 7 STATES 90 PROJECTS ACRES 10

13 RGS FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE CONSULTANTS OUTREACH PROGRAM RGS EXPANDS HABITAT EFFORTS THROUGH WORKSHOP INTENDED TO ENHANCE YOUNG FOREST HABITAT ON PRIVATE LANDS. In 2014, 77 professionals from Michigan and Wisconsin completed the RGS/AWS Forestry and Wildlife Consultants Outreach Program. This program was expanded in 2014 to include wildlife managers, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had their entire newly-hired managers complete the course. To date, over 180 individuals have completed the course and applied this information while managing land for ruffed grouse and American woodcock. In addition, RGS/AWS biologists conducted over a dozen presentations to private landowners and agency personnel in 2014 promoting young forest management techniques. Photo by Matt Soberg Since its inception in 2013, this program educated: Photo by Dave Veldman OVER 180 PROFESSIONALS IN MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, SOUTH CAROLINA & {WISCONSIN RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 11

14 CONSERVATION POLICY A COLLECTIVE VOICE Through the Director of Conservation Policy Dan Dessecker and the collective voice of the regional wildlife biologists, regional directors, chapters and membership, RGS and AWS remain leaders in the wildlife conservation community as legislative and policy issues are addressed affecting our nation s forests and forest wildlife. The interests of wildlife and our traditions of sport hunting can be dramatically affected by the decisions of our elected and appointed officials in Washington, D.C., and our state capitols. Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and American Woodcock Society (AWS) efforts in Washington in 2014 were both fruitful and frustrating for critters and conservation. GUIDANCE OF FOREST SERVICE MANAGEMENT RGS Dan Dessecker was selected by the USDA to the Planning Rule Federal Advisory Committee to help guide future management of public forests. Photo by Paul Carson U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on August 12, 2014 the selection of Dan Dessecker, Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) director of conservation policy, to the National Advisory Committee for Implementation of the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule (Planning Rule FACA Advisory Committee), a group of 21 members that will provide guidance and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service on management of America s national forests. Dessecker was selected to represent the interests of commercial and recreational hunters and anglers on the Committee. Members of the Planning Rule Advisory Committee help us strengthen ecological, social, economic and cultural sustainabil- 12

15 ity objectives, said Vilsack. The rule will allow the creation of management plans that will protect and restore National Forest System lands in order to sustain communities and protect natural resources. The selection demonstrates the value of relationships between RGS professionals and those who craft policies that affect forest wildlife management on our public forest lands. The Ruffed Grouse Society is very pleased to be able to continue to represent the interests of hunters and anglers as we work with the U.S. Forest Service to help guide fish and wildlife conservation on our nation s national forests, said RGS President and CEO John Eichinger. Dessecker was previously selected to the initial Planning Rule FACA Advisory Committee in 2012 that presented its first set of recommendations for the implementation of the 2012 Planning Rule to USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie and Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell in November These recommendations were intended to deepen collaboration in forest planning, as well as a focus on adaptive management, monitoring, wilderness, climate change, intergovernmental relations, species protection and water resources. The committee is comprised of members with diverse backgrounds, who represent the full range of public interests in management of National Forest System lands and geographically diverse locations and communities. The current committee s membership expired in June PROTECTING COMMON-SENSE FOREST MANAGEMENT RGS impacts family forest owners through the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress The 2012 Farm Bill was finally passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on February 7, The path to this landmark occasion was more than a bit tortured. RGS worked for years to ensure that the voice of forests, forest landowners and forest wildlife was heard loud and clear as this important legislation took form and moved forward. A big win for forest wildlife in the Farm Bill was the affirmation that family forest landowners will not be subjected to lengthy, onerous and costly regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) merely to try and do what s right on the ground for ruffed grouse and other critters. It s been a long road. In 2010, the 9th Circuit Court in California ruled that rainwater runoff from forest roads was a point source of industrial pollution. This decision overturned 35 years of efficient and effective conservation guidance. By defining this runoff as industrial, the 9th Circuit mandated that rainwater runoff associated with forest management activities was to be regulated by a Clean Water Act permit administered by the EPA. This ruling applied to all landowners, including family forest owners. Family forest owners typically have little knowledge of, or expertise with EPA permitting processes. If required to go through an EPA permitting process, the cost and complexity of this process would greatly discourage private individuals from implementing a timber harvest on their family forests. This would drastically reduce habitat availability for the ruffed grouse, American woodcock and the many other types of wildlife that require the young forests habitats today created almost solely through thoughtful forest management. The U.S. Supreme Court reviewed the decision by the 9th Circuit and heard oral arguments in December Because of the potentially devastating impacts on forest wildlife habitat development, the RGS filed a brief with the Supreme Court. The brief outlined the implications to forest wildlife if the 9th Circuit Court s decision were allowed to stand. On March 20, 2013, the Supreme Court reversed the 9th Circuit ruling by a 7-1 decision. The Court found that the EPA was within its authority to regulate rainwater runoff using well-established best management practices, rather than a heavy-handed permitting process. Not to be deterred by a near unanimous vote from the Supreme Court, the original preservationist plaintiffs took note of a legal technicality to reintroduce the case in the 9th Circuit. The 9th Circuit, once again, ignored clear direction from the highest court in the land and, once again, placed at risk the future of forest wildlife conservation. Thankfully, Congress said enough is enough. During visits to congressional offices in Washington on your behalf, RGS consistently heard the same refrain from senators and house members from both sides of the aisle we get it, and we ll fix it. Language included in the 2012 Farm Bill, which is now the law of the land, rejects preservationist attempts to block common-sense forest wildlife conservation. This language will help protect the ability of family forest owners to manage their treasured forest landscapes without the burden of unnecessary permitting processes. Conservation Policy, continued on page 14 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 13

16 Conservation Policy, continued from page 13 SPORTSMEN S ACT PUBLIC ACCESS AND FUNDING RGS and AWS Membership impacts the Sportsmen s Act of 2014 Unfortunately, another important piece of legislation to protect and enhance the interests of sportsmen and women across America died without a vote during the 2014 Congressional session. RGS and AWS, the Congressional Sportsmen s Foundation, Safari Club International and our other partners in the wildlife conservation community worked diligently to pass legislation called the Bipartisan Sportsmen s Act of The Sportsmen s Act was developed over a period of several years and included numerous elements that would aid in the enhancement of our hunting heritage and the conservation of ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other fish and wildlife. As an example, the Sportsmen s Act would have eliminated the requirement that federal agencies assess opportunities for hunting and fishing on nearby private lands or other public lands when developing land management plans for national forests and other federal public lands. This existing requirement was the foundation of a recent lawsuit to ban gun hunting on 66,000 acres of the Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan. The plaintiff in the lawsuit suggested that because hunting was available on nearby private and stateowned public land, gun-hunting should not be allowed on the national forest areas in question. This suit was upheld by a federal District Court but was eventually dropped when RGS and other conservation groups rallied substantial public opposition. Had the ruling remained intact, it would have set a dangerous precedent that would almost certainly have led to subsequent lawsuits to close additional federal lands across the nation to hunting. Research has consistently documented that a lack of access to places to hunt and fish is a substantial hurdle to hunters and anglers across the nation. The Sportsmen s Act would have helped to address this barrier by amending the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act to require that 1.5 percent of Fund revenues, or $10 million, whichever is greater, be used annually to purchase easements or fee-title acquisitions from willing sellers that would provide public access to federal lands where access to hunting and fishing is currently limited. This stipulation would target small tracts of lands currently in private ownership that, if open Photo by Matt Soberg to public access, would provide opportunities for hunting and fishing on large blocks of public land that are currently inaccessible to the public. The Bipartisan Sportsmen s Act of 2014 was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in February The Senate version of this legislation was sponsored by 46 Senators; 23 Democrats and 23 Republicans pretty hard to be more bipartisan than that. The Sportsmen s Act was first released on the Senate floor on the morning of Tuesday, July 8, Within only a few hours an electronic call to action was distributed to the Society s and online database. Almost 500 recipients of this notification responded by using the information provided by the Society to contact their senators. Other wildlife conservation organizations did likewise in an effort to impress upon our 100 elected officials in the Senate the importance of this legislation to the future of hunting and angling in America. Unfortunately, when the Sportsmen s Act hit the Senate floor it attracted numerous amendments from both sides of the aisle. Many of these amendments were more focused on securing headlines back home than on securing the future of hunting and angling in America. The number and breadth of these amendments killed any chance of the Sportsmen s Act receiving the 60 votes required to move it forward for a vote. Bottom line, petty politics won while the future of wildlife conservation and hunting and angling in America took a hit. H H H In 2015 and beyond, RGS and AWS will continue to work diligently to affect policies at the federal level that will enhance forest wildlife conservation and the interests of sportsmen and women and other conservationists throughout our nation. RGS and AWS will continue to keep our members informed of pressing issues and call upon them to use their collective voice as a force to influence debate when needed. After all, our strength is our science, our dedication and, most important, this collective voice. 14

17 MEMBERSHIP Chapters, Banquets and Events INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP The Ruffed Grouse Society significantly increased support for habitat and hunting in 2014 through the hard work and outreach of RGS members and staff, the creation of the American Woodcock Society and the 2014 Member-Get-A-Member Campaign. Photo by Mary Diana Wise INCREASES IN RGS MEMBERSHIP 5 % in % since % since 2011 AMERICAN WOODCOCK SOCIETY >1,000 AWS gained over 1,000 memberships in its first year >25 AWS gained over 25 Centurion Members in its first year 2014 MEMBER GET-A-MEMBER CAMPAIGN >250 RGS and AWS gained over 250 new members with the help of the Orvis gift-card offer Membership, continued on page 16 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 15

