BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS EMERITI HEADQUARTERS STAFF CONSERVATION POLICY BIOLOGISTS DEVELOPMENT MEMBER RELATIONS & OUTREACH REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Transcription

1

2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS TERRY WILSON...Chair DAVID MOORE...Vice Chair GEORGE RICH...Treasurer TRACY T. LARSEN...Secretary JAMES H. OLIVER...Immediate Past Chair JOE BYERS GAYLEN J. BYKER JOE (LEON H.) CHANDLER, M.D. JAMES HAYETT D. WAYNE JACOBSON, JR. WILLIAM KRAZINSKI DAVID KURITZKY W. STEPHEN MARITZ SHANE T. MENGEL BRIAN SMITH 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 KIM SWISHER...Manager, Accounting ALISON KELLEY...Banquet Communications & Graphic Design DAVE WILHELM...Shipping & Receiving DIANNE WHETSELL...Senior Coordinator, Membership Services SETH HEASLEY...Digital Media & Marketing NICOLE EDWARDS...Project Services Coordinator BRENDA DONEGAN...Accountant, Payables/Receivables, Property & Equipment MATT SOBERG...Editor & Director of Communications CONSERVATION POLICY DAN R. DESSECKER...Director, All States BIOLOGISTS ERIC J. ELLIS...MI, OH & IN MEADOW KOUFFELD-HANSEN...MN & Western UP of MI LINDA D. ORDIWAY, PH.D....Mid-Atlantic & Southern Appalachia SCOTT WALTER, PH.D....WI, IA & IL ANDREW P. WEIK...NY, New England, Eastern Canada & LA TED DICK...MN, MN DNR Position Partially Funded by RGS/AWS DEVELOPMENT BRUCE WOJCIK...Director, All States, Supervising Regional Director MEMBER RELATIONS & OUTREACH MARK D. FOUTS...Director, All States REGIONAL DIRECTORS Photos by Tim Flanigann DAVE HANSROTH...Central, Southcentral & Southeast PA, MD, NC, SC, VA, TN & KY DAVE SWEDE JOHNSON...WI, Western UP of MI, Twin Cities (MN), IA & IL TERRY LAMB...Eastern UP of MI, Lower Peninsula of MI NICK LARSON...MN, OR, WA, AK & LA 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 ~ 2015 Annual Report 1

3 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, 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,, 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 Th e Drummer newspaper, and the publication moves from Traverse City, Michigan to Coraopolis,. 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

4 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 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 Conservancy in partnership with the Richard King Mellon Foundation purchases 2,300 acres of land in Somerset County,. 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, with potential new opportunities to create habitat on additional future lands 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 strategic communications plan including the new tagline: Healthy Forests, Abundant Wildlife, Sporting Traditions. Following RGS Amicus Curia brief, the Supreme Court reversed the 9th Circuit Court decision, one that was potentially harmful to future of forest management. Gary Zimmer, RGS coordinating biologist, was appointed to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. RGS received Richard King Mellon Foundation grant to improve information technology. RGS increases membership by six percent through new member drive RGS creates the American Woodcock Society to expand forest habitat efforts and hunting opportunities to new landscapes across the nation. Dan Dessecker, RGS director of conservation policy, was reappointed to the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule Committee (FACA) to provide guidance to the Secretary of Agriculture and Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.RGS took a lead in the planning process for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina. RGS partnered with the Michigan DNR to create the GEMS program (Grouse Enhanced Management Systems). RGS and AWS participated in the new satellite woodcock migration research performed through the USGS S and USFWS. RGS National Board of Directors ~ Presidentsents 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 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 James H. Oliver 2015 Current Terry Wilson RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 3

5 2015 HIGHLIGHTS The Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society made significant strides in 2015 toward enhancing habitat and hunting opportunities. where he served as the upland wildlife ecologist and farm bill coordinator from 2011 through He has his master s and doctorate degrees in wildlife ecology from the University of Wisconsin. RGS PETITIONS USFS TO SUSTAIN YOUNG FOREST HABITAT RGS filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service due to the consistent failure to provide the young forest habitat required by the ruffed grouse, American woodcock, golden-winged warbler and other game and nongame species on national forests throughout the eastern United States. National forests in Regions 8 and 9 have failed to meet their own minimum goals for young forests habitats, which has contributed to substantial declines in populations of game and nongame wildlife that depend on these habitats. According to the Petition, the failure of the U.S. Forest Service to sustain young forest habitats sufficient to support viable populations of ruffed grouse and other wildlife is a clear violation of regulations promulgated under the National Forest Management Act. This legal challenge requires response to the Petition from the U.S. Forest Service, and RGS will be monitoring the response and outcomes in NEW BIOLOGISTS HIRED FOR WESTERN GREAT LAKES RGS and AWS hired new regional wildlife biologists in Meadow Kouffeld-Hansen for Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Scott Walter for Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Kouffeld-Hansen joined RGS and AWS from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources where she worked as an assistant area wildlife manager and wildlife habitat contracts administrator. She attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where she earned her master s degree in wildlife ecology and management and was given an excellent opportunity to study ruffed grouse habitat selection in northcentral Minnesota. Walter joined from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources NEW STAFF POSITIONS: DEVELOPMENT, MEMBER RELATIONS & OUTREACH RGS and AWS announced the creation of new staff positions focused on development and member relations/ outreach tasked to help preserve our sporting traditions through fundraising development and a new hunter mentor program. Effective January 2015, Bruce Wojcik transitioned from his position as RGS supervising regional director to the new position of director of development, while Regional Director Mark Fouts will assume a new role of director of member relations and outreach. In his new position, Wojcik will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy for RGS and AWS and oversee and execute both capital campaigns and ongoing fundraising efforts including direct mail, special events, monthly giving and major gifts. As director of member relations and outreach, Fouts will be responsible for developing and implementing plans for a broad range of programs and events including the New Hunter Mentor Program for youth, women, young adults, veterans and older adults. RGS SUPPORTS GULLION DATA RECOVERY RGS members raised $70,000 to support the Gullion Data Recovery Project, an effort to preserve Gordon W. Gullion s ruffed grouse research data, essential information for the future study of ruffed grouse ecology and forest management. RGS President & CEO John Eichinger presented a check to researchers Kent 4

6 Montgomery, natural resources instructor from Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota, Frank Svoboda, from Svoboda Ecological Resources of Hutchinson, Minnesota and Gullion s daughters Rebecca Gullion Lindquist and Anne Gullion at the 34th Annual RGS National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on October 8, Gullion had amassed over 69,000 individual records on hard-copy data forms that had deteriorated to the point that if not soon converted through digital preservation, the information could be lost. Montgomery will coordinate the recovery project through Central Lakes College. The RGS donation will act as a match to a LCCMR grant that will provide necessary funding for completion which is scheduled for NGWH RESULTS RGS held its 34th Annual National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt in October 2015 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota with harvest results obtained by RGS wildlife biologists. Participating hunters (102) harvested 149 ruffed grouse during the two-day hunt with each hunter harvesting an average of 0.73 grouse-per-hunter, per day, which was the second lowest total on record. Based upon calculated results, the index to reproductive success was 40 percent below the long-term mean, which meant there were few young birds in the current population. For woodcock, hunters harvested 357 American woodcock (averaging 1.7 woodcock per day) which is similar to the long-term average. Based upon calculated results, the index to reproductive success was 20 percent below the long-term average. Leaf cover was heavier than normal and may have affected hunting conditions in the southern hunt areas. RGS SUPPORTS NEW GREAT LAKES HABITAT EFFORT RGS and AWS partnered in a large forest management and habitat conservation effort that will target improvements on approximately 64,000 acres of key habitat in the Great Lakes states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. This $10 million, tri-state project is part of a new Regional Conservation Partnership Program announced January 15, 2015 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the oversight of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The project will be managed in partnership between NRCS and the American Bird Conservancy and is complemented by work being conducted on public lands by approximately 25 partners including RGS and AWS. RGS SUPPORTS MINNESOTA TRAPPING LEGISLATION The RGS voiced support for proposed legislation designed to safeguard Minnesota s trapping heritage, while at the same time addressing concerns over the loss of hunting dogs and companion animals to certain body-gripping traps in 2015 and will monitor the legislation into The proposed legislation would require that trappers set traps in manners that would decrease the likelihood that non-target animals, such as dogs, would be caught and harmed. WOODCOCK MANAGEMENT AREA DEDICATED IN PENNSYLVANIA RGS and AWS recently dedicated the Bill Goudy Woodcock Management Area in memory of William H. Bill Goudy ( ) on State Game Lands 82 near Meyersdale, on June 8, William H. Bill Goudy was an American woodcock biologist who worked for conservation agencies in Michigan and West Virginia and RGS from 1984 through RGS RECEIVES APEX AWARDS RGS was privileged to receive multiple 2015 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence for the fifth consecutive year. The honor includes a prestigious Grand Award for the Ruffed Grouse Society magazine and an Award of Excellence for the 2013 Ruffed Grouse Society Annual Report (published in 2014). Photo by Tim Flanigan RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 5

7 Photo by Tim Flanigan Photo by Dave Veldman HEALTHY FORESTS Photo by Tim Flanigan 6

8 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 2015 $2,021,832 Total habitat project funding for 2015 through all sources $1,564,850 Raised matching funds for habitat projects $218,792 Dedicated for habitat projects from regional Drummer Funds 80 Drummer Fund projects for grouse/woodcock habitat, education and research >30,897 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS and AWS programs Historical Total $4,366,643 Dedicated Drummer Funds for grouse/woodcock habitat projects 751 Overall grouse/woodcock Drummer Fund projects 528,961 Habitat acres enhanced directly by RGS and AWS programs Photo by Dave Veldman Healthy Forests, continued on page 8 RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 7

9 Healthy Forests, continued from page 7 REGIONAL HABITAT HIGHLIGHTS EASTERN GREAT LAKES Regional Wildlife Biologist and Grant Writer Eric Ellis $3 11 Drummer Fund Projects 741 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS and AWS programs $38,887 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 2015 was a busy year for grant writing, project implementation, outreach and advocacy for young forest in the Eastern Great Lakes (EGL) region. The EGL biologist authored or co-authored eight grant proposals bringing in a total of $233,190 to use for young forest restoration work. One of the approved grants was from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Habitat Program. This grant will cover the first phase of a multi-year joint RGS and Huron Manistee National Forest project that will cut non-commercial stands of aging aspen and plant fruit/nut bearing trees and shrubs on 750 acres of the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. The previous year s Wildlife Habitat Grant was completed resulting in the restoration and improvement of 161 acres of young forest habitat on state forest property. The region also had the first annual Habitat Blitz where 5,000 trees and shrubs were distributed to 14 RGS chapters in Michigan and planted during 17 volunteer workdays on public property. A total of 11 Drummer Fund projects were funded in the region directly improving 319 acres of public land habitat and supported the groundbreaking Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment in Indiana for the third year running. While the habitat work generally gets the most direct attention, considerable time was spent out of the woods and in offices, meeting rooms and the halls of state legislatures in defense of young forest habitat and wildlife. Comments were submitted on state and federal projects related to young forests including all State of Michigan compartment reviews and national forest projects in the region. Many key pieces of legislation were monitored, and RGS staff contacted or met with legislators on issues related to young forest management including several important bills on ORV access and land management in Michigan (SB 39 and 206) and a bill in Indiana that would eliminate timber harvest and active habitat management on 20 percent of all state forests. RGS assisted all states in the region during their State Wildlife Action Plan updating process ensuring that young forest species were represented and included in these important plans which funnel federal dollars to habitat work. In Michigan, this led to young forests being named a priority habitat for the state. Finally, RGS continued to spread the word on the need for young forest habitat and the species that depend on it at dozens of banquets, conferences, during a Michigan NPR story and at field tours throughout the region. MID-ATLANTIC AND SOUTHERN APPALACHIA Regional Wildlife Biologist Dr. Linda Ordiway $64,000 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 11 Drummer Fund Projects 4,916 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS and AWS programs The Maryland DNR and RGS continue to work together in the McKee-Beshers Young Forest Habitat Project located near Poolesville, Maryland. American woodcock is the focal management species, but the location of this wildlife management area is critical for many migratory songbirds which will benefit from the hedgerow management and native shrub plantings being established. Continued RGS Potomac Valley Chapter member (Frederick area), Maryland DNR and the Bethesda Chevy Chase Chapter Izaak Walton League support has allowed this project to grow bringing with it high expectations for Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest Plan Revision in western North Carolina is proceeding with continued amazing involvement of RGS members. Many of our members have assumed leadership roles in stakeholder collaborative groups designed to assist the Forest Service in drafting a plan best suited to the interests of the users of our national forests. Without the commitment from those members our message could have potentially been lessened by those with opposing views of management. The Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia DNR and West Virginia Division of Forestry have made a commitment to creating early successional habitat with the assistance of RGS. RGS will continue to work with the Greenbrier District wildlife biologist, the Division of Forestry Land Manager and West Virginia DNR Wildlife Manager in expanding their efforts in management to sustain viable populations of grouse and woodcock within these federal lands and nearby state forest lands. Work has included management in grazing allotments, riparian restoration, establishing cutback borders and various timber harvesting systems. This is a very progressive group of partners and RGS intends to further assist them and strengthen our partnership role in The Charles City, Virginia American Woodcock Habitat Project initiated on Chickahominy WMA is supported by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, RGS State Drummer Fund grant, National Wild Turkey Federation and co-sponsored by the James River (Richmond area) and Rappahannock (Fredericksburg area) RGS Chapters with technical assistance from the Wildlife Management Institute. Education and outreach to local elementary schools and Audubon Society on woodcock including viewing the skydance and monitoring singing grounds will be part of this project also. Chapters come together to fund Weiser State Forest grouse management project. South Mountain (Lancaster area) and Cumberland Valley (Carlisle area) RGS Chapters have both contributed a substantial amount of funds to assist the Bureau of Forestry in a habitat management project designed to enhance nest site availability and nesting 8

