1-3 From your RD Accomplishing our Mission. 3-4 Recent Happenings Getting Youth Involved. 5 Upcoming Events Local Chapter Meetings and Events

Transcription

1 Grousin Around the Mid-Atlantic September 2010 Inside this Issue: 1-3 From your RD Accomplishing our Mission 3-4 Recent Happenings Getting Youth Involved 5 Upcoming Events Local Chapter Meetings and Events 6 National News From your RD Accomplishing our Mission PA SHOT Meeting The first PA SHOT (Statewide Habitat Objectives Team) was hosted by the Ruffed Grouse Society. The meeting was held at Raystown Lake. In attendance were representatives from the Army Corp of Engineers, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, environmental engineers from various oil companies and members of the Ruffed Grouse Society. The seminar was hosted by the Ruffed Grouse Society and was titled PA SHOT. Our stated objectives are: Maintain and improve quality grouse and woodcock habitat in PA Explain and evaluate on-going habitat management projects Identify habitat management opportunities and act on them Facilitate information flow between RGS staff and volunteers Share information chapter to chapter Based on the new RGS business model decide how to spend PA s Drummer Fund Provide feedback to state and federal agencies Increase communication with the general public A little history is in order. Early successional forest habitat in PA has declined to 8%, and we are currently harvesting only 1/10 of 1% of our state public forests each year. We are losing young forests at a rate of.6% per year. We have to change this trend. Many of our forest creatures and migrating birds depend on these young forests. Grouse, woodcock, deer, bear, golden winged warblers and other songbirds and animals need various age forests and especially young forests. Dave Hansroth Regional Director, Mid Atlantic Office: Cell: rgshans@comcast.net Some of the things we are going to do are: Work with the PGC to increase early successional forests on all Game lands (Their stated goal is 20%) Work with state and federal agencies to increase early successional forests on all public land Work with private land holders to increase early successional forests on their properties and to open these lands to public access Work with the Marcellus Shale oil companies Partner with CONSOL Energy to manage 7,000 acres of their forests in PA for early succession The drilling of the Marcellus Shale oil formation is a great opportunity to increase early successional habitat. Access roads and drilling sites have to be 1

2 reclaimed and planted. The RGS has developed a planting mix formulated to enhance grouse and woodcock brood survival and has already had it approved by the state of PA. The RGS is currently marketing it to the drilling companies. In addition, the access roads will provide access to timber management projects. Timber management means better habitat near the 4 or 5 acre drill sites planted with the enhanced brood planting. RGS Receives Coveted Four Star Charity Rating: For the second time in four years, Charity Navigator -- the largest charity evaluator in America -- has given the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) a 4-Star rating for " its ability to efficiently allocate and grow its finances. Based on the most current financial information, Charity Navigator has determined that RGS outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate a 'fiscally responsible' organization that spends its money fulfilling its mission. The coveted 4-star rating is the highest charity rating available for a non-profit organization. According to Ken Berger, Charity Navigator s President and CEO, approximately only a quarter of the charities evaluated have received our highest rating; indicating that the Ruffed Grouse Society executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. This 'exceptional' rating differentiates the Ruffed Grouse Society from its peers and proves that it's worthy of the public's trust, Berger said in making the announcement. Upon learning of the prestigious recognition, Ruffed Grouse Society President and CEO Mike Zagata said, The Ruffed Grouse Society is once again proud to be featured by Charity Navigator for living up to the high standards set within the nonprofit sector. This recognition is a tribute to the men and women who conduct the day-to-day operations, the team of biologists who work with landowners to improve conditions for ruffed grouse, woodcock and other species, including more than 80 species of songbirds, and to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who help make our fundraiser banquets and special events the success they have become. All should be proud that their efforts have been recognized National Raffle Winner: The beautiful Model 21 baby frame 28 gauge shotgun was won by Ben Robbins from River Forest, IL. New 50 th Anniversary National Raffle: The Ruffed Grouse Society has announced a very special 50 th anniversary raffle. For this special year buyers will have three chances to win. First prize is a Remington Model 1100 F Grade 28 gauge featuring exhibition grade wood, skeet chokes, hand engraved by Remington s master engraver Don Talbot with two ruffed grouse on the left side, two woodcock on the right side and the RGS 50 th Anniversary logo on the top of the receiver. Unique, only one made Serial #RGSr50. Retail value is $9000. Second prize is a Caesar Guerini RGS 50 th Anniversary Commemorative Apex 28 gauge over/under with 28 barrels. This one of a kind gun features a hand engraved grouse on the trigger guard, with RGS above and below. Retail value is $7,850. Third prize is the last remaining Kimber in RGS s inventory. Kimber has stopped making shotguns making this a last chance at a real collector item. Retail value is $5000. Donation for each ticket is $100. No more than 1000 tickets will be sold. Drawing will be held on June 30, 2011 at RGS HQ in Coraopolis, PA. First ticket drawn wins the Remington, second ticket drawn wins Caesar Guerini, and third ticket drawn wins the Kimber. 2