18 Membership, continued from page 15 REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS (alphabetical by regional director) MARK FOUTS AK, MO, MN, OR, WA & LA Louisiana AWS Chapter The Bacasse Chapter of the American Woodcock Society was a Ruffed Grouse Society chapter for many years. This past year, 2014, was a watershed mark for becoming the first AWS chapter. A new strong committee will be helping with new chapters in the southern region. National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt The 33rd Annual National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt was again a successful celebration of the Ruffed Grouse Society and of grouse and woodcock hunting. As always, the event was held in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in October with the help of the Grand Rapids Chapter. The NGWH is an unparalleled opportunity to study grouse and woodcock ecology and celebrate grouse and woodcock hunting. RGS Events RGS held one of the largest youth days in Minnesota in Warroad supported by the local chapter committee. Other youth related hunts and events were held with the help of local chapters in Minnesota in Duluth/Superior, Aitkin, Blackduck, International Falls and Anchorage, Alaska. Membership/fundraising shoots or hunts were held in Warroad, St. Cloud and Cambridge, Minnesota. RGS chapters also participated in other outreach efforts including efforts in Cambridge, Ely, Grand Marais in Minnesota, Duluth/Superior and in Seattle, Washington. DAVE HANSROTH Central, Southcentral and Southeast PA, MD, DE, VA & NC West Virginia State Workshop Dave Hansroth, Regional Director Lisa Rossi and Regional Wildlife Biologist Dr. Linda Ordiway planned and held a chapter workshop in West Virginia. Six chapters participated in the workshop. The event was a great success resulting in a new focus on the area and increased relations with the West Virginia DNR. A new RGS chapter was started in Princeton, West Virginia where over 40 people attended a meet & greet event and sporting clays shoot. Weekend at the Greenbrier The second Weekend at the Greenbrier event was held in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia in June and was a success with increased participation, fundraising and feedback. The Greenbrier weekend featured a welcome reception with wild game appetizers, a Saturday banquet and silent auction, and day activities including the RGS Greenbrier sporting clays challenge, golf and fly fishing. RGS Events A 25th anniversary banquet was held in Staunton, Virginia, and attendance increased by over 40 participants. The fundraising banquet in Richmond, Virginia doubled participation and fundraising. RGS partnered with local Pheasants Forever chapter to hold youth day that included over 45 youth attendees. New chapter in Greenville, South Carolina held second banquet and a dog training seminar. Dave Hansroth gave presentation at local NAVHDA chapter resulting in increased RGS membership and local event attendance. Working with Regional Wildlife Biologist Dr. Linda Ordiway, a woodcock habitat project was initiated along the Potomac River upstream from Washington, D.C. that included 10,000 shrubs, a project that forged a beneficial partnership with the Maryland DNR. Plans have been made to explore more events in North Carolina, West Virginia and Maryland. DAVE JOHNSON WI, Western UP of MI, Twin Cities MN, IA & IL RGS Events The chapter banquet in Crandon, Wisconsin, a town with less and 3,000 residents, moved into the top 10 chapters with net fundraising over $28,000 with the help of Coordinating Biologist Gary Zimmer and Regional Director Dave Johnson. Fundraising events at Prescott and Sheboygan, Wisconsin increased fundraising efforts. The Marinette County Chapter/Dunbar Sportsmen s club shoot raised $2,500 for the Wisconsin Drummer Fund. The Twin Cities, Minnesota Chapter increased net revenues by 30 percent, and the Ironwood, Michigan Chapter significantly increased participation and fundraising. Banff Mount Film Festival The Ruffed Grouse Society hosted the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour held at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire two evenings in November that were both sold out. With great support from the Eau Claire Wisconsin area RGS chapter and the UWEC, the standing-room-only event produced intense and inspiring films, and with many attendees being college students from various UWEC departments, the event provided RGS a great venue to promote the importance of its mission to a key audience. 16

19 LISA ROSSI IN, OH, Western PA, WV & GA 2014 Greater Pittsburgh Area Chapter Banquet The overall participation at the 2014 Greater Pittsburgh Area Chapter Banquet increased in attendance by 56 attendees for a total of 561. The event was also up in net-to-gross revenues and total net income Upland Bird Hunt in the PA Wilds The Sixth Annual Upland Bird Hunt in the PA Wilds was held near Kersey, Pennsylvania in November For two days, an all-time high of 34 volunteer huntsmen and 63 hunters, ranging from Washington, Vermont, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, participated in the event that is both a fundraiser and celebration of upland hunting and birddogs. The UBH has raised more than $110,000 for grouse and woodcock habitat since Regional Momentum The overall region s average net-to-gross increased to nearly 60 percent with increase in overall event attendance leading to yearly regional Drummer Fund income of over $34,000. Seven chapters in the region held second events and three outside fundraisers generating $12,000 money held in reserve for habitat work and youth events. Lisa Rossi helped plan and hold the West Virginia State Workshop with RGS Regional Director Dave Hansroth and Regional Wildlife Biologist Dr. Linda Ordiway, a workshop attended by six RGS chapters. RGS is working to expand efforts in Ohio and Indiana with help of Regional Wildlife Biologist Eric Ellis. TRIPP WAY Northeast PA & New England Regional Momentum The region increased total banquet fundraising support in 2014 by 13 percent raising it to nearly $200,000. Events in Burlington, Vermont and the New York City Dinner significantly increased participation and fundraising. The region added three more Life Sponsors in 2014 than 2013 and added additional ancillary second events to most chapters. Corporate relationships were forged to make donations to the Maine Drummer Fund. New York City Dinner The Eighth Annual New York City Dinner was held at the Racquet and Tennis club, Park Avenue, New York City and featured a fine selection of sporting arms, exclusive trips afield and astream and an impressive selection of original wildlife art. The event increased in participation and fundraising and all proceeds went toward habitat creation for grouse and woodcock. RGS Events The 3rd Annual New York Grouse & Woodcock Hunt was held in October near Malone, New York and included two days of guided hunting for grouse and woodcock, lodging and all food including a banquet dinner. Two shoots were hosted at the Addieville East Farm where kids participated for free. Four significant second events generated nearly $20,000 in net revenue. BRUCE WOJCIK Supervising Regional Director, MI, Northwestern IN, KY & TN American Woodcock Society Celebration The Inaugural American Woodcock Celebration/Challenge was held near Gaylord, Michigan in October. The event featured two days of woodcock hunting, a special wild game dinner on Saturday evening, and informational presentations from RGS/ AWS staff on habitat, hunting and the organization and also information from the Michigan DNR. Annual RGS Michigan State Workshop Meeting The annual Michigan State Workshop Meeting was held in January and is a statewide workshop providing a great opportunity for all chapters to participate, learn and share ideas that make positive habitat change within the state. Presentations included the state-of-the-state report along with discussion of the Michigan ASV program. The Michigan Leadership Team met to review applications for the 2014 Michigan State Drummer funds to determine where the funds should be allocated. RGS/AWS Events and Highlights RGS received a proclamation from the Michigan Governor s office for outstanding partnership and accomplishments by an organization and its volunteers. RGS/AWS partnered with the Michigan DNR on the new GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management Systems) sites throughout the state. The Houghton Lake Chapter hosted its first habitat day in May at a proposed GEMS site and later held their first banquet in September. A plan was made for an RGS license plate in Michigan following the state s legislative session. The Inaugural Gasparilla Island Tarpon on Flies Tournament was held in May, an event introducing participants to fly fishing for tarpon from flat boats. A new chapter in Marshall, Michigan hosted the first banquet in February and now prepares to follow with the first of three shoots. Other shoots included one by the Asheville Chapter at the Biltmore and a Roger Moore Memorial Shoot/habitat project. The Marquette Chapter held its first habitat planting day a the South Marquette GEMS site. RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 17

20 2014 BANQUET/ EVENT ACTIVITY RGS and AWS held numerous banquets and other fundraising events through 2014, and the results are shown below: 2014 BANQUETS BY NET REVENUE CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET REVENUE 1 Pittsburgh, PA Greater Pittsburgh Area $110,382 2 Anchorage, AK South Central Alaska $57,021 3 Grand Rapids, MN Grand Rapids MN $43,112 4 Chicago, IL T. Stanton Armour $39,717 5 Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior $30,795 6 Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein $29,330 7 Greensburg, PA Western Allegheny $29,260 8 Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River $28,222 9 Twin Cities, MN Twin Cities MN $28, Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI $26, St. Cloud, MN West Central MN $24, Richmond, VA James River $22, Prescott, WI Missi-Croix $21, Altoona, PA Thunderbird $21, Media, PA Delaware Valley $20, Traverse City, MI LeGrand Traverse $20, Burlington, VT Green Mountain $20, Warroad, MN Lake of the Woods $20, Frederick, MD Potomac Valley $18, Gaylord, MI Jim Foote $18, Aitkin, MN Aitkin Area $18, Ironwood, MI Superior $17, Reading, PA Charles E. Bechtel $16, Staunton, VA H.C. Edwards $15, Washington, PA Covered Bridge $15, Cambridge, MN Rum River $15, Baton Rouge, LA Becasse $15, Carlisle, PA Cumberland Valley $15, Sheboygan, WI Lake Shore $14, Green Bay, WI Northeastern WI $14, Lansing, MI Andy Ammann $13, Syracuse, NY Central New York $13, Virginia, MN David Salsman $12, Hackensack, MN Deep Portage $12, Kingston, NY Mid-Hudson Valley $12, Blackduck, MN Blackduck $11, Marietta, OH Ohio Valley $11, Fredericksburg, VA Rappahannock $11, Eagle River, WI Chain O' Lakes $11, Oakland, MD Backbone Mountain $11, International Falls, MN Voyageur $10, State College, PA Red Brush $10, Stevens Point, WI Golden Sands $10, Bristol, VA Appalachian Highlands $10, Augusta, ME Burton L. Spiller $10, Saginaw, MI Saginaw Valley $10, Atlanta, GA Georgia $9, Ely, MN Crazy Flight $9, Hadley, MA Western Massachusetts $9, St. Ignace, MI Eastern UP $9, Grand Marais, MN North Shore $9, Allentown, PA Lehigh Valley $9, Worcester, MA William Harnden Foster $9, Lewisburg, WV Highland Drummer $8, Petoskey, MI Al Litzenburger $8, Imlay City, MI Robert J Lytle $8, Muskegon, MI W. MI Lakeshore $8, Park Falls, WI Flambeau River $8, Dubuque, IA Iowa $8, Neillsville, WI West Central WI $8, Flint, MI Keith Davis - Roger Moore $7, Dubois, PA Bonasa $7, Clarksburg, WV North Central WV $7, Detroit, MI Southeast Michigan $7, Crystal Falls, MI North Woods $7, Seattle, WA Washington $7, New Wilmington, PA Neshannock Creek $7, S. Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein $7, Erie/Meadville, PA French Creek Valley $7, Muscoda, WI Southwest WI $6, Elmira, NY Triple Flush $6, Sussex, NJ Skylands $6, Kalamazoo, MI Southwestern MI $6, Marinette, WI Marinette County $6, St. Clairsville, OH Upper Ohio Valley $6, Lancaster, PA South Mountain $6, Cincinnati, OH Gilbert R. Symons $6, Bemidji, MN Northcentral MN $6, Indianapolis, IN Indiana $6, Cadillac, MI Highlands $6, Ash River, MN Ash River $6, Bangor, ME Central Maine $6, Franklin, PA Allegheny Northwoods $5, Asheville, NC Souther Appalachian $5, Wausau, WI Rib Mountain $4, Eau Claire, WI Chippewa Valley $4, Marquette, MI Mid UP $3, Athens, OH Hocking River Valley $3, Wilkes-Barre, PA Northeastern PA $3, Madison, WI John M. Keener $3, Kane, PA Allegheny $2, Hayward, WI Wilderness Wings $2, Hartford, CT Nutmeg $2, Greenville, SC Southern Mountains $2, West Branch, MI North Cental Michigan $2, Warren, MI Lakeside $2, Alpena, MI Thunder Bay $2, Malone, NY North Country $1, Marshall, MI South Central MI <$1,