10 success. The Taylorsville tract is located on the border of Northumberland and Schuylkill Counties near the town of Taylorville. This is a great example of working together and the benefit of having second events to support habitat enhancement and creation. RGS provided research support for evaluating the presence and potential impacts of West Nile Virus on ruffed grouse populations in. This study is directed by the Game Commission. Many of our members assisted in the location of grouse nests for collection and subsequent transport for rearing and inoculation of the virus to determine survivability and establish a finger print for identifying the presence of the virus in harvested birds through hunter collected blood samples. Findings are preliminary and we anticipate full results later in RGS has also participated in providing the mailing for requested grouse wings and tail feathers to assist in a more thorough population sampling of harvested birds. The return of the envelopes to the Game Commission has been in record numbers (300+). MINNESOTA Regional Wildlife Biologist Meadow Kouffeld-Hansen MN DNR Forest Game Bird Coordinator Ted Dick (MN DNR position partially funded by RGS) $45,900 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 7 Drummer Fund Projects 16,908 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS and AWS programs In Minnesota, Drummer Funds went to work on a wide range of habitat management and infrastructure improvement projects in The Society Drummer Funds directly paid for the development of new hunter walking trails as well as maintenance and improvement of existing hunter walking trail systems. In addition, the Society has contributed to CPL continued buckthorn removal projects and other habitat improvement. RGS continues to be a major sponsor of the $150,000 Conservation Partners Legacy Grant (CPL) project to remove buckthorn in Pine, Carlton and St. Louis Counties and in 2015 completed another CPL invasive species removal project in Mille Lacs, Kanabec and Isanti Counties. As an effort to meld educational opportunities as well as improve grouse and woodcock hunting in Minnesota the RGS purchased equipment for the Vermilion Community College Natural Resources Department as part of a 10-year agreement. In exchange for the equipment a decade worth of natural resources students will plan, develop and maintain a series of hunter walking trails in the immediate Ely, Minnesota area. The Echo Lake Hunter Walking Trail was the first such trail developed, and it was completed by September This collaboration between the RGS, VCC and the Minnesota DNR is a step in the right direction for future of grouse and woodcock hunting in northern Minnesota. There are big things to come in 2016 including partnerships on large grants with other conservation organizations like the American Bird Conservancy and Minnesota Deer Hunter s Association (MDHA). One example of this type of cooperative project is the MDHA/RGS proposal to acquire forestland through the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council grants program. This 5.35 million-dollar proposal has passed through the Council and is awaiting final legislative approval. Upon final approval, the groups would acquire 1,000s of acres of available timber company property ensuring that it stay open to public hunting while providing healthy forest habitat. RGS in Minnesota continues to offer training in young forest management to logging industry professionals and resource managers. In 2015, RGS participated in, or provided materials and presentations to, workshops in Aitkin, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Two Harbors, Ely and Rochester, reaching more than 180 professionals. NEW ENGLAND Regional Wildlife Biologist Andrew Weik $2,250 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 12 Drummer Fund Projects 2,375 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS and AWS programs Three Drummer Fund projects were completed this year in Vermont and a fourth is in progress. Last January, the state te of Vermont completed work on the Whitney Creek WMA; two Vermont Drummer Fund projects were completed this summer mer creation of brood habitat ( wildlife opening ) on the Plymsbury WMA and apple tree releases and brood opening reclamation on the Steam Mill Brook WMA. Work commenced this fall at the Groton State Forest to improve woodcock night roost, singing grounds and diurnal habitat. Last winter the Massachusetts Division of Wildlife completed a significant young forest habitat project on which RGS provided consultation on the Farmington River WMA in western Massachusetts. This winter RGS has committed $7,500 to facilitate a timber harvest and apple tree release on the Fox Den WMA in western Massachusetts. RGS and the Division of Wildlife are working on a memorandum of understanding to jointly further a Young Forest Initiative in the state of Massachusetts. RGS has committed $444 of state Drummer Funds to support a 30-acre habitat project on Pease Brook WMA in Colchester, Connecticut. RGS also supported a successful proposal by the Connecticut DEEP for a public hunting access grant to open up 9,000 acres of private land to public hunting. In New Hampshire, RGS continued to support the Fish and Game Department s grouse wing and tail survey and again collaborated on the popular grouse and woodcock hunting workshop at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center; RGS is working with New Hampshire Fish and Game on a grouse and woodcock habitat demonstration area at the Owl Brook facility and has pledged to provide interpretive signs for the site. In June 2015, RGS collaborated with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and NRCS to present a landowners and foresters workshop on grouse habitat/young forest management hosted by landowner Fred Ernst in Acworth, New Hampshire. Building on our success last year assisting the State of Rhode Island with a large timber harvest on Nicholas Farm WMA in western Rhode Island, RGS/AWS signed a memorandum of understanding with the State, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Management Institute to create 400 additional acres of young forest on Nicholas Farm WMA over the next 10 years. Healthy Forests, continued on page 10 RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 9

11 Healthy Forests, continued from page 9 Photo by Bill Marchel In Maine, RGS/AWS continued to partner with the Downeast Lakes Land Trust on habitat acquisition and management planning and agreed to collaborate on a new-hunter grouse and woodcock hunting workshop in This past summer, RGS collaborated with 4-H Shooting Sports/Bryant Pond Conservation Camp and the Sebasticook Chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association in Maine and with the Drummers Leadership Academy in to introduce kids to game birds, gun dogs and hunting. Our plan is to expand to more camps in more states next year. A key component is the hands-on dissection and study of ruffed grouse and other game birds, modeled after the successful Drummers Leadership Academy. In New York, RGS/AWS helped form the New York Young Forest Initiative. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation hired 18 new foresters and wildlife biologists to implement the Initiative which has a goal of having at any point in time 10 percent of the forested portions of state WMAs in the young sapling age class (0 to 10 years old). In September, RGS/AWS held a training workshop to educate the Young Forest Initiative biologists and foresters on grouse and woodcock habitat management. RGS/AWS has dedicated a minimum of $6,000 of State Drummer Fund to aspen regeneration and apple tree release projects on Connecticut Hill and Tioughnioga WMAs. In Louisiana and Texas last winter, researchers from the USGS Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (MN CFWRU), the USGS Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (AR CFWRU) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service s Division of Migratory Bird Management (USFWS), with assistance from state agencies (Texas, Louisiana and Michigan) and RGS/AWS wildlife biologist captured 18 woodcock and fitted them with miniature satellite radio transmitters. The radio signals transmitted by the marked woodcock are received by the ARGOS satellite network and relayed back to earth and ultimately to the AR CFWRU, where graduate student Joe Moore manages and interprets the data. The transmitters are powered by electricity generated by miniature solar panels on the top of the transmitter and may last a couple of years. The research team plans to radio-mark 20 to 25 additional woodcock during fall 2015 and winter 2016 on breeding range in the upper Midwest, an important migration area in coastal New Jersey and the southern wintering grounds. Drummer Funds have been dedicated to improve woodcock habitat on any or all of the following state WMAs this winter: Yancey, Dewey Mills and Boeuf WMAs. WESTERN GREAT LAKES Regional Wildlife Biologist Dr. Scott Walter $67,755 Dedicated from regional Drummer Funds 15 Drummer Fund Projects 1,683 Habitat acres enhanced by RGS and AWS programs RGS/AWS continues to strengthen existing partnerships with USFS staff on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. As USFS staff work to develop forest management projects that emphasize the creation and enhancement of young forest habitats, RGS/AWS staff have provided guidance and insight via review of project plans. In 2015, comments were submitted on four projects that will enhance habitat for young forest wildlife on thousands of acres of national forest land. External support from RGS/AWS and other partners has been instrumental in helping USFS staff strive toward timber management goals, and RGS will remain a committed supporter of these efforts in the future. As a member of the Wisconsin State Technical Committee, RGS/AWS also works to develop and implement federal conservation policy that provides private landowners financial and technical assistance to support young forest habitat enhancement. Various Farm Bill conservation programs provide funding for forest management activities, and RGS/AWS staff work to maximize the value of these dollars for young forest wildlife. For example, 2015 saw the continuation of the NRCS Young Forest Initiative, a dedicated pool of funding targeting young forest habitats in northern Wisconsin. RGS/AWS staff will continue to collaborate with USDA staff and other partners to develop new and innovative means of engaging private forest landowners in the upper Midwest. State-owned lands also provide excellent opportunities for upland hunters, and RGS/AWS remains a committed supporter of young forest habitat management and enhanced access on state lands. In 2015, staff provided comments and attended public hearings on the Woodboro Lakes Wildlife Area Master Plan, supporting goals related to aspen and oak regeneration and also outlined significant concerns regarding a new ATV trail on this property. Staff will continue to work with our state partners to ensure that the needs of young forest wildlife and upland bird hunters are considered as property management plans are developed. RGS/ AWS also provided detailed review of Wisconsin s State Wildlife Action Plan, efforts which helped retain American woodcock as a focal conservation species in the state. This will help galvanize focus and funding behind woodcock conservation efforts, ensuring that the broad resource values associated with active forest management continue. RGS/AWS also stepped forward with funding to support a land acquisition effort along the Upper Iowa River, which will expand and connect existing Iowa DNR properties and allow forest management goals to be addressed on a landscape scale. Given that the foundation of conservation is communication, RGS/AWS also leads efforts to promote active forest management among private landowners in the state. In 2015, RGS/AWS staff coordinated a landowner workshop in Crawford County, Wisconsin. The 28 attendees own a combined 3,250 acres and received training and advice regarding how they can proactively manage these acres to promote healthy forests and a diverse wildlife community. RGS/AWS staff will continue to be on the forefront of young forest communication and outreach efforts. 10