3 On a Personal Note: The days are getting shorter. If you look very closely you might distinguish a tiny bit of color creeping into the wooded landscape. In short, excitement is building for that most wonderful time of the year fall. This year, I have even more to be excited about a new English Setter puppy. A puppy always seems to bring forth renewed enthusiasm. Anticipation is building for crisp fall days in the uplands accompanied by my older Setter and now my puppy. These are the things we dream about during the insufferable and seemingly unending hot days of summer. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those volunteers who have helped to ensure that we still have places to hunt, birds to pursue, dogs to follow and good friends to share these wonderful experiences. Thank you and good hunting and safe travels this fall. Recent Happenings June 2010 August 2010 Banquets: Bonasa Chapter, DuBois, PA Banquet Friday, June 18 - Another successful banquet for the Bonasa Chapter. A good crowd enjoyed fine food, fun and conversation. Funds raised will benefit grouse and woodcock. Other Events: May 2010 Backbone Mountain Chapter, Oakland, MD Chukar Challenge and Sporting Clays Shoot Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16 Wings of Challenge Preserve. This event has become so popular that it expanded to two days this year. In the adult Single Pointing division, first place went to Brad Minnich and his dog Snap, second place went to Lauren Tarquinio and her dog Briley, third place went to Butch Decriscio and his dog Gunner. In the Adult Single Flushing division top honors went to Ben Campbell and his dog Remi, second went to Adam Darr and Chloe with Third place going to Jeff Boor and his dog Buck. New this year was a team division. First place in this event went to the team of Rich Skewereis and Charlie Thornton with their dogs Jake and Angus. Second went to Brad Minnick and Timmy Palmer with their dogs Haley and Lilly, and third place also went to Brad Minnick and Timmy Palmer with their dogs Snap and Trigger. Charles E. Bechtel Chapter, Reading, PA Southeastern PA Sponsor Dinner Wednesday, May 19 Another great sponsor success! Thirty Two sponsors and their guests dined on a raw bar, then clams lobsters and steak. Congratulations to Paul Ober for winning the sponsor gun an SKB 785 Limited Edition RGS model 20 gauge. Funds raised will help create local grouse habitat. June 2010 Cumberland Valley Chapter, Carlisle, PA Sporting Clays Shoot Saturday, June 5 - Blue Ridge Sportsman s Club. The High Youth was Hayden Drake, High Female was Barb Lewandowski 80, High Shooter was Glen Lewandowski - 94, High Team was Jan Christin, Jim Burnley, Jeff Harnish, and Jared Harnish 308 3