21 2014 BANQUETS BY INCREASE IN NET REVENUE (TOP 25) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME INCREASE IN NET REVENUE 1 Pittsburgh, PA Greater Pittsburgh Area $19,867 2 Anchorage, AK South Central Alaska $19,056 3 Richmond, VA James River $12,740 4 Baton Rouge, LA Becasse $9,753 5 Twin Cities, MN Twin Cities MN $8,971 6 Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI $8,812 7 Burlington, VT Green Mountain $7,329 8 Chicago, IL T. Stanton Armour $6,711 9 Cincinnati, OH Gilbert R. Symons $6, Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior $5, Gaylord, MI Jim Foote $5, Asheville, NC Souther Appalachian $5, Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River $4, Green Bay, WI Northeastern WI $4, Carlisle, PA Cumberland Valley $4, Kingston, NY Mid-Hudson Valley $4, Allentown, PA Lehigh Valley $4, Ironwood, MI Superior $4, Bristol, VA Appalachian Highlands $3, Prescott, WI Missi-Croix $3, Aitkin, MN Aitkin Area $3, Dubuque, IA Iowa $3, Worcester, MA William Harnden Foster $2, Kane, PA Allegheny $2, Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein $2, BANQUETS BY NET TO GROSS (%) (TOP 25) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET TO GROSS 1 Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River 70.1% 2 Grand Rapids, MN Grand Rapids MN 70.0% 3 Greensburg, PA Western Allegheny 66.6% 4 Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior 65.8% 5 Pittsburgh, PA Greater Pittsburgh Area 65.1% 6 Prescott, WI Missi-Croix 63.2% 7 Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI 62.8% 8 Erie/Meadville, PA French Creek Valley 62.8% 9 Marietta, OH Ohio Valley 61.5% 10 New Wilmington, PA Neshannock Creek 60.1% 11 Bangor, ME Central Maine 60.0% 12 Kane, PA Allegheny 59.2% 13 Augusta, ME Burton L. Spiller 57.8% 14 Washington, PA Covered Bridge 57.8% 15 Cambridge, MN Rum River 57.2% 16 Frederick, MD Potomac Valley 57.0% 17 Carlisle, PA Cumberland Valley 56.7% 18 Lansing, MI Andy Ammann 56.6% 19 Chicago, IL T. Stanton Armour 56.0% 20 Crystal Falls, MI North Woods 55.9% 21 Allentown, PA Lehigh Valley 55.6% 22 Twin Cities, MN Twin Cities MN 55.4% 23 Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein 55.0% 24 State College, PA Red Brush 54.8% 25 Kingston, NY Mid-Hudson Valley 53.7% Photo by James Boburka 2014 BANQUETS BY INCOME-PER-PERSON (TOP 25) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET / PERSON 1 Chicago, IL T. Stanton Armour $389 2 Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein $293 3 Prescott, WI Missi-Croix $209 4 Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI $206 5 Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior $197 6 Pittsburgh, PA Greater Pittsburgh Area $197 7 Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River $195 8 Grand Rapids, MN Grand Rapids MN $191 9 Greensburg, PA Western Allegheny $ Fredericksburg, VA Rappahannock $ Washington, PA Covered Bridge $ Cambridge, MN Rum River $ Anchorage, AK South Central Alaska $ Erie/Meadville, PA French Creek Valley $ Sheboygan, WI Lake Shore $ Blackduck, MN Blackduck $ St. Cloud, MN West Central MN $ Marietta, OH Ohio Valley $ Frederick, MD Potomac Valley $ Green Bay, WI Northeastern WI $ Twin Cities, MN Twin Cities MN $ Carlisle, PA Cumberland Valley $ Crystal Falls, MI North Woods $ Aitkin, MN Aitkin Area $ Kingston, NY Mid-Hudson Valley $ SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS BY NET REVENUE (TOP 15) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET REVENUE 1 National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt Grand Rapids, MN $135,629 2 New York City Dinner New York, NY $68,297 3 Griskevich Memorial Shoot Mapleville, RI $11,169 4 NY Grouse & Woodcock Benefit Hunt Malone, NY $5,782 5 Addieville Shoot Mapleville, RI $3,732 6 Washington PA Shoot Washington, PA $3,580 7 Cabin at Connors Lake Dinner Winter, WI $3,180 8 Georgia Fun Shoot Atlanta, GA $2,500 9 Syracuse NY Shoot Syracuse, NY $2, Lancaster PA Shoot Lancaster, PA $2, Petoskey MI Shoot Petoskey, MI $2, Woods 'n Water Booth Imlay City, MI $2, NE PA Shoot Wilkes Barre, PA $2, WI Hunt for Habitat Boulder Junction, WI $1, Dunbar WI Shoot Dunbar, WI $1,866 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 19

22 FINANCIAL INFORMATION The financial information provides a snapshot of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society consolidated financials for fiscal year Please visit for more detailed information and our complete audited statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (000 S) SUPPORT & REVENUE MEMBERSHIPS...$634 PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS BANQUET & OTHER EVENTS...2,418 PROGRAM REVENUE ADVERTISING & OTHER INCOME TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE...$4,430 OPERATIONAL EXPENSES PROGRAM SERVICES...$3,940 ADMINISTRATION FUNDRAISING...24 TOTAL OPERATIONAL EXPENSES...$4,539 SUPPORT & REVENUE LESS EXPENSES...$109 SOURCES OF SUPPORT & REVENUE BANQUET & OTHER EVENTS 55 % PROGRAM REVENUE 5 % PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS 14 % ADVERTISING & OTHER INCOME 12 % CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (000 S) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS...$6,325 LONG TERM ASSETS FIXED ASSETS OTHER ASSETS...54 TOTAL ASSETS...$6,854 WHERE YOUR RGS AND AWS DOLLAR GOES MEMBERSHIPS 14 % ADMINISTRATION 12.7 % LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE CURRENT LIABILITIES...$593 LONG TERM LIABILITIES...8 TOTAL LIABILITIES...$601 FUND BALANCE RETAINED...$6,362 CURRENT TOTAL FUND BALANCE...$6,253 TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE...$6,854 PROGRAM SERVICES 86.8 % FUNDRAISING 0.5 % 20

23 THANK YOU... The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society sincerely thank the following supporters for their generous contributions to habitat creation for ruffed grouse and American woodcock and dedication to the RGS/AWS mission. GULLION CIRCLE GOLDEN ASPEN RING, SILVER BIRCH RING & BRONZE MAPLE RING Photo by Mark Fouts The late Gordon W. Gullion, known as Mr. Grouse, was universally acknowledged as the world s leading expert on ruffed grouse ecology. The Gullion Circle, Golden Aspen Ring, Silver Birch Ring & Bronze Maple Ring recognize those who have contributed $25,000 or more to the Ruffed Grouse Society. The Gullion Circle - $250,000 or more; Golden Aspen Ring - $100,000; Silver Birch Ring - $50,000; and Bronze Maple Ring - $25,000. Photo by Jay Olson GULLION CIRCLE Gaylen J. Byker Suzanne Dixon Edwin H. Gott, Jr. Joe R. Irwin Denis Karnosky Gary T. Martin Nestle Purina Petcare Co. Stephen F. Quill R. K. Mellon Family Foundation Richard King Mellon Foundation Scotty Searle Mrs. William L. Searle David V. Uihlein Foundation Terry Wilson, Ugly Dog Hunting GOLDEN ASPEN RING James L. Jurries Gunnar, Louise & Rebeka Klarr The Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation MeadWestVaco Corp. Bruce A. Ogle James H. Oliver John C. Oliver Orvis-Perkins Foundation Perkins Charitable Foundation David Perkins George S. Rich David D. Sandstrom The Searle Family Trust William B. Sordoni David C. Wahl SILVER BIRCH RING Hobson Brown, Jr. Larry & Cindy Brutger Leon (Joe) Chandler, M.D. Lawrence M. Clark, Jr. Martie & Wayne Jacobson, Jr. Johnson Timber Corp. John & Carolynn Loacker W. Stephen Maritz David L. Moore Morton Family Foundation John H. Mullin, III John G. Ordway, Jr. Alan Rheinschmidt Betsy Searle William W. Shelden, Jr. Elizabeth, Allan & Warren Shelden Foundation Donald C. Shepard The Sordoni Foundation, Inc. Jason R. Spaeth William A. Yacktman Michael D. Zagata Ziegler Construction BRONZE MAPLE RING Robert J. Bates, M.D. Robert W. & Susan T. Brown Rick III & Trish Bryan Thomas W. Dew, III Marshall Field, VI Don E. Funk James Hayett Richard & Judi Huempfner D. Wayne Jacobson, Sr. Tracy T. Larsen Robert Mac W. Macdonald, Jr. Mars Foundation Menasha Corporation Foundation Shane Thomas Mengel Olin - Winchester Corp. John C. Oliver, III M. Richard Phillips Duane Sather Harold J. Schneider, Sr. S. Bruce Smart, Jr. Stevens Engineers and Constructors, Inc. Joseph F. Toot, Jr. Thomas S. Word, Jr. George J. Wordingham Paul Zelisko RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 21