12 RGS-OWNED HABITAT MACHINES Completed habitat management activities on more than 67 projects covering over 1,245 acres of habitat in MICHIGAN/OHIO: 2015 was another busy year for the Michigan habitat machine program. A total of five public land projects were completed on 222 acres of land. Twenty three projects were conducted on private property totaling 187 acres. The majority of projects were associated with wildlife openings maintenance with the remainder being alder restoration and invasive shrub control. New this year, we assisted with the restoration of rare oak openings habitat in northern Ohio. John Paige again volunteered hundreds of hours managing this program. John Best continues to be a reliable and skilled driver who is consistently praised by our clients. MINNESOTA: RGS donated a forestry machine to the Minnesota DNR in In 2015, that machine completed 30 miles of trail and firebreak clearing, 65 acres of brushland mowing and wildlife openings maintenance and clocked over 162 hours. PENNSYLVANIA: The RGS CAT in donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worked on 17 different projects including young forest projects at Gumboot in McKean County and at Stone Valley Woodcock Demonstration Area in Huntingdon County. It was also used in the Bald Eagle Valley and at several riparian and woodcock restoration projects in Penns Valley at Muddy Creek. This also includes use for follow-up planting projects at young forest restoration as well as riparian restoration sites. Altogether, acres were restored, most of this (319 acres) as a result of completion of the Gum Boot East tract. In addition, the machine was used on a few stream jobs totaling 5.1 miles of in-stream and stream bank restoration. VIRGINIA: The RGS CAT in Virginia donated to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries was used on the following Ranger Districts in the George Washington National Forest: Lee, North River, James River and on the Goshen-Little Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The total number of acres enhanced was 46. Most of this work involved the removal of autumn olive in openings and along edges to encourage native shrubs and woody regeneration to be established. Other activities included setting back areas within pole stands to create structural diversity within the stands. WISCONSIN: Cold winter weather during allowed RGS and AWS volunteer Mike Riggle good access to many habitat restoration projects. In 2015, Mike was able to utilize the RGS and AWS Terex machine to enhance 144 acres of early-successional cover. This included work on 16 individual projects scattered across central and northern Wisconsin. The RGS and AWS habitat machine provides an efficient and cost-effective means for both private and public land managers to accomplish important young forest habitat work. RGS FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE CONSULTANTS OUTREACH PROGRAM RGS expands habitat efforts through workshop for forestry and wildlife professionals intended to enhance young forest habitat on private lands Educated 350 professionals in Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsinsin SINCE 2013 Educated 530 professionals nationwide The Ruffed Grouse Society annually conducts workshops designed to train natural resource professionals in how to design and implement habitat management projects to benefit ruffed grouse, American woodcock and the many types of nongame wildlife that require young forest habitats. These workshops are based on the principle of teach 1 to reach 1,000. RGS targets local, state and federal natural resource agency personnel who can directly affect the management of our public forest lands, as well as independent private forestry consultants who regularly work with private forest landowners. In 2015, RGS conducted 10 of these intensive workshops in Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin. We reached over 350 professional natural resource managers with our message of the need to utilize forest habitat management, often through commercial timber sales, to help conserve forest wildlife. Although we at RGS take this simple truth for granted, it s always surprising to learn how many foresters and wildlifers don t fully grasp the relationship between forest management and wildlife conservation. Your RGS is working hard to help address this disconnect. RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 11

13 CONSERVATION POLICY A COLLECTIVE VOICE THROUGH THE DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION POLICY DAN DESSECKER AND THE COLLECTIVE VOICE OF REGIONAL WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS, REGIONAL DIRECTORS, CHAPTERS AND MEMBERS, 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. PETITION FOR RULEMAKING On April 30, 2015, your Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) dramatically elevated our efforts to work with the United States Forest Service (USFS) to benefit ruffed grouse, American woodcock, golden-winged warblers and the many other species of forest wildlife that require young forest habitats. RGS filed what is called a Petition for Rulemaking with the agency. This Petition is a legal document that in essence states that the USFS continues to fail in its legal responsibilities to meet the habitat needs of these critters. The reasons for the USFS s failure are many and varied, but in large part this failure stems from a lack of willingness on the part of the agency to do what the science clearly shows is needed - an increase in active forest management to increase the availability of young forest habitats on our national forests. The inability of national forests in the eastern United States to meet minimum goals for young forest habitats as outlined in existing forest plans has contributed to substantial declines in the populations of game and nongame wildlife that depend upon these habitats. The ruffed grouse is a popular upland game bird throughout much of the eastern United States. Ruffed grouse populations are experiencing population declines throughout the east and these declines are, in part, a result of habitat loss on our national forests and other public lands. Indeed, directly due to a lack of the necessary forest management, ruffed grouse have been functionally eliminated from the Chattahoochee (Georgia), Hoosier (Indiana) and Sumter (South Carolina) National Forests. Early successional forest habitats on national forests and other public lands are critically important to the 11 million sportsmen and women who pursue deer each year in the United States. Deer hunting is a foundation of the economy of many of our Nation s rural communities, annually contributing billions of dollars. According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries,... National Forest deer habitat can be considered suboptimal or marginal from a deer management perspective. An assessment of white-tailed deer management in Wisconsin found that... National Forest management policy has had a dramatic impact on deer herd productivity... Many species of nongame wildlife require young forest habitats. Across the eastern United States, 59 percent of the songbird species that use these habitats for breeding are declining, while only 11 percent are increasing. Conversely, only 29 percent of the songbird species that breed in mature forest habitats are declining, while 31 percent are increasing. After almost three decades of doing everything possible to work with the USFS and help the agency substantively address the demonstrated conservation needs of wildlife of young forests, RGS had no recourse but to elevate our efforts to a legal level. We sincerely wish we were not forced to do so. But we also sincerely believe that we were compelled to do so. In November, RGS staff, Jim Hayett from our Board of Directors and our legal counsel, Ryan Woody, met with USFS personnel in Milwaukee to discuss the merits of and any possible 12

14 resolution to our Petition. Not surprisingly, the agency didn t challenge the ecological data presented in the Petition - these data are, pardon the pun... clearcut. Discussions with the agency continue to try and find a path forward that will dramatically increase the availability of young forest habitats on national forests throughout the eastern United States in a collaborative manner. CONGRESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT Although perhaps seemingly a bit schizophrenic, on June 24, 2015, the Ruffed Grouse Society co-sponsored a Congressional Sportsmen s Foundation briefing for the United States House of Representatives to enhance support for legislation that would dramatically benefit the USFS. The purpose of this briefing was to document the pressing need for language contained within the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015, legislation that would soon be voted upon by the House. The language in question would establish a streamlined planning process for projects designed to provide young forest habitats. This type of project-planning reform would enhance the ability of the USFS to meet the pressing conservation needs of wildlife dependent upon these important habitats. In July, the Resilient Federal Forests Act passed the House with bipartisan support, in part because legislators were able to equate wildlife conservation with forest management. Unfortunately, efforts to secure the passage of companion legislation in the Senate have thus far proved unsuccessful, but not for a lack of trying. On November 5, 2015, the RGS represented the forest wildlife conservation community as we testified before a full committee hearing of the United States Senate s Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. The purpose of this hearing was to outline the devastating impacts to wildlife conservation and other natural resource issues on our national forests from the cost to the USFS of wildfire suppression activities in the West. The following is taken directly from the RGS s Senate testimony: The current dedication of approximately 50 percent of the United States Forest Service (USFS) budget to combat these natural disasters is significantly affecting the ability of the agency to meet wildlife-related and other forest plan objectives and public expectations. Common-sense solutions, such as targeted categorical exclusions, to redundant project planning requirements are essential. Likewise, fiscally responsible funding protocols to ease the financial burden on the USFS and other federal land management Senator Pat Roberts (KS), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, asks questions regarding the effect of budgetary decisions on young forest wildlife. RGS Director of Conservation Policy Dan Dessecker testifies in Congress to identify the impacts to natural resources on our national forests from the ever-increasing costs of wildfire suppression in the western United States. agencies from wildfire suppression costs would enhance the ability of these agencies to succeed in their efforts to conserve our nation s wildlife and secure our nation s hunting heritage. We must work to increase the diversity of forest wildlife habitats on our national forests across the nation. National forests in the eastern United States have consistently failed to meet minimum goals for young forest and other early successional habitats as outlined in existing forest plans. National forests throughout the East have accomplished on average only 24 percent of the minimum forest plan goals for young forest habitats. This failure has resulted in substantial declines in populations of game and nongame wildlife that depend upon these important habitats. This failure is in part a result of wildfire-related demands on USFS financial and personnel resources. These demands can limit the ability of the agency to implement the sustainable timber harvests and other forest habitat management practices that are required to ensure that young forest habitats and the wildlife they support remain viable components of our forest landscapes. As noted above, 2015 was a busy year for RGS as we increased our efforts to more effectively promote the interests of our members for whom we speak and the interests of wildlife of young forests that can t speak for themselves. RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 13

15 COMMUNICATIONS HIGHLIGHTS STAFF AND MEMBERS CONSISTENTLY COMMUNICATE CORE VALUES: HEALTHY FORESTS ~ ABUNDANT WILDLIFE ~ SPORTING TRADITIONS Consistent, frequent and targeted communications are essential to: 1. INFORM AND ENGAGE MEMBERS 2. EDUCATE THE PUBLIC STAFF AND MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS The most impactful communications method for RGS and AWS is the voice and advocacy from our staff and members. Staff biologists are well respected and are the go-to voice for forest management from the national to local levels. When called upon to affect young forest legislation or policy nationwide, RGS and AWS members are an essential asset that yield proven results. Th a n k y o u for your efforts in preserving our sporting traditions by advocating for young forests across North America. THE RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY MAGAZINE Th e Ruffed Grouse Society magazine continues to be a key tool for informing, engaging and educating members on RGS and AWS habitat programs, news, events and recruitment initiatives. The magazine models the tagline by featuring classic articles promoting our sporting traditions, articles from our biologists on scientific forest management, news from the organization and information from our chapters, members and volunteers. The publication won the prestigious 2015 GRAND APEX Award for Publication Excellence (top 3.5 percent of all publication applicants). 14

16 2015 GROUSE CAMP TOUR RGS and AWS staff traveled the Western Great Lakes region in October during the 2015 Grouse Camp Tour celebrating members, habitat and the grouse camp experience. Starting in Minnesota and ending in Michigan, staff visited members and biologists documenting travels, interviews and hunting in real-time on various digital media channels, including the RGS website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. The Tour gained membership through a dedicated membership drive, increased analytics online and social media and helped RGS and AWS celebrate our mission impact, members and volunteers with content for the next generation of grouse and woodcock hunters. Grand Rapids Minnesota Ironwood Michigan Hackensack Minnesota Superior Wisconsin Prentice Wisconsin Gaylord Michigan Lower Peninsula DIGITAL MEDIA social media and communications RGS and AWS focused on the importance of a digital media communications in 2015 by hiring a digital media and marketing specialist to focus on updating the RGS and AWS website and maintain social media channels among other duties including video and brand marketing. The website and social analytics are ever-increasing, and RGS and AWS staff are mining the analytics to develop appropriate target marketing/ communications campaigns % Increase in Users 23% Increase in Views SINCE % Increase in Users 36% Increase in Views SOCIAL MEDIA SINCE 2013 >20,000 Increase in Facebook followers >227,786 Increase in Facebook video views >3,000 Increase in Instagram followers >45,500 Increase in YouTube video views RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 15

17 MEMBERSHIP Chapters, Banquets and Events RGS AND AWS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED SUPPORT FOR HAB- ITAT AND HUNTING IN 2015 THROUGH THE HARD WORK AND OUTREACH EFFORTS OF MEMBERS AND STAFF, THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE AMERICAN WOODCOCK SOCIETY, MEMBERSHIP DRIVES AND COMMUNICATIONS. BANQUETS 95 RGS & AWS Banquets held in 2015 EVENTS >190 Total RGS & AWS Banquets and Ancillary Events held in 2015 RGS MEMBERSHIP 7% Increase in Life Sponsors 1,463 Banquet Sponsors 272 Centurion Members AWS MEMBERSHIP >200% Increase in Life Sponsors 30 Banquet Sponsors 15 Centurion Members 16

18 RGS & AWS NEW HUNTER MENTOR PROGRAM BE SAFE, BE SMART, BE YOURSELF In 2015, the RGS and AWS launched the New Hunter Mentor Program, an innovative outreach initiative focused on educating and influencing new hunters including youth, women, young adults, veterans and older adults. The Program includes an educational component taught over multiple days that includes the following curriculum: 1) Gun Safety & Marksmanship, Shooting 2) Dog Handling & Care 3) Field Skills & Habitat Awareness, Mapping 4) Mentor Hunting Experience Attendees that pass each level receive a patch and are able to attend the mentor hunt to complete the program. We are looking for volunteers! Become a Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for your Chapter! Contact: Mark Fouts RGS & AWS Director of Member Relations and Outreach (715) MarkF@RuffedGrouseSociety.org RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 17