4 Ruffed Grouse Society Tenth Annual New Jersey Sporting Clays Challenge Sunday, June 27 - The Hudson Farm, Andover, NJ. Tom Petersen was the high gun with a tremendous score of 97 out of 100! That is some good shooting. Ken Erickson was second with a 91 and Guy Davies was third with an 88. Team honors went to the team of Tom Petersen, Ken Erickson, Tom Donoghue and Kevin Sterk. Chuck Jencarelli won the new side by side category with a score of 86. Second and third place in that category went to Tom Toohey and John Finkeldie respectively. The trophy for the High Ladies score went to Regina Hellem with a score of 70. Grace Callahan and Brody Wecth tied for the youth trophy with scores of 64. July 2010 First Annual Ruffed Grouse Society Fredericksburg, VA Fun Shoot and Dinner Thursday, July 29 Fredericksburg Rod and Gun Club. The Inaugural Fredericksburg shoot was a big success. We signed up over 60 new members and added 18 sponsors. Chip Bonde and Lannie Seymnour put on a wonderful pointing dog demonstration. Mark Banker provided information on grouse and woodcock projects in the Commonwealth. Fausti and Caesar Guerini provided demo guns for participants to try. A delicious barbecue meal was enjoyed by all. Sincere thanks go to John Simpson for his leadership on this event and to Mac Macdonald for toiling for two days in the heat to help get everything set up just perfectly. Look for the second annual event here next May. August 2010 Potomac Valley Chapter, Frederick, MD Fun Shoot Saturday, August 7 33 shooters enjoyed a great day of clay target shooting, good food and fellowship at BCC- IWLA. The 50 bird format of 25 skeet and 25 sporting clay targets challenged the shooters, and high gun honors were awarded as follows: High Gun: Holger Muellar (45) Hal Krause (43) Kimball Ferguson (43) Side X Side Option Class: John Kern (45) Kimball Ferguson (43) Jon Swindle (41) High Women: Trish Dunn (30) Luzi Thelemann (26) Judy Sholes (17) Senior Option Class: Richard Cullerton (41) Jon Swindle (41) Denton Browning (35) Youth: Austin Touhill (26) New Shooter Award: 7 year old Ryanne Thereault shooting her.410 for the first time, broke some clay birds and had a great time. THANK YOU!!!!! To the BCC-IWLA for the use of their great facility and the many volunteers that made this shoot possible! Also, THANKS to all the shooters for participating and supporting the Ruffed Grouse Society. Submitted by Terry Oland Southern Appalachian Chapter, Asheville, NC Banquet Saturday, August 21 The 26 th annual sportsman s and conservation banquet was a resounding success. The committee did a wonderful job of getting some high end donations. Attendance was near 150 and each and every one had a great time. Over $9000 was raised to benefit grouse, woodcock and many other species. Great job! Charles E. Bechtel Chapter, Reading, PA Annual Youth Shoot; Trap, Skeet and Grouse Walk Saturday, August 21 Leesport Gun Club. Trap Winner was Dick Shuman with a perfect score of 50X50. The grouse walk was won by Randy Shirk with a score of 23X25. Youth and Novice winners were Jimmy Humer, Rachel Mohler, and Nick Humer. Backbone Mountain Chapter, Oakland Maryland Banquet Saturday, August 28. Wisp Resort at McHenry Maryland. This relatively new chapter continues to amaze. In only their second banquet they managed to sell about 150 tickets, get a long list of donations and sponsors and generally excel at putting together a very successful event. They netted about $10, a big increase over their first year. They also have a couple of habitat projects going with plans for more. Way to go! 4