24 LIFE SPONSOR LIST RGS & AWS LIFE SPONSORS 2014 UNITED STATES AND CANADA This list includes 2014 life sponsors. If any sponsors were misprinted or otherwise overlooked, please contact RGS and AWS at so that our lists can be updated for future use. ALASKA Leon (Joe) Chandler Trigg Davis Mike Griffin Richard Hemmen Steve Hyams Bryan Knight Robb Milne William Pease Adrian B. Ryan, M.D. Janice Strong Specialty Supply, Inc. Len & Marty Yuknis ARIZONA Tracy Lee CALIFORNIA Johanson Ventures, Inc. Keith A. Johnson Family Foundation Shane Thomas Mengel James H. Oliver COLORADO Edwin H. Gott, III Steve R. Higgins James E. Kurtzman Jim E. Peterson Betsy Searle Timothy J. Travis FLORIDA A.H. Burchfield, III James A. Cornetet Lawrence S. Katz Curtis Marks Gary T. Martin Todd M. Ryan GEORGIA Michael E. Dickens M. Richard Phillips Curtis G. Werner ILLINOIS Jean Armour Timothy Ian Bates Joe (Jamie) Byers Buckley Byers JohnA. Clemetsen Thomas W. Dew, III Suzanne Dixon James W. Dominik Russell & Christina Fisher David Keller John & Suzanne Leonard Barry MacLean David L. Moore William P. O Keefe, Jr. Olin - Winchester Corp. Greg Oyer Alan Rheinschmidt Andrew M. Rosenfield Damon Sather The Searle Family Trust John (Jake) Searle Scotty Searle Mrs. William L. Searle William (Kent) Searle Thomas Sennstrom Tom Shaughnessy Brian Simmons Brett Evan Sopocy Daniel J. Sopocy J. Gregory & Molly South William R. Stevens Frank A. Svoboda, Jr. Jade Vickers David C. Wahl Stanford K. Williams William A. Yacktman The Yacktman Foundation Paul Zelisko Robert Ziegler INDIANA Luke Funk Jim & Heidi Straka IOWA Jeff Doll Nestle Purina Petcare Co. KANSAS Ghassan (Gus) Bader KENTUCKY Tom & Susan Burtoft LOUISIANA Thomas Noell Jacques L. Wiener, Jr. MAINE The Brook Family Foundation Leon Gorman MARYLAND Gayle L. Byker James F. Farmer John W. Greene, Jr. Robert Mac W. Macdonald, Jr. Tyler Mills William Mills George S. Rich David Barrett Rich George Sunderland Rich, Jr. D. Middleton Smith, III Stursa Equipment Co. Ltd Kenneth M. Stuzin Johannes Byker Visser Joel F. Visser David R. Wilmerding, III MASSACHUSSETS Chokebore Kennels William G. Curtis, V Jonathan Ennis Robert J. Hare Anthony R. Mastromarino, Jr. Stephen B. Quill Stephen F. Quill MICHIGAN Robert J. Bates, M.D. Gaylen J. Byker Steve Chaffee Charles Chandler Scott E. Christopher, Sr. Rob DeVilbiss Stephen H. Fletcher Frey Foundation Eric R. Fritz Don E. Funk David Geenen Richard J. Geenen Matthew Grgurich Hen-Mar, L.L.C. Tim L. Hill James L. Jurries Hunter King Gunnar & Louise Klarr Rebekah Klarr Blake Krueger Frederic W. Kruer Tracy T. Larsen Dave M. Lillie David B. Medema M. J. Moroun John Myaard Todd G. Oosting David & Mary Slikkers Mike Snapper Richard R. Taylor Jeff Towner Michael G. VanLokeren Venture Industries Wessel Gun Shop, Inc. MINNESOTA Kevin Aplin Greg Aplin APR Capital Investments, L.L.C. Allen R. Arvig Bill Hicks & Company Black Bear Log Homes Armand Brachman Larry Brutger Matthew Brutger CN Construction, Inc. Clint Corrow Country Inn of Grand Rapids Cub Foods Kent Cummings Steve Fleming Fremont Industries, Inc. Steve Gilbertson Gary Goltz Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Grand Rapids Development Corp. Grand Rapids State Bank Dean Groebner Robert Hamilton Steve Hanson Richard & Judi Huempfner D. Wayne Jacobson, Jr. D. Wayne Jacobson, Sr. Martie Jacobson Charles Johnson Mark Kiecker Sven Lindquist MN Deer Hunters Association Jerry Moehnke Casey Newman Dennis O Toole Bruce A. Ogle Steven W. Rice Safari Club International David D. Sandstrom Dean Sandstrom Sawmill Inn Dennis Scherer Robert L. Seibert Snet s Welding & Fabrication Jason R. Spaeth Kurt G. Sundquist Dennis Tollefson Total Control Solutions UPM/Blandin Paper Company Wells Fargo Bank of Grand Rapids Noah & Elizabeth Wilcox Steve M. Wilcox Leonard Wohlman Ziegler Construction MISSOURI Anheuser-Busch Foundation Ted S. Cooper Stephen C. Jones W. Stephen Maritz Tom Schlafly MONTANA Andy Duffy NEBRASKA Clarence L. Werner NEW HAMPSHIRE Robert & Patricia Leipold NEW JERSEY Stephen H. Browne Griffin and Howe Bob Mallory NEW YORK Lawrence M. Clark, Jr. Marshall Field, VI Funnyfolk Farm The George F. Baker Trust Benjamin H. Griswold William V. Krazinski, Jr. Kuritzky Glass Co., Inc. Keano David Munoz Brent R. Nicklas Bill Nicklin Michael D. Zagata NORTH CAROLINA Chris Davis Glenn Harvey Bryan & Debbie Stutzman Bob Wendling Ken Wrangell NORTH DAKOTA Hobson Brown, Jr. Sam W. McQuade, Jr. OHIO Rick & Trish Bryan, III Bill Goudy Memorial/Rick & Trish Bryan, III Rick & Faith Bryan, IV Byers Charitable Trust John F. Cassidy Fifth Third Bank Lawrence D. Milligan, Jr. Orvis-Perkins Foundation Perkins Charitable Foundation Perkins Trust T & D Thompson Joseph F. Toot, Jr. Robert J. Vadas OKLAHOMA Gregory & Linda Meyer OREGON David M. Fuller John & Carolynn Loacker PENNSYLVANIA Ralph W. Arthur, Jr. Morris C. Baker Otto Beck Classic Shtshell, Inc. John B. Eichinger Fish Real Estate Edwin H. Gott, Jr. Nicholas Hays Gott Habitat For Wildlife Randy Hicks 22

25 LIFE SPONSOR LIST Hirtle, Callaghan & Company Charles (Mickey) M. Hutchko Joe R. Irwin Ron Kistler Lee Industries, Inc. Mark Lindstrom S. Prosser Mellon Samuel & Beatrice Moore Michael K. Moss, V.M.D. James D. Nyce John C. Oliver, III Samuel R. Pursglove, Jr. R. K. Mellon Family Foundation Richard King Mellon Foundation Rockwell Foundation Mark L. Rutledge James Sadler, Jr., M.D. Harold J. Schneider, Sr. Seneca Printing and Label, Inc. Kenneth L. Simon Jim & Clara Sue Smith William B. Sordoni The Sordoni Foundation, Inc. Walter Stoecklein Stones Throw Consulting Services Robin F. Taylor Kenneth H. Taylor, Jr. Wright Automotive Group SOUTH CAROLINA Edwin L. DeVilbiss Chuck A. Gomulka Mead Westvaco Corp. John C. Oliver SOUTH DAKOTA Larry Pillard Duane Sather TENNESSEE Craig J. Balzer William B. Benton, Jr. W. Gregory Cook, M.D. Phillip Crowe Shannon R. Curtis, M.D. Sonny & Julie Hitchcox Martin Rash The Tucker Foundation TEXAS Randolph R. Birkman Norman E. Nabhan George W. Passela Donald Patteson Jerry Theodorson VERMONT David Perkins Leigh H. Perkins, Sr. Frank Simms Ugly Dog Hunting VIRGINIA Isaac Freeman Jacob Jay E. Frith, II Karl K. Kindig Robin Leonard David D. MacDonald Tony Makris Mars Foundation Michael D. Milligan John H. Mullin, III Mark J. Ohrstrom Gustav Ohrstrom William L. Pannill William A. Royall, Jr. S. Bruce Smart, Jr. William W. & Virginia B. Sale Foundation Thomas S. Word, Jr. David M. Word Thomas S. Word, III Mrs. Ray Paco Young Gary G. Youngblood WASHINGTON James H. Grimes Leslie M. Rainwater Daniel Sather Fred Stark WEST VIRGINIA Audubon Animal Clinic Brad Hall, M.D. WISCONSIN American Garage Door Co. Geoff G. Bergauer Steve Bodenschatz Robert W. & Susan T. Brown Matthew Christy David V. Uihlein Foundation Mark Fouts Christopher Dennis Galle Greater Northern Corp. James Hayett In Memory of Arthur J. Hayett/ James Hayett Gillian Johnson Phillip Johnson W. B. Sonny Johnson Derrick Johnson Johnson Timber Corp. Denis Karnosky Eric & Gretchan Karnosky Joe Klein Gregg & Kathy Kuehn Bradley Lengeling Dave Mathews Menasha Corporation Foundation Mertens Erectors, Inc. Michael F. Hupy & Assoc. Brigid O Donoghue John (Jack) M. Olson Dan Ongna Lynde B. Uihlein Ryan Woody George J. Wordingham Brittany Zebrasky Robert Zimmerman WYOMING Robert Model CANADA James Abbey G. Wayne Connor James Hoddinott Michael Phippen AMERICAN WOODCOCK SOCIETY David C. Wahl, Illinois RGS & AWS SPONSORS 2014 UNITED STATES This list includes 2014 sponsors. If any sponsors were misprinted or otherwise overlooked, please contact RGS and AWS at editor@ruffedgrousesociety.org so that our lists can be updated for future use. ALASKA William T. Batson, D.D.S. Bering Pacific Construction Leon (Joe) Chandler, M.D. Conoco Phillips Jeffrey Foley Michael F. Fuller Richard W. Garner, M.D Roland E. Gower Don Grasse Mike Griffin Daniel Hall Richard Hemmen Alfred Lonser MegaWatt Electric James V. Penfield, D.D.S. Adrian B. Ryan, M.D. Jamie Sachette ThyssenKrupp Elevators Urgent Care Medical Clinic Usibelli Coal Mine Birch A. Yuknis, D.D.S. CALIFORNIA Win Wolcott COLORADO Steve R. Higgins James E. Kurtzman Lou Loosbrock CONNECTICUT James D. Cooke O. Boyd Cooke Jon Eisenhandler SPONSOR LIST William A. Juch, IV Phil & Elise Mauriello Northwest Connecticut Sportman s Council Joseph Petruzzi Albert Watson DELAWARE Friess Associates DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Nelson Freeman FLORIDA Larry Bostick John Henderson GEORGIA Mike Bashaw Buford Financial Services Trent Conner, D.M.D. Bill Cunningham Stephen A. Glenn George Herspiegel Howe Construction, Inc. Jeff J. Lyall Clarence R. McKemie, III Ron Meints William Melton Rob Morris John R. Richards Roy T. Smith James R. Waite Wilson & Strickland, Inc. Barry S. Zuckerman ILLINOIS Bob Belter Michael J. Breen Lance Buhrman Craig A. Burman Beth E. Burnson Jim Calaway Henry T. Chandler John A. Clemetsen John Conolly Ted Coxworth Thomas W. Dew, III James W. Dominik David A. Hartley Scott A. Hilpert Will Howard Gary Kotlan Gregg Kuetemeyer Charles Latimer Chapin Lee Fred Lepenske Damon Marano Reno J. Massimino, II Gary Matula Morton Family Foundation Conor Mullady Patrick Murphy Michael Novak Paul & Beth Olin Henry E. Page Philip & Lise Puckorius John Schreiner Frank L. Sibr William R. Stevens Stone Barrett Foundation Frank A. Svoboda, Jr. Tobermorry Farms David C. Wahl Stanford K. Williams William A. Yacktman Paul Zelisko INDIANA Mike Bandos Thomas J. Beauchamp Jeffrey N. Bush Jeff M. Detraz James J. Fuqua Dan Gehring Beeb Graham Gary G. Kellam Jack Leonard William McTurnan John M. Ritter, D.D.S. Thomas B. Roller Craig Ruble Michael D. Shipley Roger L. Wilson Sponsor List, continued on page 24 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 23