19 2015 BANQUET/ EVENT ACTIVITY RGS and AWS held numerous banquets and other fundraising events throughout 2015, and the results are found below: 2015 BANQUETS BY NET REVENUE CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET REVENUE 1 Pittsburgh, PA Greater Pittsburgh Area $71,886 2 Chicago, IL T. Stanton Armour $39,536 3 Grand Rapids, MN Grand Rapids MN $35,334 4 Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI $33,718 5 Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior $32,601 6 St. Cloud, MN West Central MN $32,289 7 Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River $30,941 8 Greensburg, PAWestern Allegheny $28,019 9 Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein $25, Twin Cities, MN Twin Cities, MN $23, Burlington, VT Green Mountain $22, Anchorage, AK South Central Alaska $22, Media, PA Delaware Valley $21, Altoona, PA Thunderbird $20, Prescott, WI Missi-Croix $19, Ironwood, MI Superior $19, Frederick, MD Potomac Valley $18, Warroad, MN Lake of the Woods $18, Traverse City, MI LeGrand Traverse $17, Reading, PA Charles E. Bechtel $17, Cambridge, MN Rum River $17, Gaylord, MI Jim Foote $15, Imlay City, MI Robert J. Lytle $14, Petoskey, MI Al Litzenburger $14, Sheboygan, WI Lake Shore $13, Eagle River, WI Chain O Lakes $13, Ely, MN Crazy Flight $13, Atlanta, GA Georgia $13, Park Falls, WI Flambeau River $13, Staunton, VA H.C. Edwards $13, Washington, PA Covered Bridge $12, Hadley, MA Western Massachusetts $12, Hackensack, MN Deep Portage $12, Saginaw, MI Saginaw Valley $12, Green Bay, WI Northeastern WI $11, Oakland, MD Backbone Mountain $11, Richmond, VA James River $11, Fredericksburg, VA Rappahannock $11, Marietta, OH Ohio Valley $10, International Falls, MN Voyageur $10, Muskegon, MI W. MI Lakeshore $10, Kalamazoo, MI Southwestern $10, Seattle, WA Washington $10, Carlisle, PA Cumberland Valley $10, Kingston, NY Mid-Hudson Valley $10, Stevens Point, WI Golden Sands $9, Syracuse, NY Central New York $9, Lewisburg, WV Highland Drummer $9, Marshfield, WI West Central WI $9, Aitkin, MN Aitkin Area $9, Augusta, ME Burton L. Spiller $9, Crystal Falls, MI North Woods $9, St. Ignace, MI Eastern UP $9, Blackduck, MN Blackduck $9, Asheville, NC Southern Appalachian $8, Muscoda, WI Southwest WI $8, Flint, MI Keith Davis Roger Moore $8, Baton Rouge, LA Becasse AWS $8, Brainerd, MN Drumming Log $8, Elmira, NY Triple Flush $7, Bristol, VA Appalachian Highlands $7, Bangor, ME Central Maine $7, Sussex, NJ Skylands $7, Lansing, MI Andy Ammann $7, Cadillac, MI Highlands $6, Allentown, PA Lehigh Valley $6, Erie/Meadville, PA French Creek Valley $6, Marinette, WI Marinette County $6, St. Clairsville, OH Upper Ohio Valley $6, Dubois, PA Bonasa $6, Middlefield, OH Northern Ohio AWS $6, Athens, OH Hocking River Valley $6, New Wilmington, PA Neshannock Creek $5, Worcester, MA William Harnden Foster $5, Hayward, WI Wilderness Wings $5, Wausau, WI Rib Mountain $5, Dubuque, IA Iowa $5, Franklin, PA Allegheny Northwoods $5, Madison, WI John M. Keener $5, Grand Marais, MN North Shore $4, Indianapolis, IN Indiana $4, Warren, MI Lakeside $4, State College, PA Red Brush $4, Detroit, MI Southeast MI $3, Alpena, MI Thunder Bay $3, Jackson, MI Lower Central Mitten $3, Greenville, SC Southern Mountains $3, Hartford, CT Nutmeg $3, Bemidji, MN Northcentral $3, Kane, PA Allegheny $3, S. Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein $2, Malone, NY North Country $2, West Branch, MI North Central MI $1, Wilkes-Barre, PA Northeastern PA $1, Virginia, MN David Salsman <$1,000

20 2015 BANQUETS BY INCREASE IN NET REVENUE (TOP 25) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME INCREASE IN NET REVENUE 1 St. Cloud, MN West Central MN $7,942 2 Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI $6,907 3 Imlay City, MI Robert J. Lytle $6,369 4 Petoskey, MI Al Litzenburger $6,019 5 Park Falls, WI Flambeau River $5,177 6 Asheville, NC Southern Appalachian $3,969 7 Kalamazoo, MI Southwestern MI $3,849 8 Ely, MN Crazy Flight $3,759 9 Atlanta, GA Georgia $3, Jackson, MI South Central MI $3, Seattle, WA Washington $3, Hayward, WI Wilderness Wings $2, Hadley, MA Western Massachusetts $2, Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River $2, Warren, MI Lakeside $2, Athens, OH Hocking River Valley $2, Muskegon, MI W. MI Lakeshore $2, Burlington, VT Green Mountain $2, Eagle River, WI Chain O Lakes $2, Ironwood, MI Superior $1, Alpena, MI Thunder Bay $1, Muscoda, WI Southwest WI $1, Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior $1, Madison, WI John M. Keener $1, Crystal Falls, MI North Woods $1, BANQUETS BY NET TO GROSS (%) (TOP 25) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET TO GROSS 1 Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River 72.1% 2 Greensburg, PA Western Allegheny 69.3% 3 Grand Rapids, MN Grand Rapids MN 67.8% 4 Alpena, MI Thunder Bay 67.5% 5 Erie/Meadville, PA French Creek Valley 65.8% 6 Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior 65.2% 7 Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein 64.2% 8 Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI 63.3% 9 Bangor, ME Central Maine 63.1% 10 Athens, OH Hocking River Valley 62.1% 11 St. Clairsville, OH Upper Ohio Valley 60.7% 12 Prescott, WI Missi-Croix 59.8% 13 Augusta, ME Burton L. Spiller 59.3% 14 Frederick, MD Potomac Valley 58.8% 15 Cambridge, MN Rum River 58.3% 16 Elmira, NY Triple Flush 58.3% 17 St. Cloud, MN West Central MN 57.5% 18 Marietta, OH Ohio Valley 57.4% 19 Reading, PA Charles E. Bechtel 56.6% 20 Pittsburgh, PA Greater Pittsburgh Area 56.3% 21 Kalamazoo, MI Southwestern MI 56.1% 22 Indianapolis, IN Indiana 55.1% 23 Burlington, VT Green Mountain 55.0% 24 Eagle River, WI Chain O Lakes 53.1% 25 Washington, PA Covered Bridge 52.9% 2015 BANQUETS BY INCOME-PER-PERSON (TOP 25) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET / PERSON 1 Chicago, IL T. Stanton Armour $304 2 St. Cloud, MN West Central MN $248 3 Fredericksburg, VA Rappahannock $229 4 Washington, PA Covered Bridge $213 5 Milwaukee, WI David V. Uihlein $213 6 Grand Rapids, MN Grand Rapids MN $208 7 Pittsburgh, PA Greater Pittsburgh Area $199 8 Duluth, MN Duluth/Superior $196 9 Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids MI $ Reading, PA Charles E. Bechtel $ Crandon, WI Nicolet Wild River $ Prescott, WI Missi-Croix $ Greensburg, PA Western Allegheny $ Atlanta, GA Georgia $ Cambridge, MN Rum River $ Burlington, VT Green Mountain $ Crystal Falls, MI North Woods $ Frederick, MD Potomac Valley $ Erie/Meadville, PA Frech Creek Valley $ Ironwood, MI Superior $ Blackduck, MN Blackduck $ St. Clairsville, OH Upper Ohio Valley $ Hayward, WI Wilderness Wings $ Warroad, MN Lake of the Woods $ Kingston, NY Mid-Hudson Valley $ SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS BY NET REVENUE (TOP 25) CITY, STATE CHAPTER NAME NET REVENUE 1 National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt Grand Rapids, MN $177,257 2 New York City Dinner New York, NY $54,705 3 George Rich Shoot Whitehall, MD $19,122 4 PA Upland Bird Hunt Kersey, PA $18,738 5 Weekend at Nemacolin Farmington, PA $16,113 6 Woodcock Challenge Gaylord, MI $16,730 7 NY Grouse & Woodcock Hunt Malone, NY $11,723 8 Griskevich Memorial Shoot Mapleville, RI $7,633 9 Addieville Shoot Mapleville, RI $6, Spirits for Wild Game Cincinnati, OH $6, Lancaster Shoot Lancaster, PA $4, Wilkes Barre Shoot Wilkes Barre, PA $3, Wausau Hunt for Habitat Tomahawk, WI $3, Dunbar Shoot Dunbar, WI $2, Banff Film Festival Eau Claire, WI $2, Woods n Water Booth Imlay City, MI $2, Georgia Fun Shoot Atlanta, GA $2, Washington Shoot Washington, PA $2, Cabin at Connors Lake Dinner Winter, WI $1, Cambridge Shoot Cambridge, MN $1, Franklin Shoot Franklin, PA $1, Middlefield Shoot Middlefield, OH $1, Indianapolis Shoot Indiana, IN $1, Imlay City Shoot Imlay City, MI $1, Wilkes Barre Dinner Wilkes Barre, PA $995 RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 19

21 FINANCIAL INFORMATIONN 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 MEMBERSHIP...$650 PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS...1,429 BANQUETS & OTHER EVENTS...2,377 PROGRAM REVENUE ADVERTISING & OTHER INCOME TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE...$5,101 SOURCES OF SUPPORT & REVENUE BANQUET & OTHER EVENTS 47 % PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS 28 % OPERATIONAL EXPENSES PROGRAM SERVICES...$4,561 ADMINISTRATION FUNDRAISING...35 TOTAL OPERATIONAL EXPENSES...$5,148 SUPPORT & REVENUE LESS EXPENSES...$ 47 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (000 S) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS...$7,229 LONG TERM ASSETS...41 FIXED ASSETS OTHER ASSETS...65 TOTAL ASSETS...$7,945 PROGRAM REVENUE 8 % WHERE YOUR RGS AND AWS DOLLAR GOES MEMBERSHIPS 13 % ADVERTISING & OTHER INCOME 4 % ADMINISTRATION 10.7 % LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES...$1,750 LONG TERM LIABILITIES...0 TOTAL LIABILITIES...$1,750 FUND BALANCE RETAINED...$6,242 CURRENT TOTAL FUND BALANCE...$6,195 TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE...$7,945 PROGRAM SERVICES 86.8 % FUNDRAISING 0.7 % 20

22 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 and AWS mission. GULLION CIRCLE GOLDEN ASPEN RING, SILVER BIRCH RING & BRONZE MAPLE RING 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 and Bronze Maple Ring recognize those who have contributed $25,000 or more to the Ruffed Grouse Society. Th e Gullion Circle $250,000 or more; Golden Aspen Ring $100,000; Silver Birch Ring $50,000; and Bronze Maple Ring $25,000. GULLION CIRCLE Gaylen Byker Suzanne Dixon Edwin Gott, Jr. Joe Irwin Denis Karnosky Gary T. Martin Nestle Purina Petcare Co. James H. Oliver Perkins Charitable Foundation Stephen Quill R. K. Mellon Family Foundation Richard King Mellon Foundation Scotty Searle Mrs. William L. Searle The Searle Family Trust David V. Uihlein Foundation Terry Wilson, Ugly Dog Hunting GOLD ASPEN RING James L. Jurries Johnson Timber Corp. Gunnar, Louise & Rebeka Klarr The Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation MeadWestvaco Corp. Bruce Ogle John C. Oliver David Perkins Orvis-Perkins Foundation George S. Rich David D. Sandstrom Elizabeth, Allan & Warren Shelden Foundation 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. John & Carolynn Loacker W. Stephen Maritz David L. Moore Morton Family Foundation John H. Mullin, III Alan Rheinschmidt S. Kent Rockwell Foundation Betsy Searle William W. Shelden, Jr 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 Adrian B. Ryan, M.D. Duane Sather Harold J. Schneider, Sr. S. Bruce Smart, Jr. Stevens Engineers and Constructors, Inc. Joseph F. Toot, Jr. The White Pine Fund Thomas S. Word, Jr. George J. Wordingham Paul Zelisko RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 21

23 RGS LIFE SPONSORS UNITED STATES AND CANADA $10,000 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP 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 ARKANSAS 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 Randy Hicks Lawrence S. Katz Curtis Marks Gary T. Martin Todd M. Ryan David C. Wahl GEORGIA Michael E. Dickens M. Richard Phillips Curtis G. Werner ILLINOIS Jean Armour Timothy Ian Bates Joe (Jamie) Byers Buckley Byers Caterpillar, Inc. JohnA. Clemetsen Thomas W. Dew, III Suzanne Dixon James W. Dominik Russell & Christina Fisher David Keller John & Suzanne Leonard Barry MacLean Damon Marano 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 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. Stursa Equipment Co. Ltd Kenneth M. Stuzin Johannes Byker Visser Joel F. Visser David R. Wilmerding, III MASSACUSETTS William G. Curtis, V Jonathan Ennis Robert J. Hare Anthony R. Mastromarino, Jr. Stephen B. Quill Stephen F. Quill MICHIGAN Richard W. Barch 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 Richard Heller, II 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 John Haesler Robert Hamilton Steve Hanson Richard & Judi Huempfner D. Wayne Jacobson, Jr. D. Wayne Jacobson, Sr. Martie Jacobson Charles Johnson Mark Kiecker Sven Lindquist Kristi Matteson 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 22

24 NEW HAMPSHIRE Robert & Patricia Leipold David E. Michno NEW JERSEY Stephen H. Browne Griffin and Howe Bob Mallory Keano David Munoz NEW YORK Eric Paul Affuso 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. Brent R. Nicklas Bill Nicklin Todd Solomon Michael D. Zagata NORTH CAROLINA Chris Davis Glenn Harvey Bryan & Debbie Stutzman Bob Wendling Ken Wrangell NORTH DAKOTA Robert J. Bates, M.D. Hobson Brown, Jr. Sam W. McQuade, Jr. Leslie M. Rainwater 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 Classic Shtshell, Inc. John B. Eichinger Craig Fiedler Fish Real Estate Edwin H. Gott, Jr. Nicholas Hays Gott Habitat For Wildlife 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. Larry Souleret Walter Stoecklein Stones Throw Consulting Services Robin F. Taylor Kenneth H. Taylor, Jr. Robert Woodings 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. D. Middleton Smith, III 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 Daniel Sather Fred Stark WEST VIRGINIA Audubon Animal Clinic Brad Hall, M.D. WISCONSIN American Garage Door Co. Doug P. Baumann Geoff G. Bergauer Steve Bodenschatz Robert W. & Susan T. Brown Matthew Christy David V. Uihlein Foundation Mark Fouts Colin 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 AWS LIFE SPONSORS Alphabetical by name $10,000 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Bruce A. Bennett, Massachusetts David O. Higley, Michigan Don Matta, Minnesota James H. Oliver, California George S. Rich, Maryland Brian W. Smith, David C. Wahl, Florida Bruce Wojcik, Michigan Centurion Members List, continued on page 24 If any names were misprinted or omitted, please contact RGS and AWS at editor@ruffedgrousesociety.org. RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 23

25 RGS & AWS List, continued from page 23 RGS CENTURION MEMBERS UNITED STATES AND CANADA $1,000 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP ALASKA Richard Todd Brown Conoco Phillips Thomas J. Eley, Jr. Daniel Hall Kevin J. Kehoe John Wunsch ARIZONA Craig Foss Myron W. Gallogly CALIFORNIA David B. Lefevre Sean & Melissa McAvoy W.P. Wilkinson COLORADO Thomas Moebius CONNECTICUT Jeffrey Gardner Arthur Jay Kover Lee W. Mather Jr David Mele Richard W. Witmer, Jr. DELAWARE William K. Dupont FLORIDA David R. Ellis Victor S. Falk, III Bruce Fenn, II Mike Gebhard Jeffrey J. Koss Thomas Laituri John Socol John H. Sullivan James W. Townsend Robert Uihlein Philip Winslow GEORGIA John R. Richards ILLINOIS Russell H. Buechs Andrew Graser John E. Hunt George D. Ihrke, Jr. Stephen Lynch John R. Rodelli Ronald J. Vecchie INDIANA Larry W. Dunn Christopher Miller IOWA Daniel Bartlett KANSAS William Bradley John Glassman Dana Towle KENTUCKY Frank Allen Richard D. Oliver David E. Trauth LOUISIANA Harold A. Loyacano, Jr. Glenn Begnaud Mark & Diane Larson Edward A. Neupert MAINE Benjamin E. Jeffries Daniel Nein A.E. Schickle Charles Tappan Bradley C. Varney Art Wheaton MARYLAND Amir Alikhani Marshall H. Durston Thomas A. Edwards Jonathon Farber Harry S. Gruner Aspen Hill Calbraith Rodgers Wheaton MASSACHUSETTS Bruce A. Bennett Paul Bruk, III Gregory T. Garland Charles W. Hulbert Frederick Moseley, III Stephen Poss Patrick S. Wilmerding MICHIGAN Michael D. Allett Robert Bartels, Jr. Craig S. Boyles Doug Callander Brent L. Canup Martin Carpenter William A. Crane William A. Demmer Brian & Dayna Drettmann Robert H. Flint Brian Granger Guns-N-Gear W. Lee Hammond John Hart David L. Herrmann Jonathan Kovalcik Michael J. Levandoski, Jr. Dave Listello Tony Mazurek David McIntyre Bruce Otto John H. Paige Michael Schafer James (Jake) Shinners David Duane Smith Archie H. Stevens, Sr. Norman Torre Max Trembour Tom VanDeGriend Larry VerHage Frank C. Wheatlake Douglas L. Whitley Adam Whitney Richard G. Wimmer, Sr. MINNESOTA William Allen Andy Michalek Logging Tim Bymark Gregory Daigle, Sr. Don & Nancy Doll Curt Engels, Tim Foster Game Research Center Mark Haslup Randy L. Havel Zenas Hutcheson George O. Jacobson Mike Kettenacker Tom & Jane Kingston Timothy D. Larson David M. Lilly Terry L. Lydell Ryan P. Mallery Austin David Matta Don E. Matta Northprint International Peter Rainey Earl Roed G. Richard Slade Tad D. Sonneman Paul F. Stoll Matt Tuma William B. Webster Dale E. Weick MISSOURI Mateo Surma Marco Surma Emilia Surma MONTANA John K. Pike, Jr. NEW HAMPSHIRE Patrick O Donnell Paul V. Repasy Sr. Shirley Rice NEW JERSEY C. Austin Buck Peter R. Kellogg Alex Papp Steven J. Renehan Tyrell K. Rydgren NEW YORK George Barney Frederick W. Beinecke, II Albert E. Brunelli Sal DeBella Louis DiGiovanni George T. Driscoll, Jr. Jeff Fishack Richard E. Garman Roger Glenn Harris Hill Nursing Facility Susan Jones Graff Ross B. Kenzie David S. Kern, Sr. Donald A. Lancaster Joseph C. Littleton Christopher Joseph Nastke Paul H. OLeary John Partenza George L. Scherrer, Jr. Frank R. Shumway, Jr. Richard T. Williams Lawrence Zirkel NORTH CAROLINA Jeff Akin Charles C. Bassett Pete Bromley James Fred Clodfelter Charles H. Duckett, M.D. Stephen L. Faust Joel W. King Arnold C. Sheldon Dewey W. Wells OHIO Lynn T. Aduddell Clarence J. Bittner Chad J. Bowman James Hatfield Ray Mileski Mueller Roofing Distributors Robert Mullins J.S. Renkert Hewitt Shaw Robert Thompson OREGON John M. Tess PENNSYLVANIA Jeff Ankney Otto Beck Stephen P. Biello Sam M. Black Todd Burns Russell Byers, Jr. James (Jay) D. Carmichael James DePolo Robert A. Digel, Jr. Bob Glaser 24

26 Nicholas M. Hilton Angelo & Cynthia Hionis Tom F. Hoffman Kodlick Farms Richard Lewis Fred Martin Armour Mellon George Metroka Jack W. Montgomery Eugene M. Oakill Laren Pitcairn James B. Ryan George (Jane) F. Sabo Joel John Scalzo Harris D. Sisley, Jr. Earl R. Slusser Frank Smith Richard Snebold, Jr. John J. Somonick Matthew E. Utnik Tripp Way Russell C. Wood A.E. Wright, M.D. Jake Yanosky RHODE ISLAND Webster Goodwin, Jr. William F. White SOUTH CAROLINA D.O. Davies Gregg King TENNESSEE John H. Beveridge, M.D. Jeff King TEXAS Robert Blakely Jay Herbert John Surma UTAH Heggie R. Wilson VIRGINIA John D. Bassett, III Jim Blakeney P. Steve Bollinger, II Michael Casey Carpenter Robert Haessner William R. Hubble Bob Martin John H. Monger Arthur H. Nash William W. Nease David L. Shackelford Michael Wilkerson VERMONT John McCormick, Jr. John O Hara Henry Slauson, III Ron Wright WASHINGTON Rod & Val Olson WEST VIRGINIA Michael Harmon, M.D. WISCONSIN Charles R. Alden Terrence Clark Stephen Joseph Ebert Patrick Fee Michael Jay Gildemeister Stephan D. Grams Brett Grams The Highlands Sportsmen s Club Thomas B. Hurd Gary J. Krukar John & Clara Kubisiak Wayne L. Lacosse Tony J. Laszewski Malmquist Law Firm Tom Mohrhauser Bryan H. Mullett John Taylor Leonard H. Wurman Thomas P. Zapatka WYOMING Mary Anna G. Clay Jonathan T. Dawson David Walsh CANADA W.K. MacLeod Cody Wollen ARMED FORCES PACIFIC Bryan Koontz AWS CENTURION MEMBERS Alphabetical by name $1,000 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Jeff Ankney, C. Austin Buck, New Jersey Steve Chaffee, Michigan Louis DiGiovanni, New York John B. Eichinger, Mark Fouts, Wisconsin Alex Gemrich, Wisconsin Edwin H. Gott, Jr., James Hayett, Wisconsin David Johnson, Wisconsin Charles Kane, Massachusetts William V. Krazinski, Jr., New York Gary J. Krukar, Wisconsin Kuritzky Glass Co., Inc., New York Tracy T. Larsen, Michigan Terry L. Lydell, Minnesota Bruce A. Ogle, Minnesota Dan Ongna, Wisconsin Joseph V. Piccolo, Steve Poulios, Michigan Craig Purse, Illinois Stephen P. Renock, IV, California Bob Ross, Wisconsin Jens Aubin Rummler, Louisiana David D. Sandstrom, Minnesota Jeff Towner, Michigan Nicholas Wilcox, Minnesota Noah Wilcox, Minnesota Steve M. Wilcox, Minnesota Jake Yanosky, RGS BANQUET SPONSORS 2015 UNITED STATES AND CANADA ALASKA Jimmie W. Bolgiano Layne Crowe Wynd Counts, M.D. Michael F. Fuller Donlin Gold LLC Roland E. Gower MegaWatt Electric Kenny Rodgers Usibelli Coal Mine CONNECTICUT James D. Cooke O. Boyd Cooke Jon Eisenhandler Phil & Elise Mauriello Joseph Petruzzi Mark Richard Torello DELAWARE Alan Roth FLORIDA Larry Bostick John Henderson GEORGIA William (Bo) C. Ackerman, Jr. Alan Densmore, Inc. All Metro Electrical Distributors Mike Bashaw Buford Financial Services Trent Conner, D.M.D. Bill Cunningham Dow Argo Sciences Forsyth County Pawn, Inc. Stephen A. Glenn George Herspiegel Howe Construction, Inc. Jeff J. Lyall Ron Meints William Melton Rob Morris Roy T. Smith James R. Waite Ben Walker John W. Wilcox, III Wilson & Strickland, Inc. ILLINOIS Tony Armour Bob Belter Lance Buhrman Craig A. Burman Beth E. Burnson Jim Calaway David A. Hartley Will Howard Gregg Kuetemeyer Patrick Murphy Michael Novak Paul & Beth Olin Sara Pfaff Philip & Lise Puckorius Keith Schopp Coby Shaw Frank L. Sibr Tobermorry Farms John H. Ziegler INDIANA Lester Anders Thomas J. Beauchamp Dick Funk Bill Funk James J. Fuqua Dan Gehring Doug Goodman 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 Banquet Sponsors List, continued on page 26 If any names were misprinted or omitted, please contact RGS and AWS at editor@ruffedgrousesociety.org. RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 25