26 SPONSOR LIST Sponsor List, continued from page 23 IOWA Bob s Hole In The Wall Bouslog Insurance Tom G. Clark Farmers State Bank Jon R. Farrell Rick & Kathy Frees Maurice M. Hart Heartland Financial Dubuque Bank Thomas Jeneary, M.D. David & Barbara Kalkwarf Daniel Kaufmann Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank Tom & Sonja Leahy Kevin Loy Harley V. Pothoff Frank H. Saddler Bill J. Saddler Joe F. Saddler Eric Van Hook LOUISIANA Harvey C. Gunter MARYLAND Allegany Hearing & Balance Richard J. Anderson Backbone Mt. Sport Shop J. Malcolm Bahrenburg Jeff T. Beard Brian Boal Don & Lisa Calhoun Steve J. Choquette A. Edward Jones, A.A.M.S. C. Favorite Things Corner Gift Shoppe Steven Fulton Mike Galatda Glass Unlimited Glotfelty Enterprises Robert Gramzinski John W. Greene, Jr. Hagerstown Honda Dave Hansroth L. Helbig Jewelers, Jr. Barbara & Howard Janoske Paul F. Leboeuf Robert Mac W. Macdonald, Jr. Chuck Mills Luke L. Murdock Paul & Kathy Parks Pineview Veterinary Hospital, D.V.T. Plumb Tech Gary Rothrock Michael J. Ryan Paul Shields John M. Sholes Southern Auto Supply Spring Creek Outfitters Team One Chevrolet, Buick & GMC John Thereault Donald L. Wolf, Jr. Robert Wolfes Woodlake Tree Farm Brandon Younger MASSACHUSSETS Walter D. Allen, III John Allen Arthur R. Bartlett Bruce A. Bennett Peter Bonneau David & Elizabeth Calcagni David B. Campbell Gary Conrad James M. Coull George L. Darey Jan E. Dizard Dennis Fusini H. Robert Hawkes Jeffrey M. Hayer, M.D. Philip G. Hiser, Jr. Mickey Marcus John E. McDonald, Jr. Scott Mondeau Anders L. Nilsson David A. Oblenis Richard Pantermehl John Petros Stephen F. Quill Ross Rackliff Joseph Townsend Roberts Michael Roche John F. Rockwell Ray Sampson Dean Scudder Terry W. Smith Jefferson D. Willets MAINE Advantage Canoe All Points Insurance Bilodeau Insurance William B. Bishop, Jr. Russ & Carole Dyer Carl J. Freeman Fryeburg Fish & Game Assoc. Stevan Huff William R. Martens Jo-Ann Moody Owen Gray & Son, Inc. Paul s Marina John Pyne Perry Risley Robbins Lumber, Inc. Jim Rocha Lucas St. Clair Michael R. St. Jean, M.D. F.A.C.S. Varney Agency Woodman s Sporting Goods Store MICHIGAN Blaine Ackerman Michael D. Allett Alma Tire Service Mark Altemann Dennis S. Ambrose Eric Anderson Bill Arndt Ausable Well Service, L.L.C. Auto Tech Repair Center Michael Barnes Roger C. Bauer Bay Pines Veterinary Clinic James Bayak Beaudoins Service Frederick Bechtold, Jr. Edward A. Beekman Sargent & Nancy Begeman Belonga Excavating, Plumbing & Heating Bing Bennett Ed Berry Bessemer Plywood Corp. Vernon R. Bird Kevin J. Bolema William Bolyard Rob Bondy Bill Borst Ron Britton Jeff Bundy Gaylen J. Byker Randy C. Carmoney Jeff Carpenter Carquest GTC, Inc. John J. Castle Charles Chandler George Clayton Pat J. Cole Coleman Engineering Patrick Conklin Chuck Connell Ted Connelly Martin B. Cotanche Shawn Craft Jim Craig Allen Davidson Edward B. Davison William A. Demmer Bradley Depottey Rob DeVilbiss Todd & Sandra DeVito Daniel & Kristin DeVito Jim Dunn John Dunn David M. Dyer Dyer Auto Body Christopher L. Edgar Elk & Hound Restaurant Ellens Equipment Eric J. Ellis Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. Environment Architects Ben Evans Extreme Tool & Engineering, Inc. Fred E. Feleppa Fieldsport Louis James Fierens, II Fischer Happy Hour James A. Fish, Sr. James A. Fish, Jr. Stephen H. Fletcher Robert A. Foote, O.D. Will Forrest, III Tom A. Fruchey David Fuger Don E. Funk Bob Gale Richard J. Geenen Trevis E. Gillow James R. Gilsdorf Charles F. Glass John T. Gleason Kevin Gleesing Frederick J. Goetz Gogebic County Forestry Comm. Great Lakes Compressed Air Great Lakes Fly Fishing Collin Greenop Glenn R. Gross Ted M. Gruizenga Scott Grush Kenneth B. Gum, M.D. Gordon Guyer, Dr. Richard Hall Hausbeck Pickle Co. Larry Heathman Eric Heitman Richard Heller, II Fritz Heller Jennie Hellman David E. Henton Highland Copper Co. David O. Higley Tim L. Hill Robert D. Hilty Frederick Holdorph John B. Hubard Todd Ireland Mark Jackson Jacobs, McDonald & Silc Scott C. Johnson James N. Johnson Joki, Makela, & Pollack, P.L.L.C. Steve Jolman Dennis G. Jolman Michael B. Jolman Jeff & Monica Joseph James L. Jurries David & Carol Kaczmarek Haig H. Kassouni Gregg Kelly George R. Kempton Gary Kern Daryl Kesler Thomas Kienbaum K. Peter Knudsen Alan Kropiewnicki Jeffrey T. Krysinski Donald J. Kunz Lake Road Veterinary Clinic William LaLonde Tracy T. Larsen Rick A. Leow Carl Leow Dave M. Lillie Jeffrey C. Littmann Paul W. Lixie David Lloyd Lou Loseth Steve J. Lown Peter Lozicki Andrew B. Lytle Hugh & Michele MacMaster Brian & Kari Maki Christopher J. Manzini Nathan March Anthony Marcukaitis Daniel A. Markham Marshall Builders Edward T. Martin Jason C. Marvin Jim Masters Matt Mates Justin McGrail David B. Medema Joe Meints Rodrigo T. Meirelles Thomas Mellentine Paul W. Mesack, D.V.M. Dave Meyering Bob Michalski Robert B. Minard Nickolas R. Moe George Moilanen Carol Moore Bo Morley Brian R. Mueller Mukavitz Heating Patrick Murphy Gus Newbury Ryan M. Niemi Dennis D. Norman Northern Angler Fly Shop Northern Energy Chuck Nuttall Jon M. Olsen Todd G. Oosting J. Michael Oostmeyer John H. Paige John Paul Dan Perotti Chris Perryman Jeffrey Peterson Merrill (Pete) L. Petoskey Petoskey Plastics Robert Petrick Brent D. Pike Pine Hill Kennels & Sportsman Club Family Matthew A. Pollard Steve Poulios Larry Prokop Lisha Ramsdell Ray Fisher, Inc. RCS Services Co. Thomas Reimer Richville Conservation Club Chuck Robertson Jeffrey A. Robinson Karen L. Rodock Paul & Carol A. Rose Daniel F. Ross Peter T. Roth Edward B. Rumer Jim Rypkema Dennis M. Santini Sappi Fine Paper William A. Schaufler Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr. 24

27 SPONSOR LIST Chris Schneider Jim Schneider Dan Schultz Chris M. Schumacher John Scott Charles D. Scott Jack M. Seaver Setters Run Justin Sharp Mike J. Shepard Tom Sheppard Nathan Skibbe Kevin T. Smith Jeff Smith Gene E. Smith David Duane Smith Snow Country Contracting Jason A. Snyder Marc Somers Justin Somsel Andrew Spence Steven E. Spencer Ralph Stein Robert Steiner Kevin Stewart James A. Supina Thomas Swaninger Ed Swisher, M.D. Jerry T. Synkelma Ron G. Tankka Robert Taylor, III, D.D.S. Richard R. Taylor Jeff Taylor Scott Teske Herm Thomas Jeffrey A. Tibbits Steve M. Tiziani TMS Tool Timothy G. Tomas Douglas C. Toppin Jeff Towner Matt Vallee Russ VanDeGriend Tom VanDeGriend Wayne E. VanderKolk Les W. VanDrie Tom Vanevery Aaron J. Velat David Veldman Gino & Sarah Venditti Bob Versical Eric Vincent Bruce A. Visniski Larry Visser Don Vlcek Voelker Implement Wagar Motor Sales Matthew R. Ward Alison Weemes Rod Weirauch Richard West Sally Westmass Bob Westrate Dave Westrate Frank C. Wheatlake Delbert C. Whitman Jim Wichert Debbie Widrig Wildlife & Wetland Solutions Tom & Lori Winters Bruce Wojcik Larry Wolthuis MINNESOTA 1st State Bank Of Bigfork AJ s Wine Creations James C. Aalderks Advanced Telemetry Systems Agassiz Insurance AIS Planning Aitkin Body Shop Aitkin Motor Co. Bill Aldinger Al s Ornamental Iron & Welding, Inc. American Bank Of The North Anderson Ophoven & Stauffer Appraisal Associates NC, Inc. Architecture Advantage, L.L.C Arrowhead Animal Clinic Ash-Ka-Nam Resort & Lodge Troy C. Atwater Backus Corner Store Adam Ballard Tom J. Bausch Bayer Built Dennis Bealka Bemidji Veterinary Hospital, Inc. Travis Benoit Berd Electric Big Pine Builders Craig Bjorklund David H. Blattner, Jr. Boise Cascade Border State Bank Chuck Brandes Jack Brandes Wayne Bremer Michael & Sharon Brown Larry Brutger Buck s Hardware Hank Dave & Carrie Burgstaler Thomas A. Burlingame Blaine J. Byram James Call, M.D. David Cameron Castaway s Resort Mike Cernohous Jeff Chatelle Cherry Gun Shop Chestnut Collison & Restoration Chilson Jewelers Clifton Larson Allen, L.L.P. CN Construction, Inc. Coates Plaza Hotel Coca-Cola Donald Collins Colosimo, Patchin, Kearney, Lindell & Brunfelt, Ltd & Ahrens Agency William Cook Gary Cook Rick Corneliusen Country Insurance Kent Cummings D & M Industries D. L. Seamless Tom Daggett Richard L. Dahl Dale Thortsen Trucking Dave Paulson Construction Gordon Dentinger Dick Distributing Company Clay Diggins William J. Dolentz Kraig Domogalla James & Joann Dornhecker Dougs Supermarket, Inc. Duffney Refrigeration Duluth Tire Mike Dvorak Eaglemaster, Inc. ECCO Water Joel A. Elftmann Ely Echo Ely License Bureau Brian Engel Larry & Marcia Erickson Craig Erpelding Terrence Ethen Tom Etienne Bob & Sheryl Evans Harlan Fierstine First National Bank Of Bemidji First National Bank of Walker Paul Fischer Allen Fish Floors by Beckers Harold J. Forpahl Gary M. Fox Frank s Taxidermy Barry Frieler Jay Frischman Aaron Fulton Anthony Gabrio Gemini Sport Marketing Robert F. Glassmann Glenmore Resort Grant G. Goblisch James Govednik Grand Rapids Vet Clinic Bill Grierson Andy M. Gross Robert L. Grussendorf Johan Gumaelius Richard Gunderson John Haesler Hampton Inn & Suites Hanson Contracting Ryan Hass Hayford Ford Hugh D. Heinecke, C.P.A. Heisel Brothers, Inc. Roderick J. Heneman Craig Heusinkveld J. J. Hites Bert Hollinshead Hometown Building Supply Hoot & Holler Hoover Construction Horner Plumbing & Excavation Cole W. Hraban Richard & Judi Huempfner Jim Humeniuk Dennis Hummitzsch Hyytinen Hardware Insanti Custom Meats Intercept Industries Dana J. Isaacson Isanti Sportsman s Club Itasca County Abstract J. Roessler And Company Shane Jaeger Steve Jaksa J-Berd Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Lee Jess, M.D. Dave Johnson Sam & Peg Johnson Calliegh Johnson Earl N. Johnson Bruce D. Johnson Jeff Johnson Johnson McCann Joslin & Moore Law Offices Donald G. Kaddatz KD Service Co., L.L.C. Paul M. Kelnberger Ken K. Thompson Jewelry Ken Waschke Auto Plaza Michael Kimball Nick Klinghagen Jay Knaak KQ92 Kevin Kriesel David Kufahl Paul A. Kuiken, M.D. Wayne Kuitunen John D. Kummer Carl Kurtz Joe Lahlum Lake Country Chevrolet Lake Effect Coatings Lake State Federal Credit Union Lakewood Park And Sales, Inc. Travis M. LaMar Jerry B. Lamon The Landing Landmark Community Bank Aaron Leustek Lindberg & McKinnis, P.A. Doug & Ileen Lindner Gary & Betsy Loop Lumber One, Avon, Inc. Ted Nelson Lundrigan George A. Lyall Gary Lyall Terry L. Lydell Harry Machesky Dan B. Mahle Manion s Wholesale Building Supplies Robert Marvin Marvin Home Center Todd A. Matelski Don E. Matta Terry Matteson Shawn Matteson Jan Mattson McDonald s Of Virginia Stuart McIntosh Roger Michaelson Jodee Michieletti Mike Motors Matt & Angie Mikulich Miller Architects and Builders Minnco Credit Union Peter T. Miskovich MN Iron Range Retrievers Club MN Wanner Co. Norm Moody Chan Moon Jack J. Muhar Jeff A. Mundhenke Jeff Naglosky Bob Naylor Richard Nelson Nelson Collie Electric James Ness Norri Distributing Co., Inc. North Country Heating/Cooling/ Refrigeration Northern Dental Temps Northern Lumber Northwoods Bird Dogs Northwoods Construction Dwaine (Butch) Ogden Keith & Missy Okeson Larry D. Olson Philip W. Ordway The Outdoorsman s Headquarters Ron Overson Paskvan Consulting, Inc. Paul Bunyan Communications Josh & Susan Paulson Bill Peltier Thomas R. Peltier Perpich TV and Music, Inc. Steven L. Peterson Gavin Peterson Erik Peterson Bill Peterson William C. Pettit Pheasants Plus Pierce Concrete Ward & Laura Pierson Pine Point Lodge Doug Pixley Pohaki Lumber Potlatch Corp. of Duluth Greg Proper Michele Putnam QC Techniques, Inc. Quality Cutting and Coring R & R Arms Jeff M. Ralston Randy s Cabinets & Woodwork Range Disposal Service Rapids Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Red Men Club, Inc. Lawrence Reedy Art & Judy Reese Gary Reich Richard Reichle Sponsor List, continued on page 26 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 25

28 SPONSOR LIST Sponsor List, continued from page 25 RJ Sport & Cycle Rocket Liquors Roessler Financial Services Al & Linnea Roos Roseau County Ford Roseau Liquor Store Jerry Ruuhela Ryan and Hoppe Inv. Management Safe, Inc. Sand Pine Pheasants David D. Sandstrom Sathre Title and Abstract, Inc. Sauk Rapids Sportsmen s Club, Inc. Savanna Pallets, Inc Jon A. Schmoeckel Mike Schuster Dan Schutt Security Fire Sprinkler Security State Bank Security State Bank and Agency Security State Bank of Warroad Robert L. Seibert Duane Sellen Seven Clans Casino Alan Sheley Roger Skraba Randy A. Slette, C.M.A. Kevin L. Smith Snet s Welding & Fabrication Frank Spaeth Jason R. Spaeth Sportsman Lodge Springsteel Resort Bill Stein Steve E. Stoskopf, Inc. Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply Strieff Sporting Goods Kurt G. Sundquist Sunny Hill Distributing, Inc. Super One Foods Superior Lumber and Sports Surgical Solutions Dale Sutherland Russ Sutherland Tall Pines Liquor Team Industries James Tehennepe Tender Hearts Elderly Care Thoele Dental Laboratory Chris Thorsen Thrifty White Timberline Titan Machinery / Ace Hardware TM Home & Lawn Care Tony L. Peterson Construction Tim Tordoff Travis Olafson Construction Tri-County Abstract & Title Tri-Tec of Minnesota Inc. Trustar Federal Credit Union U. S. Bank Of St. Cloud Udovich Guide Service US Equipment Broker Mike Vant Virginia Surplus Store Randy F. Wallake Warroad Dairy Queen/Subway Warroad Estates Marina Waschke Family GM Center R.C. Weidner Wellson Group Mike Wheeler Andrew Wheeler Steve M. Wilcox Wild 102 Steve Wilds Wings North Thomas Witty Nick Wognum The Wood Shop of Avon Steve Wruck Young s Bay Resort Kevin Zasmeta Jim Zupanich, Jr. MISSOURI Doug Hill Paul Martin John Meyer Adam Weiss MONTANA Randall Shannon NEW HAMPSHIRE Jack Bowen Fred V. Ernst David E. Michno NEW JERSEY John Boyce Andrew Chirip Jorge Matos Ralph E. Shotwell Shotwell Excavating NEW YORK Aberle Eye Care Eric Paul Affuso Robert R. Andrews John Annis Jim Barbieri Stephen & Rosemary Baumes William J. Brundige Charles G. Coakley Jason E. Coleman Dave Collins Scott M. Cook Patrick Cooke Russ Cuatt Bryan Eastman Brian Enders Steve Fazekas Jeff Foley Caryn Foote Brian Foster Daniel J. Goodwin Benjamin H. Griswold Leon T. Hairie Thomas Haskell James Hicks George Ron Irwin J & B Outdoors Richard P. Jung Kim Kinsman William V. Krazinski, Jr. Kuritzky Glass Co., Inc. John Laury Edward M. Laury Ian Morrell John Mroczka Robert Papworth John A. Patane Bill Perks Paul Phillips, M.D. Edward Pugliese R. Randolph Rall John Riccio John Sabach Marty Talcik Tamarack Preserve Gary Taylor Michael Walter Norman L. Webber, III Zappala Excavating LLC NORTH CAROLINA Robert C. Bell, III Canton Sawmill/Pisgah Hardwood Gerald Cody Cooper s Trading, Inc. KBK, Inc. Larry Z. Laughter Dale E. Pennell Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Hickory, NC Edwin Shuford Frank Smith Snow Creek Kennels Southeast Woodland Services Tennoca Construction Co. Wings & Clays Guns NORTH DAKOTA Coca-Cola OHIO Pete M. Armstrong Perry Bahr John P. Chandler Costine Law Firm Bryan Daughtry Paul Martin Doman William E. Garapick, Jr. Russell W. Gray William S. Hannig, Jr. Robert James Hickle Louis F. Kutys, II Jon Little Mario Livojevic Nestle Purina Petcare Ronald Preston Randal L. Gallagher Memorials Reed & Baur Insurance Agency Andrew J. Riffle Riverhead Animal Clinic Rocky Boots Henry L. Schulhoff Scites Insurance Agency LLC St. Clairsville Eagles #2541 Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc. Toothman Funeral Homes, Inc. Twin Oak Forest Products Alex Vargo, Jr. Scott Walker OKLAHOMA Champlin Firearms, Inc. Tom Jolman Kurt McKean Andy Tucker PENNSYLVANIA Victor Alfieri, Jr. Cove Creek Outfitters John J. Culkin, Jr. Delaware Investments Delrose Construction Co. Development, Inc. Frank Di Ioia James L. Dickey Thomas Disalvatore, Jr. Gerald & Kathy Dittmann Dobber Auto Supply Double R. Pointers Scott Duffin John H. Edmiston Geordie E. Edmiston Elizabeth Carbide Components Doug Ell Paul A. Engel Allegheny Chapter Safari Club, Intl. Gregg Eshleman Alpine Hunting & Fishing Club Randy Evans American Bridge Co. Falcon Wireless Group, Inc. Appalachian Forest Consultants Harold Ficke Appalachian Forest Consultants - Craig Fiedler Wildlife Services Richard Filippi Ralph W. Arthur, Jr. Flowers On Vine Bonny Beck Bill Freas Bob A. Beck William Freeman Bedford County Beverage Co. Fremer Reclamation Ben s Appliance Service Frontiers Intl. Travel, Jr. Best Tile Joseph & Linda Frydrych William Biddle Robert E. Frye Big Buck Sport Shop Dennis Frye Black Landscape Contracting David L. Galbreath Blackhorse Auto Body David L. Gehman Blackstone Services Gerald Putt - Wildlife Artist Mark Blaschak Marc R. Gignac & Gina Rooker Jim Boburka Jeff Gilliland Carl W. Borntraeger Edwin H. Gott, Jr. Arthur R. Borrell Guardian Electrical Contractors Frank J. Bostick, D.V.M. Emerson Gundy Steve Botella Michael Guyer William G. Braund H B & T Tire Terry Broniszewski David Haines Thomas R. Brougham Halliburton Scott L. Brush Jeffrey B. Hammer J. Conrad Bures, M.D. Bill & Judy Hasely Rodney W. Burkert Craig Haytmanek Ron & Amy Burkert HDR, Inc. William C. Burns, III Helsel Hardware Joe Byers David R. Henry Carl L. Campbell Hess & Marino, C.P.A. David Campsey Dean E. Hettinger, II Jim Cardello Hi-Grade Shooters Supply James (Jay) D. Carmichael Stan Hoover Ernest & Linda Castello Jack Huntzinger James P. Celebrezze Charles (Mickey) M. Hutchko Daniel R. Cerven I Diehl Hunts H. Lee Cessna I. C. Electric, Inc. Robert E. Chambers Imler s Poultry Charles Machine, Inc. Joe R. Irwin Michael A. Checket James R. Kukurin CHL Development Corp. Associates, Inc. Jan H. Christian James R. Jones Danny Clark Steve R. Jones Cohen & Grigsby Juniata Hotel Timothy Colburn Robert Kappe Robert B. Coleman Frederick Kass Consol Energy--CNX Land Keystone Elk Country Alliance Resources Robert Kirkby 26