27 Banquet Sponsors List, continued from page 25 IOWA Robert Balk Daryl Biechler Bob s Hole In The Wall Bouslog Insurance, M.D. Larry J. Brown Rob C. Camarata Tom G. Clark Farmers State Bank Jon R. Farrell Rick & Kathy Frees Maurice M. Hart Thomas Jeneary David & Barbara Kalkwarf Daniel Kaufmann Tom & Sonja Leahy Stewart LeBlanc Kevin Loy Harley V. Pothoff Joe F. Saddler Frank H. Saddler Bill J. Saddler Eric Van Hook Robert West MAINE All Points Insurance Joe Beaulieu Bob & Debbie Brey Blaine Carter Downeast Lakes Land Trust Carole Dyer Russell Estes Carl J. Freeman Fryeburg Fish & Game Assoc. Matt Lorrello William R. Martens Kevin McCarthy Jo-Ann Moody Owen Gray & Son, Inc. Jim Rocha Michael R. St. Jean, M.D. FACS Varney Agency MARYLAND Allegany Hearing & Balance Richard J. Anderson Backbone Mt. Sport Shop Jeff T. Beard Sidney Beddow, II Brian Boal Peck Burmeister Clarksburg Animal Hospital A. Edward Jones, A.A.M.S. Fredlock Funeral Home Mike Galatda Garrett Automotive Glotfelty Enterprises Hagerstown Honda Dave Hansroth L. Helbig Jewelers, Jr. Barbara & Howard Janoske Chris Kelly Paul F. Leboeuf Chuck Mills Brad Minnick Lucian Mitran Jim O Connell Paul & Kathy Parks Pineview Veterinary Hospital, D.V.T. Michael J. Ryan Paul Shields Spring Creek Outfitters Team One Chevrolet, Buick & GMC John Thereault Robert Wolfes MASSACHUSETTS John Allen Walter D. Allen, III Berkshire Bridge & Iron Peter Bonneau Gary Conrad George L. Darey Jan E. Dizard Jeffrey M. Hayer, M.D. Philip G. Hiser Jr. Philip G. Hiser Jr. Anders L. Nilsson Pantermehl Land Clearing John Petros Ross Rackliff Ross Rackliff Michael Roche John F. Rockwell Dean Scudder Rick Simonson Terry W. Smith MICHIGAN Blaine Ackerman Troy P. Allen Alma Tire Service Mark Altemann Dennis S. Ambrose Eric Anderson Dave Anderson Ausable Well Service, L.L.C. Marc Austhof Vince N. Balog Michael Barnes Bay Pines Veterinary Clinic Christopher Beal Frederick Bechtold, Jr. Jon Bednarick Edward A. Beekman Belonga Excavating, Plumbing & Heating Bing Bennett Ed Berry Bessemer Plywood Corp. Richard Betsie River Camp Site Vernon R. Bird Kevin J. Bolema Rob Bondy Bill Borst Dean Botek David Bowers Ron Britton Jeff Bundy Preston Carli Carquest GTC, Inc. George Clayton Pat J. Cole Coleman Engineering Chuck Connell Ted Connelly Fred G. Cook Martin B. Cotanche Jim Craig Irving Cryderman Irv Cryderman Jr. Bradley Dagen Dustin Damon Allen Davidson Edward B. Davison Robert S. Dennison Bradley Depottey Paul DeWitt Jim Dunn John Dunn David M. Dyer Dyer Auto Body Peter Eardley Elk & Hound Restaurant Peggy Ellenberger Ellens Equipment Environment Architects Michael Estes Extreme Tool & Engineering, Inc. Fred E. Feleppa Louis James Fierens, II Fischer Happy Hour James A. Fish, Jr. James A. Fish, Sr. Robert A. Foote, O.D. Christopher M. Forman Will Forrest, III David Fuger Bob Gale John R Gale Gallagher & Kaiser Kathleen Gibson Trevis E. Gillow James R. Gilsdorf Charles F. Glass John T. Gleason Kevin Gleesing Frederick J. Goetz Gogebic County Forestry Comm. T. Grand Traverse Veterinary Hospital, D.V.M. Great Lakes Fly Fishing Glenn R. Gross Ted M. Gruizenga Ashley Hampston Randall L. Hansen Donald P. Hanson Hal Haverstick Holly Hays Larry Heathman Eric Heitman Jennie Hellman Bill Hellman David E. Henton Highland Copper Co. David O. Higley Hobby Wheel Frederick Holdorph Les Housler John B. Hubard Todd Ireland Ronald Jacobson Mark Janke James N. Johnson Scott C. Johnson Keith A. Johnson Steve Jolman Dennis G. Jolman Tom Jolman Michael B. Jolman Craig Jones Jeff & Monica Joseph David & Carol Kaczmarek Haig H. Kassouni George R. Kempton Scott D. Kennard Daryl Kesler Skip Knapp K. Peter Knudsen Alan Kropiewnicki Lake Road Veterinary Clinic Patrick Landis Wayne LASR Property Management Mike Leow Rick A. Leow Listening Lodge Wing Shooting Preserve David Lloyd Lou Loseth Peter Lozicki Andrew B. Lytle Mike MacDonald Hugh MacMaster Makela, Pollack & Ahonen, P.L.L.C. Matthew L Maki Mantyla & Sabin Financial Services Christopher J Manzini Nathan March Daniel A. Markham Marshall Builders Edward T. Martin Jason C Marvin Jim Masters Sheldon L. McBurney Justin McGrail Rodrigo T. Meirelles Thomas Mellentine Paul W. Mesack DVM Dave Meyering Bob Michalski Sandra Misaras Nickolas R. Moe 26

28 Randy C. Moe George Moilanen Bo Morley Mukavitz Heating, Inc. Patrick Murphy Gus Newbury Ryan M. Niemi Dennis D Norman Northern Angler Fly Shop Northern Energy J. Michael Oostmeyer Peter Palm John Paul Dan Perotti Jeffrey Peterson Merrill (Pete) L. Petoskey Petoskey Plastics Robert Petrick Brent D. Pike Pine Hill Kennels & Sportsman Club Family Kim Portrey Valerie Potter Steve Poulios Larry Prokop Peter G. Prokop Mike Quesnell Ray Fisher Inc. RCS Services Co. Tim Riley Chuck Robertson Karen L. Rodock Paul & Carol A. Rose Daniel F. Ross Peter T. Roth Mike & Vina Ryan Jim Rypkema William A. Schaufler Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr. Dan Schultz Kris Schulz Chris M. Schumacher Charles D. Scott Robin Seniura Justin Sharp Tom Sheppard Nathan Skibbe Jim Smith Kevin T. Smith Jeff Smith Gene E. Smith Gary Smith Snow Country Contracting Marc Somers Andrew Spence Mark Spencer Ralph Stein Robert Steiner Mark F. Stephens Kevin J. Steve Kevin Stewart Fred Strich James A. Supina Thomas Swaninger Ed Swisher, M.D. David Swope Jerry T. Synkelma Ron G. Tankka Bob Taylor Robert Taylor, III, D.D.S. Jeff Taylor Scott Teske Herm Thomas Richard Thompson Jeffrey A. Tibbits Steve M. Tiziani Todd Wenzel Buick-GMC Timothy G. Tomas Douglas C. Toppin Matthew J. Vallee Russ Dean VandeGriend Wayne E. VanderKolk Les W. VanDrie Aaron J. Velat David Veldman Gino Venditti Eric Vincent Bruce A. Visniski Larry Visser Don Vlcek Wagar Motor Sales Fritz Wahlfield Jr. David S. Walker Matthew R. Ward Rod Weirauch Richard West Sally Westmass Whitetail Select Seed Delbert C. Whitman Jim Wichert Debbie Widrig Wildlife & Wetland Solutions Lori Winters Bruce Wojcik Larry Wolthuis Tim Zelenka MINNESOTA 1st State Bank Of Bigfork A J s Wine Creations Ben Abel Advanced Telemetry Systems Agassiz Insurance AIS Planning Aitkin Body Shop Aitkin Feed & Farm Supply Aitkin Motor Co. Al s Ornamental Iron & Welding, Inc. Ameriprise Financial Brian Anderson Neil Anderson Tracy Anderson Anderson Ophoven & Stauffer Appraisal Associates NC, Inc. Architecture Advantage, L.L.C. Aspen Exteriors Inc. Automotive Electric Service, Inc. Backus Corner Store Tom J. Bausch Dennis Bealka Bryan Beckedahl Craig Bender Benny Tree Service Benusa Appliance Berd Electric Big Pine Builders Craig Bjorklund Robert Bjornoos David H. Blattner, Jr. Boise White Paper PCA Border State Bank Chuck Brandes Branson Builders & Contractors Michael & Sharon Brown Donald R. Brown Sarah Burger Thomas A. Burlingame David Cameron Castaway s Resort Jeff Chatelle John Chejne Chestnut Collison & Restoration Chilson Jewelers Rick Christian Citizens State Bank Clifton Larson Allen, L.L.P. Coates Plaza Hotel Coca-Cola Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Donald Collins Community Pride Bank William Cook Corey Steinbach Insurance Agency Rick Corneliusen Country Insurance Cub Foods D & M Industries D. L. Seamless Richard L. Dahl Dale Thortsen Trucking Dave Paulson Construction Dick Distributing Company Clay Diggins Kraig Domogalla James & Joann Dornhecker Dougs Supermarket, Inc. Duffney Refrigeration Duluth Tire & Oil, Inc. Mike Dvorak Eaglemaster, Inc ECCO Water Joel A. Elftmann Ely License Bureau Brian Engel Larry & Marcia Erickson Terrence Ethen Tom Etienne Bob & Sheryl Evans Harlan Fierstine First National Bank of Bemidji First National Bank of Walker Paul Fischer Alan Fish Fletcher Lake Lodge Richard & Marianne Foldesi Harold J. Forpahl Gary M. Fox Frank s Taxidermy Barry Frieler Jay Frischman Anthony Gabrio Gemini Sport Marketing Robert F. Glassmann Glen Store & Grill Glenmore Resort Grant G. Goblisch Gorilla Computer Support Grand Rapids Realty Grand Rapids Vet Clinic, D.V.M. Andy M. Gross Robert L. Grussendorf Johan Gumaelius Richard Gunderson Morgan & Brandy Haglin Tony Halek Burke Hancock Hayford Ford Hugh D. Heinecke, C.P.A. Heisel Brothers, Inc. Roderick J. Heneman J. J. Hites Hometown Building Supply Hoot & Holler Hoover Construction Horner Plumbing & Excavation Dennis Hummitzsch Hyytinen Hardware Insanti Custom Meats Isanti Sportsman s Club Itasca County Abstract J. Roessler and Company D. Wayne Jacobson, III Corrine Jacobson Shane Jaeger J-Berd Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Lee Jess, M.D. John Davis Construction Dave Johnson Sam Johnson Jeffrey A Johnson Jeff Johnson Johnson McCann Joslin & Moore Law Offices Doug Juelson Donald G. Kaddatz KD Service Co., L.L.C. Paul M. Kelnberger Ken K. Thompson Jewelry Ken Waschke Auto Plaza Banquet Sponsors List, continued on page 28 If any names were misprinted or omitted, please contact RGS and AWS at editor@ruffedgrousesociety.org. RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 27

29 Banquet Sponsors List, continued from page 27 Michael Kimball Jay Knaak KQ92 Kevin Kriesel Ted Krueger David Kufahl Paul A. Kuiken, M.D. Wayne Kuitunen Carl Kurtz L & M Supply Co. Joe Lahlum Lake Country Chevrolet Lake State Federal Credit Union Travis M. LaMar Jerry B. Lamon The Landing Landmark Community Bank Bill Lannon Nick M. Larson Le-Vel Brands Doug & Ileen Lindner Robert A. Lindquist Gary & Betsy Loop Lumber One, Avon Inc. Jim Lundgren George A. Lyall Gary Lyall Dan B. Mahle Bruce Mann Jake Marvin Robert Marvin Scott Marvin Marvin Home Center Todd A. Matelski Terry Matteson Jan Mattson McCollum s Hunting Preserve McDonald s Of Virginia Stuart McIntosh Mechanical Brothers Roger Michaelson Jodee Michieletti Deanna Mickelson Mike Motors Miller Architects & Builders Minnco Credit Union MN Iron Range Retriever Club MN Wanner Co. Norm Moody Chan Moon Jack J. Muhar Jeff A. Mundhenke Roger Murawski Jeff Naglosky Bob Naylor Nelson Collie Electric James Ness North Country Heating/ Cooling/Refridgeration Northern Automation, Inc. Northern Lumber Northwood Lumber Dwaine (Butch) Ogden Keith & Missy Okeson Larry D. Olson The Outdoorsman s Headquarters Ron Overson Darrel Palmer Paskvan Consulting, Inc. Paul Bunyan Communications Bill Peltier Thomas R. Peltier Peoples Bank of Commerce Perpich TV And Music, Inc. Bill Peterson Gavin Peterson William C. Pettit Pheasants Plus Pierce Concrete Ward Pierson Pine Shadows, Inc. Doug Pixley Pohaki Lumber Polar Insulating Potlatch Corp. of Duluth Greg Proper Michele Putnam QC Techniques, Inc. Quality Cutting and Coring R & R Arms Doug J. Ralston Randy s Cabinets & Woodwork Range Disposal Service Rapids Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Ray s Sport & Marine RBC Wealth Management Red Men Club, Inc. Gary Reich Richard Reichle RJ Sport & Cycle Rocket Liquors Al & Linnea Roos Roseau County Ford Roseau Liquor Store Mike Rouse Rowe Funeral Home Gerry Ruuhela Safe Inc. Sand Pine Pheasants Savanna Pallets, Inc Kurt Sawyer Steven Schiller Jim Schlotterback Jon A. Schmoeckel Bill Schroeder Mike Schuster Dan Schutt Security Fire Sprinkler Security State Bank Security State Bank and Agency Security State Bank of Warroad Duane Sellen Seven Clans Casino Larry Shrider Roger Skraba Kevin L. Smith Matt Soberg Frank Spaeth Anthony Speck Springsteel Resort Bill Stein Steve E. Stoskopf, Inc. Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply Streiff Sporting Goods Super One Foods Surgical Solutions Dale Sutherland Tall Pines Liquor Team Industries James Tehennepe Thoele Dental Laboratory Ken K. Thompson Thrifty White Timberline Tires Plus of Bemidji 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 Jacob Ulvi US Equipment Broker Mike Vant Virginia Surplus Store Randy F. Wallake Michael J. Wander Warroad Estates Marina Warroad Ready Mix Waschke Family GM Center R.C. Weidner Weisinger Construction Wellson Group Andrew Wheeler Nicholas Wilcox Wild 102 Steve Wilds Wings North Thomas Witty The Wood Shop of Avon Young s Bay Resort Kevin Zasmeta Jim Zupanich Jr. NEW JERSEY Craig A. Bowie John Boyce Andrew Chirip John Cotte John Michael Danko Jorge Matos Michael R. Riggs Eric Robinson Ralph E. Shotwell Shotwell Excavating Ted D. Sobotka Paul Valle NEW YORK Jason T Alexander Robert R. Andrews Jim Barbieri Barclay Damon, L.L.P. Mark H. Barth Stephen & Rosemary Baumes Walter J. Booth Peter Catalano John Clark Charles G. Coakley Scott M. Cook Patrick Cooke Russ Cuatt John Richard Cunningham Hal Cunningham Bryan Eastman Brian Enders Steve Fazekas Tom & Judy Fiumarello Jeff Foley Caryn Foote Brian Foster Leon T. Hairie Thomas Haskell James Hicks Richard P. Jung Kim Kinsman William P. Klaus Labor Union 17 Edward M. Laury John Laury Waylon Lunn Perry L. Masotti Brian Mihans Joseph John Milone, Jr. Ralph Morgan Ian Morrell John Mroczka Peter S. Paine, Jr. Robert Papworth Anthony Michael Pascale John A. Patane Paul Phillips, M.D. Edward Pugliese James Racquet R. Randolph Rall John Riccio Richard Rose John Sabach Joseph R. Scuderi Don Strodel Marty Talcik Gary Taylor Warren Tharrett Robert Vitkus Michael Walter Norman L. Webber, III Zappala Excavating, L.L.C. NORTH CAROLINA Robert C. Bell, III Beverly-Hanks & Associates Art Boger 28

30 Canton Sawmill/Pisgah Hardwood Gerald Cody Cooper s Trading, Inc. Jim Gray KBK, Inc. Jay Lanier Larry Z. Laughter E. Shadowbrook Outdoors Scott Shealy Edwin Shuford Andrew James Tashie Tennoca Construction Co. Wings & Clays Guns NORTH DAKOTA Coco-Cola OHIO Ben D. Burke Terry Ciechomski Costine Law Firm Bryan Daughtry Buzz Gubany William S. Hannig, Jr. Robert James Hickle John Kelley Louis F. Kutys, II Nestle Purina Petcare Scott Piper Ronald Preston Randal L. Gallagher Memorials Reed & Baur Insurance Agency Rocky Boots Scott G. Ruby Corey Ruby Andrew S. Ruby Scites Insurance Agency, L.L.C. St. Clairsville Eagles #2541 Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc. Toothman Funeral Homes, Inc. True Sportsman s Club PENNSYLVANIA James Abbott Victor Alfieri, Jr. Allegheny Chapter Safari Club, Intl. Alpine Hunting & Fishing Club American Amusements American Bridge Co. Appalachian Forest Consultants Arm Group, Inc. Beatty Lumber Bedford County Beverage Co. Robert T. Bedner Bob Belinda Benedum Interests Bickel s Surplus William Biddle Big Buck Sport Shop Black Landscape Contracting Joseph E. Blackburn Blackhorse Auto Body Mark Blasko Ken Boben Jim Boburka Jim Bonetti Carl W. Borntraeger Arthur R. Borrell Steve Botella William G. Braund Terry Broniszewski Scott Larry Brush J. Conrad Bures, M.D. Ron & Amy Burkert William C. Burns, III John Campbell David Campsey Ernest & Linda Castello John C. Cave James P. Celebrezze Daniel R. Cerven H. Lee Cessna Robert E. Chambers Charles Machine, Inc. CHL Development Corp. Jim Chuss Timothy Colburn Robert B. Coleman Jeff Coppes Cove Creek Outfitters Michael P. Crall John J. Culkin Jr. Marty & Dale Culp Ray Delrose Construction Co. Development, Inc. Frank Di Ioia Gerald Dittmann Dobber Auto Supply Mike Doerfler S. Drake Insurance Inc. Scott Duffin John H. Edmiston Geordie E. Edmiston Doug Ell Falcon Wireless Group, Inc. Richard A. Faller Harold Ficke Richard Filippi Joseph Fisher Flowers On Vine William Freeman Frontiers Intl Travel, Jr. Joseph Frydrych Robert E. Frye Dennis Frye Mark Fuessinger David L. Galbreath Gerald Putt Marc R. Gignac & Gina Rooker Grice Gun Shop Emerson Gundy Michael Guyer H B & T Tire David Haines Jeffrey B. Hammer Bill & Judy Hasely Helsel Hardware David R. Henry John M. Herman Hess & Marino, C.P.A. Hi-Grade Shooters Supply John M. Hopkins Mike Hosmer I Diehl Hunts Imler s Poultry James R. Kukurin Associates, Inc. Steve R. Jones James R. Jones Juniata Hotel Robert Kappe Frederick Kass Steve Kern Keystone Clearwater Solutions Keywell, L.L.C. Matthew Klain, M.D. Clarence E. Klaus, Jr. Trygve Kleppinger Steve D. Knezovich Gregory J. Knorr George W. Kruth Walter A. Kuzemchock Leese & Co., Inc. Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc. Steve Lesser Ligo s Speciality Cakes Lion Country Supply Russell L. Lucas Mahoning Valley Milling Co., Inc. Sandee Male Raymond J. Malicki Mark M. Malicki, M.D. Marcellus Shale Coalition Rip Maxwell McCagh, Roberts & Herring Dermatology Richard E. McDowell Don G. Mergenhagen Charles R. Minehart Paul Mirone Suzanne Mohler Pete Molinaro Scott H Moody David D. Moser Mountain Inn Mummert Env Consulting S MYRIAD Communications, Inc. Nemacolin Woodlands Thomas E. Noble Eric Noll Paul R. Ober Karl Ober Paul R. Ober Eugene Orlando, Jr. John Orr William James Patsy James Patsy Joseph W. Paul Lee Penn Line Service, Inc. Michael Piechota Anthony & Laurie Pietrzyk Pine Run Sportsman s Club Pitt Industrial Diamond Products Kenneth H. Popko Eric J. Purchase Kent M. Quinter Range Resources Patrick S. Rankin Ed Razzis Justin Reed Adam Reese Russell Reinhard Scott Richards Art & Judy Riexinger Riversides Kennel, L.L.C. Jerry Robinson Paul A. Rockar, Jr. Lisa & Sergio Rossi Walter J. Scanlon Gregg Scott Seneca Resources Timothy J. Sherick Michael S. Shuman, D.M.D. Richard L. Shuman George L. Sidney William Simpson William L. Sipple, Jr. Thomas J. Sniscak SNK Contracting, Inc. Gordon E. Snyder, Jr. Samuel W. Spanos George Spellman David J. Spigelmyer State Farm Insurance Stevens Engineers and Constructors, Inc. Stonycreek Shooting Center Peter Strope Richard L. Stroup Richard Stuebner Scott Sunderland N Sunoco Logistics Paul Sutter Jr. Joseph J. Switala, Jr. Tech Sheet Metal, Inc. Trophy Mountain Gregory Tuke United Rental Unity Printing Company, Inc. Robert A. Unkovic Alex Vargo Jr. Veronesi Bldg & Remodeling, Inc. Judd A. Wagner Todd Wagner Sean Warrington Warriors Mark Wingshooting Lodge Wealth Management Banquet Sponsors List, continued on page 30 If any names were misprinted or omitted, please contact RGS and AWS at editor@ruffedgrousesociety.org. RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 29

31 Banquet Sponsors List, continued from page 29 Strategies, Inc. Ronald Weigel Dale C. Weisenstein Tim Wentz Donald J. Williams Dan Wingerter, Jr. Scott Wojton Wilbur E. Wolf, Jr. Jack Wolfgang Paul M. Yatron Allen & Lori Yerger Joseph C. Zovko SOUTH CAROLINA Robert Eney James Myron Gregory, Jr. Joe M. Ramseur G. Herman Walker, III SOUTH DAKOTA Robert E. Bealka Scott Ohnoutka TENNESSEE Adventure Guide Service Animal Medical Center of Greenville William L. Bailey Rick Brantley Raymond Cooper Dwight D. King C. Grant Murray, D.V.M. Les Nation Dale Sanders Richard B. Smith TEXAS Earl Moses Gail Moses Norman E. Nabhan VERMONT Joe Bourgeois Scott Bowen Warren Coleman Jim Dattilio Mary & Larry Dupont Dennis Fournier Jeff W. Glosser George Gross Beverly Hayden Christina Incerpi & Randy Bean Eric Jacobsen Tyrel B. Kerr Ron & Barb Klein Bruce Leavitt, M.D. Stephen Leffler Paul Murphy Jeff Parker Peck Electric Robert Pelosi Jay & Crystal Pierce Roger Pinan Jon M. Place Lawrence Pyne Henry E. Rackliff Charles L. Scott, II Pat Thompson Sergio Tognelli Edward Verosko Jim & Stephanie Wells VIRGINIA Stephen & Julia Abel John Ackerly Steve Allen Alpha Natural Resources Appalachian Forestry Services Donald G. Blankenship Justin Bostic Kenneth Bowman Taylor Brannan Burns Construction John C. Cabell Chris Cadman David E. Coleman John Coleman Conservation Services R. Reynolds Reynolds Cowles, DVM Scott Decker Harlin C. Edwards Elliott Chevrolet Randy English L Erie Insurance Group, II Lawrence A. Evans Mike Farson Darrel M. Feasel Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Lawrence H. Framme, III Kenneth W. Friberg G. L. Howard, Inc. John P. Gammill Randy Gibbs William D. Heatwole David & Teresa Herring, M.D. Joe Hobbs Ronald Holsinger Houff Transfer, Inc. J.F.Fick, Inc. JMM Services, L.L.C. Wallace Johnson Miles Cary Johnston, Jr. James V. Joyner Charles E. Kent Ron W. Kokel Kenneth E. Lamb Roy F. Lambertson III William Luke M. Null Masonry Ralph E. Main, Jr. Richard Mansfield, D.D.S. Jim McCoy C. Grice McMullan, Jr. Harold U. Nash Bill V. Neff, Sr. Nibco Ben & Jane Norris Larry E. Oder Lester J. Powlen, III Garry Pruitt David Rathburn Brad Rhodenizer Robert Ridings Dave & Kathy Roderick Tarn M. Rosenbaum Anthony Sakowski, Jr. Select Leaf Tobacco John T. Simpson, Jr. Sonny Merryman, Inc. Gary Spiers Stable Foundations, L.L.C. Ken Staples Randall A. Strawbridge Edward A. Strunk Richard Sturtevant Barry Sullivan Keith Thompson Waring J. Trible, Jr. M. Gregory Weaver Jill Webb Whitten Brothers of Ashland Kenny & Jill Wilkinson Willow Landing Marina Wilton Companies, Inc. Charles S. Yates WASHINGTON Dave Annon John T. Blatchford Aaron Clements Kevin Clements Larry Clements Doug Forsythe George M. Joyner Rod A. McDonald William L. Neal Carl Nott James R. Olson Andrew Olson Robert Olson Joe Pauletto Mike G. Rutz John F. Sprada Grady A. Steere Leonard Tierney WEST VIRGINIA Briar Patch Farm Aaron Brown Charles Cole Columbia Forest Products The Greenbrier Hotel Gun Club William Hagedorn Park Center Sporting Goods Harold L. Pickens Polly Anna Coal James Michael Weeks WISCONSIN William J. Abrahamson Action Floor Systems Advanced Greig Laminators Ahlborn Equipment John Anfinson ARC, Inc. Dale W. Arenz Aspen Glo Kennels Associated Bank Joe Aumann B & B Trailers Donald R. Bachleitner Robert J. Baker Richard T. Balge David & Rachel Bartz Keith Bassage Benefits Design Assoc. Bill Bennett John L. Bennett James Benninger David Bertler Blaine Biedermann Jesse Biscoe Pat Blaskowski Tony & Judy Blattler Robert Blersch BMO Harris Bank NA Randy Bohon Brown County Sportsman Club Thomas Buening Bull s Eye Sport Shop Max Burgert Camp 36 Todd M. Carlson Catura s Martial Arts Central Mechanical Systems John E. Charewicz Richard Chronquist Club 13 Restaurant & Lounge Connor Forest Management Andrew E. Cook, II Crandon Off-Road Raceway Thomas P. Crist Randall Crocker K. Crosby & Crosby Insurance Custom Heating & Plumbing Dankar Kennels Dan s Feed Bin Jerry Dassler Richard & Carol Degroot Delta Dental Jere E. Dhein 30