29 SPONSOR LIST Christian Klanica Clarence E. Klaus, Jr. Trygve Kleppinger Steve D. Knezovich Mike Koneski George W. Kruth Walter A. Kuzemchock G. Thomas Lang Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc. Lion Country Supply Joe Lippincott Louis Plung and Co, LLP Russell L. Lucas Lytle s Transfer And Storage, Inc. Dennis R. Mackley Paul D. Mahaffy Maher Deussel Mahoning Valley Milling Co., Inc. Sandee Male Raymond J. Malicki Mark M. Malicki, M.D. Marcellus Shale Coalition Mark West Energy Partners - Land Dept. Rip Maxwell McCagh, Roberts & Herring Dermatology Timothy A. McCall Eric S. McClellan Richard E. McDowell Tom J. McGrath N. McNees, Wallace & Narick LLC Nick Mellon, Jr. Don G. Mergenhagen Paul Mirone Misty Pines Filson Pro Shop C. Edward S. Mitchell Suzanne Mohler Pete Molinaro Jack W. Montgomery Mountain Inn Mountain View Sporting MRO Industrials Mummert Environmental Consulting MYRIAD Communications, Inc. Nemacolin Woodlands Thomas E. Noble Karl Ober Paul R. Ober John C. Oliver, III Eugene Orlando, Jr. Jean Patrick James Patsy Richard & Jenni, Perryman Pitt Industrial Diamond Products Pittsburgh Equipment Co, Inc. Kenneth H. Popko Presta Supply Proformance Fuel Injection Kent M. Quinter R. Hazenstab Construction, Inc. Robert Rambler Range Resources, Scott Roy Range Resources, Michael Mackin Patrick S. Rankin Ed Razzis Justin Reed Adam Reese Russell Reinhard Rex Energy Rex Energy Corporation Ed Richards Art & Judy Riexinger Riversides Kennel, L.L.C. Paul A. Rockar, Jr. Tim D. Romig Lisa & Sergio Rossi Richard Rush Mark Sabina J. Sargent Electric Co. Joel Ross Scalzo Walter J. Scanlon Scarangella Disposal Gregg Scott Seneca Resources Sergio Tailoring Timothy J. Sherick Michael S. Shuman, D.M.D. Richard L. Shuman George L. Sidney Kenneth L. Simon William Simpson Scott W. Sipple William Skrutsky Jeffrey A. Smith Thomas J. Sniscak Dustin W. Snyder Gordon E. Snyder, Jr. Max Soresen Larry Souleret Samuel W. Spanos George Spellman State Farm Insurance Jack H. Stettenbauer Thomas A. Stickle Stones Throw Consulting Services Stonycreek Shooting Center Peter Strope Richard L. Stroup Scott Sunderland Paul & Susie Sutter, Jr. Aaron M. Switala Joseph J. Switala, Jr. Regis Synan Anthony Taccone Tech Sheet Metal, Inc. Test Boring Services, Inc. Trophy Mountain United Rental Unity Printing Company, Inc. Veolia Water Veronesi Bldg & Remodeling, Inc. Todd Wagner Judd A. Wagner Sean Warrington Warriors Mark Wingshooting Lodge Wealth Management Strategies, Inc. Dale C. Weisenstein Tim Wentz Charles & Jane Weyandt Robert Whitman Donald J. Williams Dan Wingerter, Jr. Wilbur E. Wolf, Jr. Jack Wolfgang Wright Automotive Group WV Fabricating & Welding, Inc. Paul M. Yatron Allen & Lori Yerger Bradley Yoder SOUTH CAROLINA Edwin L. DeVilbiss James Myron Gregory, Jr. Anestis Kalatges Joe M. Ramseur G. Herman Walker, III SOUTH DAKOTA Robert E. Bealka Scott Ohnoutka TENNESSEE Adventure Guide Service William L. Bailey Rick Brantley Carleton Cato Ealy Sonny & Julie Hitchcox Jim Houge Larry McCracken C. Grant Murray Les Nation TEXAS Patrick Luckett Earl Moses Norman E. Nabhan VERMONT Advanced Machine & Tool Joe Bourgeois Warren Coleman Jim Dattilio Mary & Larry Dupont Dennis Fournier Patrick M. Gavin Jeff W. Glosser George Gross Beverly Hayden Mandy Hotchkiss Christina Incerpi & Randy Bean Eric Jacobsen Tyler Johnson Tyrel B. Kerr Ron & Barb Klein Bruce Leavitt, M.D. Stephen Leffler Paul Murphy Jeff Parker Peck Electric Robert Pelosi Jay & Crystal Pierce Spencer B. Potter Kevin E. Pottmeyer Lawrence Pyne Matt Rackliff Henry E. Rackliff Charles L. Scott, II Henry Slauson, III Pat Thompson Sergio Tognelli Ugly Dog Hunting Edward Verosko Jim & Stephanie Wells Ron Wright VIRGINIA Stephen & Julia Abel John Ackerly Chuck Akre Alpha Natural Resources Appalachian Forestry Services Calvin Eddie Back William B. Blakey, Jr. Donald & Gray Blankenship Blue Ridge Lumber, L.L.C. Justin Bostic Christopher Botkin Albert Bourgeois Kenneth Bowman Burns Construction Chris Cadman Keith Calfee John E. Carroll Tom L. Cleary, III Zack Cochrane David E. Coleman John Coleman Communication Specialist Conservation Services R. Reynolds Cowles, Jr. D.V.M. Luciano D Amato Scott Decker Bruce M. Dixon, Jr. Harlin C. Edwards Elliott Chevrolet Enviromental Monitoring, Inc. Lawrence A. Evans Darrel M. Feasel Lawrence H. Framme, III Kenneth W. Friberg G. L. Howard, Inc. John P. Gammill Randy Gibbs Lars R. Halvorsen John Hanger Eric Healey William D. Heatwole Geary L. Herndon, II David & Teresa Herring, M.D. Ronald Holsinger Houff Transfer, Inc. J.F. Fick, Inc. JMM Services, L.L.C. Rich Johnson Miles Cary Johnston, Jr. James V. Joyner K-5 Transportation, L.L.C. Chris S. Kincheloe Ron W. Kokel KoKo Fit Club Kenneth E. Lamb Roy F. Lambertson, III Lone Mountain Processing, Inc. William Luke M. Null Masonry Jake Magarity Ralph E. Main, Jr. Richard Mansfield, D.D.S. C. Grice Mc Mullan, Jr. Jim McCoy Mountain Forest Products Harold U. Nash Arthur H. Nash Larry E. Oder Dale & Debie Payne Pepsi Bottling Co., Inc. of Norton Clinton B. Peters Lester J. Powlen, III Garry Pruitt Brad Rhodenizer Robert Ridings Tarn M. Rosenbaum Anthony Sakowski, Jr. Select Leaf Tobacco James W. Shortt, Esq. John T. Simpson, Jr. Smith Paving Sonny Merryman, Inc. Ken Staples Randall A. Strawbridge Edward A. Strunk Barry Sullivan Wayne Thacker William Thompson Keith Thompson Mike Toney Waring J. Trible, Jr. David H. Voorhees Brent J. Walton M. Gregory Weaver Jill Webb Kenny & Jill Wilkinson Willow Landing Marina Jeff J. Wood Charles S. Yates WASHINGTON Dave Annon John T. Blatchford Phil Brand Aaron Clements Larry Clements Kevin Clements Doug Forsythe George M. Joyner Mark & Teressa Koffler Douglas A. Kuehn Rod A. McDonald William L. Neal Carl Nott James R. Olson Andrew Olson Robert Olson Rod & Val Olson Sponsor List, continued on page 28 RGS/AWS ~ 2014 Annual Report 27