32 Denny Dillenburg Seth Dizard Double M Chiropractic, D.C., C.A.C. Dan Drost E.O. Johnson Co. Richard J. Eisenmann Matthew D. Erickson Exhaust Pros Auto Repair Fairmount Minerals-WI Industrial Sand Faith Technologies Ferguson Enterprise Fifield Seed n Feed Store Cole Fouts Fox Ridge Game Farm Gary & Joyce Frank Terry Frankland Jeff Franzmeier Thomas J. Furman Alvin Geason Alex Gemrich Giovanoni True Value Pat Golat Willard M. Greenman Gronks Grill & Bar Jerry Gross Jason Gruszynski Paul Hagemann, D.D.S. Trentan Hake Peter J. Hansen Gary A. Hartson John Hasler Robert W. Hellyer Herkoswki Stickler & Assoc. Dan & Bonnie Holl Holm s Riveredge Golf Course Henry G. Horneck Gerard J. Hruska Lyle Huhn Ides Guides Industrial Fluid Solutions J. Schaefer Enterprises, Inc. Jeff Jackson Mark Jacobson Jim James Jack C. Jarvis Joe s Country Corner, L.L.C. Chad Johnson Greg Johnson David Johnson K.L.P. Logging & Trucking, Inc. Jeff A. Kaiser Jerry Karbon Doug Katzenberger Lynn A. Kirsteatter John Kleczewski Brian Klein Brian D. Klockow Ron Knuth Koenig s Conservation Club, Inc. Joe Korte Mark V. Kraemer David D. Krommenacker William J. Kunde, D.V.M. Tyler Kunde Andrew & Nicole Larsen Dave Larson Lee Ayers Jewelers Christopher J. Leffler Dean Little Dave C. Lukaszewski Rich E. Magnuson Maple Ridge Dental Robin Marohn Jerome W. McAllister Pat McLaughlin Robert W. Meddaugh, D.D.S Phil Menzner Merit Electric Service James Michna The Milkman, L.L.C. Jason Miller Mittens Home Appliance William Moir William Morris Motor Sport Marine Al Murray National Bank of Commerce Bob Nelson H. Nelson Schmidt, Inc. Northern Lake Services Northwoods Supper Club Haskell Noyes Tom J. O`Neill Andy Olander Treavor Oleson Opelt Sand & Gravel Michael R. Palmisano Robert Parsons Lynn F. Parsons Stephen Patoka Jr. Peoples Bank Midwest Kenneth Petersen Power Pac Sports Mark A. Prochazka R.E. Magnuson, Inc. Dave Reardon Kasey A. Reed Rich Reissman Ronald Rellatz Glen W. Ringwall Ross s Sport Shop & Guide Service Brian D. Ruechel Rural Insurance Saratoga Liquor Jim Sarkauskas Steve Sash Gene D. Schiesser 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. Dan L. Sedlock Sentry Insurance Paul E. Seul Mark Shipley Jim & Kathy Shurts Sniteman Pharmacy Snowgoose Inc. & Dairy Queen Jim & Jeanne Soukup Michael J. Specht Jill Spenningsby Spoerl Holdings LLC SRC Services Leon D. Stenz Bill Stevens Stodola Accounting and Tax Service Stan Strub Superior Animal Hospital & Boarding Suites Superior Beverages Ltd Superior Shooters Supply James & Rose Teal Gerald Thiede Tom Dailing Design Tom Wojnowski Logging Toy Box Charters John Trzesniewski Sr. Nick A. Tseffos Ken & Mary Jo Tuckwell Douglas Wadsworth Greg Wascher Michael Waugus Timothy Wendt Karl H. Wesener Whitetail Inn Whitetails Unlimited of Marshfield William (Chip) Whitsitt, III Michael Williams Paul & Michelle Williams Williams Concrete Construction LLC Robert A. Wood Wuethrich Foundation David C. Wunrow Young Plumbing Troy Zickert Gary & Olivia Zimmer Karl J. Zore John Jeffrey Zuiker Mark Zuiker AWS BANQUET SPONSORS 2015 Alphabetical by name Acadian Companies, Louisiana Arbor Rehabilitation, Ohio Bob Belter, Illinois Kevin Berning, Indiana Eric J. Ellis, Michigan James A. Foote, Michigan Great Lakes Fly Fishing, Michigan James Myron Gregory, Jr., South Carolina Walter H. Grezaffi, Louisiana Ricky J. Guilbeaux, Louisiana James D. Inbody, Ohio Russell D. Keinath, Michigan Rich Kolehmainen, Ohio Harold A. Loyacano, Jr., Louisiana Justin McGrail, Michigan David B. Medema, Michigan S MYRIAD Communications, Inc., Theodore Nittis, Michigan Michael W. Olinde, Louisiana Don Page, Louisiana John H. Paige, Michigan Stephen Rene Pellessier, Louisiana Benny Prejean, Louisiana J. Rob & Bonny Vadas Foundation, Ohio Greg Stovall, Louisiana Billy Sutton, Louisiana Timmy Trahan, Louisiana Reilly C. Trahan, Louisiana Russ Dean VandeGriend, Michigan Jack W. Wallingford, lingford, Ohio Sustaining Members List, continued on page 32 If any names were misprinted or omitted, please contact RGS and AWS at editor@ruffedgrousesociety.org. RGS/AWS ~ 2015 Annual Report 31

33 RGS & AWS List, continued from page 31 RGS SUSTAINING MEMBERS 2015 UNITED STATES AND CANADA Alphabetical by name within each level: Gold $500 Silver $250 Bronze $150 GOLD Jeffrey Bush, Indiana Henry Chandler, Illinois SILVER Appalachian Forest Consultants, Perry Bahr, Ohio James Bour, Michigan Steve Brominski, Thomas Brougham, Carl Campbell, Jeff Carpenter, Michigan Richard Claxton, New Hampshire Kenneth Cutler, Minnesota Gordon Dentinger, Minnesota Dan & Hali, Dessecker, Wisconsin Chris Dobony, New York Mark Driver, Ohio Byron Ellingson, Minnesota Fred Ernst, New Hampshire Russell Gray, Ohio Robert Hatcher, Jr., Tennessee H. Robert Hawkes, Massachusetts Don Hebb, Maryland Bert Hollinshead, Minnesota Ed Hotz, Nebraska David Janiga, Minnesota Key Family Farm L.P., Missouri Robert Knight, Michigan John Lewis, Missouri Joe Lippincott, Jeffrey Littmann, Michigan Harry Machesky, Minnesota Timothy McCauley, Minnesota Clarence McKemie, III, Georgia David Oblenis, Massachusetts Philip Ordway, Minnesota Joe Papenleur, Washington Stephen Patoka, Jr., Wisconsin Chris Perryman, Michigan Richville Conservation Club, Michigan Joseph Roberts, Massachusetts Theodore Rung, Richard Rusch, M.D., Wisconsin James Savage, Ohio Richard Schmoker, Minnesota James Shortt, Virginia George Skakel, Connecticut Roy Smith, Maryland Stone Barrett Foundation, Illinois Jeremy Thomas, Tennessee Mike Wheeler, Minnesota Richard Whiting, Wisconsin Jefferson Willets, Massachusetts Wissota Sand & Gravel, Wisconsin BRONZE Thomas & Nicole Aidich, Wisconsin Scott Anderson, Minnesota John Armistead, New York Terry Baker, Wisconsin Mike Bandos, Indiana Jay Bastian, Wisconsin John Black, Massachusetts Jack Bowen, New Hampshire Terry Brandt, Minnesota John Bremer, Alaska Jeffrey Budnitz, Maryland Thomas Burden, Maryland Dave Carlsen, Kansas James Cleveland, Montana Jeffrey Croll, Francis Curran, Jr., Noah Day, Minnesota Paul Doman, Ohio William End, Montana Morris Evans, New York Hubert Fletcher, Florida John Galli, Maryland Edward Gaw, Florida Reid Goniwiecha, Michigan Cheryl Goniwiecha, Michigan Mark Gould, Maryland Edward Grassi, Maryland Gordon Groover, Virginia Gregg Gundersen, New York Mike Haider, Minnesota David Hayes, Massachusetts Peter Hearn, Master Jim, Minnesota W. Benjamin Johnson, Alabama Junior Kerns, New Mexico George Lane, Michigan Brian Lang, Wisconsin Wess Larabee, Wyoming Gary Laudermilch, Dean Leming, Virginia Dave Lenz, Wisconsin Richard Lindsay, Massachusetts Mario Livojevic, Ohio William Marlin, Sam Martin, Michigan Kirk McCullough, Virginia Gene McCurdy, Wisconsin Steve Mikulich, Michigan Michael Miller, Michigan Charles Moen, California Norri Distributing Co., Inc., Minnesota Steve O`toole, Texas Erik Osmon, Minnesota Robert Priest, Maryland Rex Energy Corporation, William Satterfield, Ohio Edward Schrandt, Colorado Randall Shannon, Montana Dean Skallman, Minnesota Morrison Stevens, Michigan James Thomson, Michigan Gerrit Tichelaar, Massachusetts Owen Wallace, Ontario Michael Watson, Robert Weidner, Steve Yeager, West Virginia AWS SUSTAINING NG MEMBERS 2015 Alphabetical by name within each level: Gold $500 Silver $250 Bronze $150 GOLD James Nyce, SILVER James Constable Maryland Russ Cuatt, New York Ed Hotz, Nebraska Frederick Kimmel, Louisiana Benjamin Lucas, II, Maryland Mike Vant, Minnesota BRONZE Timothy Colburn, Robert Demler, New Jersey H. Robert Hawkes, Massachusetts Howard Hine, Jr., Maryland George Irwin, Florida George Lane, Michigan Robin Leonard, Virginia Raymond Lobdell, New Hampshire Stephen Renock, IV, California Gary Ryan, Vermont If any names were misprinted or omitted, please contact RGS and AWS at 32

34