30 SPONSOR LIST Sponsor List, continued from page 27 Joe Papenleur Joe Pauletto John F. Sprada Mike Stephenson Leonard Tierney Howard Wu WEST VIRGINIA Briar Patch Farm Aaron Brown Columbia Forest Products Doug Darrah Bruce & Dixie Edmond Matthew J. Edwards Robert Farance William Hagedorn James Lemons Stanley N. Masoner Park Center Sporting Goods Richard Persinger Harold L. Pickens Bill Seaman Fred & Polly Taylor Wagner Medical James Michael Weeks WISCONSIN William J. Abrahamson D.J. Aderman Advanced Promotional & Apparel Ahlborn Equipment Thomas & Nicole Aidich Allied Consulting Group Neil Anderson John Anfinson Dale W. Arenz Aspen Glo Kennels Joe Aumann Donald R. Bachleitner Robert J. Baker Richard T. Balge David & Rachel Bartz Keith Bassage William D. Becker, O.D. Thomas Bendorf Bill Bennett John L. Bennett Al F. Benson David Bertter Donald R. Betthauser Blaine Biedermann Tony & Judy Blattler Robert Blersch BMO Harris Bank NA Randy Bohon Braun Concrete Michael C. Brennenstuhl Jesse Briscoe Brown County Sportsman Club Thomas Buening Bill E. Buettner Bull s Eye Sport Shop Max Burget Burrows Lake Sports Club Inc The Cabin At Connors Lake Camp 36 Todd M. Carlson Catura s Martial Arts Central Mechanical Systems Central Wisconsin Co-op James L. Ceszyk John E. Charewicz Charter Bank Patrick D. Cherney Richard Chronquist Clover Distributing Co. Club 13 Restaurant & Lounge Compass Land Consultants Andrew E. Cook, II CoVantage Credit Union Crandon Off-Road Raceway Thomas P. Crist Randall Crocker Custom Heating & Cooling Dankar Kennels Dan s Feed Bin Jerry Dassler Larry Dassler Richard & Carol Degroot Delta Dental Dan & Hali Dessecker Jere E. Dhein Denny Dillenburg Seth E. Dizard Double M Chiropractic, D.C., C.A.C. Peter Drahn Dan Drost E.O. Johnson, Co. Richard J. Eisenmann, C.L.U. Elenco Carbide Tool Corp. Robert M. Elsbury Fairmount Minerals-WI Industrial Sand Faith Technologies Ferguson Enterprise Fifield Seed n Feed Store Figi s, Inc. The Fly Fishers Forward Financial Bank Cole Fouts Colin Fouts Fox Ridge Game Farm Gary & Joyce Frank Terry Frankland Alex Gemrich Giovanoni True Value Charles M. Glasso Jon Goldstein Greater Northern Corp Wayne & Peggy Gross Bob Hable Paul Hagemann, D.D.S. Trentan Hake Gary A. Hartson John Hasler James Hayett Robert W. Hellyer Hide-A-Way Builders Dan & Bonnie Holl Holm s Riveredge Golf Course Henry G. Horneck Gerard Hruska Ides Guides Industrial Fluid Solutions Chris Inman Jeff Jackson Jack C. Jarvis David Johnson Greg Johnson W. B. Sonny Johnson Chad Johnson Ellis Jordan.K & D Marine, L.L.C. K.L.P. Logging & Trucking, Inc. Jeff A. Kaiser Mitch Kane Jerry Karbon Doug Katzenberger Lynn A. Kirsteatter Brian Klein Joe Klein Brian D. Klockow Terry K. Knudsen Koenig s Conservation Club, Inc. Joe Korte David D. Krommenacker Charlie Kubisiak Gregg and Kathy Kuehn Al Kuitek William J. Kunde Landmark Landscapes, Inc. Andrew & Nicole Larsen Lee Ayers Jewelers Christopher J. Leffler Don Lemaster Dennis A. Liska, Jr. Dave C. Lukaszewski Eric Manske Maple Ridge Dental Robin Marohn Mattress & Bedroom Broker/R&R Flooring Jerome W. McAllister Brent K. McFarland Pat McLaughlin Robert W. Meddaugh, D.D.S. Phil Menzner Amy Merkel James Michna The Milkman, L.L.C. John Minnick Roger C. Mixter, M.D. William Moir Tom Morrell William Morris Motor Sport Marine Al Murray Chad Navis Nelson-Feller Grousin Buddies Northern Lake Services Northwoods Supper Club Daniel Novitch Haskell Noyes Tom J. O`Neill Andy Olander Robert L. Oldenburg Trevor A. Oleson O Neil, Cannon, Hollman, Dejong & Laing, S.C. Opelt Sand & Gravel Tom & Ginny Otto Michael R. Palmisano Robert Parsons Lynn F. Parsons Stephen Patoka, Jr. Peoples Bank Midwest Pete Kueber Firewood Ken Petersen R E Magnuson, Inc. Lewis Raker Dave Reardon Reed Rental Ronald Rellatz Glen W. Ringwall Jim Rocole Ross s Sport Shop & Guide Service Brian D. Ruechel Rural Insurance Richard L. Rusch, M.D. Saratoga Liquor Jim Sarkauskas Steve Sash Dave J. Schlitz John E. Schroeder James E. Schuettpelz Schuster-Campman Abstract Title Co. Tony J. Schutz Michael Schwabe David A. Schwabe Sebold Appraisal Co. Mike Senn Sentry Insurance Paul E. Seul Sheboygan Falls Consevation Club Mark Shipley Jim & Kathy Shurts Nathan D. Sielaff Sir Speedy Printing Sniteman Pharmacy Snowgoose Inc. & Dairy Queen Michael J. Specht Jill Spenningsby Spoerl Holdings, L.L.C. Bruce Sprenger SRC Services Steigerwaldt Land Services Doug Steiner Leon D. Stenz Stodola Accounting and Tax Service Stan Strub Superior Animal Hospital & Boarding Suites Superior Beverages Ltd Superior Shooters Supply Mark L. Syring James & Rose Teal Gerald Thiede Tom Dailing Design Tom Wojnowski Logging Toy Box Charters Truck Country John Trzesniewski, Sr. Nick A. Tseffos Ken & Mary Jo Tuckwell Van Ert Electric Chris Vengrowsky Douglas Wadsworth Bill Wanie Greg Wascher Timothy Wendt Karl H. Wesener Whitetail Inn Whitetails Unlimited Of Marshfield Richard Whiting Paul & Michelle Williams Williams Concrete Construction, L.L.C. Al & Sally Wisinski Wissota Sand & Gravel Robert A. Wood Wuethrich Foundation David C. Wunrow Young Plumbing Thomas P. Zapatka Troy Zickert Gary & Olivia Zimmer Karl J. Zore John Jeffrey Zuiker Mark Zuiker AMERICAN WOODCOCK SOCIETY Don Amedee Wayne Andrews Carl Beier Harry M. Brown, D.D.S. Gaylen J. Byker Cecil Graves Chevrolet GMC Don J. Dubuc Stephen H. Fletcher Great Lakes Fly Fishing Walter H. Grezaffi Ricky J. Guilbeaux David O. Higley Frederick Kimmel Matthew J. LaNasa, II Harold A. Loyacano, Jr. Theodore Nittis Michael W. Olinde Orvis of Baton Rouge John H. Paige Don Page Stephen Rene Pellessier Bas Phair Pat Porter Morvant Precast Benny Prejean J.A. Rummler Reilly C. Trahan Timmy Trahan Tom VanDeGriend Larry Visser Bruce Wojcik This list includes 2014 sponsors. If any sponsors were misnamed or otherwise overlooked, please contact RGS and AWS at editor@ ruffedgrousesociety.org so that our lists can be updated for future use. 28

31 RGS AWS Moving Forward Into 2015 James Boburka Dave Johnson Habitat Creation In 2015, the RGS and AWS biologists will continue to work with government agencies, landowners, chapters, members and volunteers across the nation to create habitat for ruffed grouse and American woodcock utilizing scientific forest management. Chapters and members will create local habitat through their hard work and dedication to the mission. RGS and AWS will be the voice of forest wildlife from the federal to local levels in regards to policy and legislation. The RGS-owned equipment continues to create habitat on the ground for the birds we love. The outreach program for forestry and wildlife professionals will offer grouse and woodcock ecology education from RGS and AWS biologists across all regions. Your dedication to RGS and AWS supports America s leaders in forest conservation. Membership Growth The RGS and AWS will strive to increase membership by advocating for healthy forests, abundant wildlife and sporting traditions across the nation in RGS and AWS regional directors will continue to provide a chapter presence, membership opportunities and new supporters from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. Society banquets and events provide the perfect venues for supporters to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hunters and conservationists. Events such as dog trials, fun shoots, hunts and youth events will reach out to those interested in celebrating our sporting traditions for future generations. Investing in members is essential, because without our members, there is no organization. Communicating Our Message The RGS and AWS will continue to be a leader in 2015 in communicating the importance of scientific forest management to members, the public, elected officials and opinion leaders. The RGS and AWS will focus attention on conveying the right message to help those groups understand the importance of active forest management through the Ruffed Grouse Society magazine, website, s, social media, RGS and AWS publications and staff communications. This includes the message that forests follow a natural cycle, that intervention is necessary to create the right scientific conditions so nature takes its course, and that active forest management is essential to keep nature in balance. If we are clear, consistent and coordinated in the way we communicate, we will be much more effective in improving the decision-making environment for creating healthy forests, abundant wildlife and preserving our sporting traditions.

32 Ruffed Grouse Society American Woodcock Society 451 McCormick Road Coraopolis, PA JOIN-RGS (toll free) Photo by Dave Veldman