5 Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars September 2010 Eastern North Carolina Chapter, Raleigh, North Carolina Inaugural Sportsman s and Conservation Banquet Thursday, September 9. Wake County Wildlife Club, Durham, NC. Cocktails and raffles at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:30 pm. Games, live and silent auctions and raffles. Contact Ed Richardson for tickets or information at or erichardson45@nc.it.com Ninth Annual Lion Country Supply Bird Dog Days Saturday, September 11, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Numerous demonstrations and clinics including seminars by Rick Smith and others, vendors and conservation group displays, door prizes throughout the day. Pig roast lunch at 1:00 pm. The event is free but for a free lunch, you must register in advance by calling There is also a bird dog challenge and sporting clays event at Warriors Mark Wingshooting Lodge and Kennels nearby. Trophies will be awarded at the end of the day at Lion Country Supply. Check out their website for more details: RGS will be well represented at this event. Charles E. Bechtel Chapter, Reading, PA Annual Sportsman s and Conservation Banquet Wednesday, September 15. Cocktails and raffles at 5:30 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm. Games, live and silent auctions and raffles. Contact Trig Kleppinger for tickets or information at or kleppy@comcast.net. The Vintage Cup September Pintail Point, Centreville, MD. Set up on Wednesday afternoon with the show running Thursday through Sunday. RGS will join a fantastic array of vendors. Help still needed to man our booth. For more information contact Dave Hansroth. Lehigh Valley Chapter, Allentown, PA. Inaugural Sportsman s and Conservation Banquet Tuesday, September 28, Cocktails and raffles at 6:00pm, dinner at 7:30 pm. Games, live and silent auctions and raffles. Contact Ron Kistler for tickets or information at or ronjkis@ptd.net. Bonasa Chapter, Dubois PA Sporting Clays Shoot Sunday, Sept 26, Firebird Wingshooting, Brookville, PA. Registration starts at 9:45am with the last shooter out at 1:00 pm. Cost is $50.00 and includes 100 sporting clays targets, complete lunch, trophies and raffles. For more information, contact Tom Noble at or bonasa13@yahoo.com October 2010 H. C. Edwards Chapter, Staunton, VA 21 st Annual Sportsman s and Conservation Banquet Saturday, October 2, Cocktails and raffles at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:30 pm. Games, live and silent auctions and raffles. Contact Eddie Back for tickets or information at or at ceback@hotmail.com November 2010 Thunderbird Chapter, Altoona, PA 28th Annual Sportsmen s and Conservation Banquet Friday, November 5. The Calvin House, Duncansville, PA. Cocktails and raffles at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:30 pm. Auctions, games, raffles and door prizes. Contact Jim Farrell at for more information. Note: Details on all upcoming events, except committee meetings, can be found on our website: 5

6 National News FALL HUNTS Northeast Grouse & Woodcock Hunt October 28-30, 2010 Join the RGS for an exciting upland hunt this fall in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. The event will be hosted by Weatherby s Sporting Lodge. Huntsmen will be provided and all meals are included. Banquets and fundraising events will be held each evening. Non-hunting guests invited to attend all meals and events. Space is limited, so please make your reservations early. For additional information: Tripp Way (607) , trippway@gmail.com To register: Alison Kelley (412) , alisonk@ruffedgrousesociety.org Pennsylvania Wilds Upland Bird Hunt November 4-6, 2010 Hunt thousands of acres in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Hunter space is limited, reservations are required. Huntsmen are provided. Registration is November 4, breakfast buffets included. Fundraising events and dinner held each evening. Non-hunting guests are welcome to attend all meals and events. Base of operations will be at the Red Fern Inn in Kersey, Pennsylvania. Lodging is available in the St. Mary s area. Hunting lands include Allegheny National Forest, state game and forest lands. To register contact: Mary Hosmer (814) For more information contact: Chris Yeager (814) , chris23@windstream.net NATIONAL NEWS UPDATES State Drummer Funds Established for Chapter Projects In 2010 RGS established a new program called the Drummer Fund to fund statewide habitat projects. In every state where chapters hold a successful banquet, a statewide fund will be created. Chapters can contribute to the fund through their banquet proceeds or other approved fundraising programs sponsored by RGS. The fund will be used for projects within the chapters state for specific projects that are approved by RGS Regional Biologists via a ranking process. A sliding scale model, detailed below, will be used to determine the money allocated from banquets: Net Revenue = or > $50,000: 20% of the net goes to the state Drummer Fund Net Revenue of $20,000 up to $49,999: 15% of the net goes to the state Drummer Fund Net Revenue of $7,001 up to $19,999: 10% of the net goes to the state Drummer Fund Net Revenue < $7,000: chapter receives no money for the state s Drummer Fund All chapters are eligible to receive $2,500 toward their state s Drummer Fund by recruiting a new fully paid Life Sponsor. After a successful banquet, chapters may also hold post-banquet fund raisers and put up to $2,500 of the proceeds from those fund raisers toward their Drummer Fund. 6

7 Cooperative Project with CONSOL Energy Evolves RGS sold its first timber sale on behalf of CONSOL Energy in southwestern Pennsylvania this past August in a joint effort to establish more young forest wildlife habitat on a landscape level. The initial timber sale, administered by Consulting Forester Bernie Braun, is about 60 acres in size. Several additional sales were in the works, as of the beginning of September. All of the lands are open to public hunting. The cooperative project between the Society and CONSOL Energy includes a core area of 7,000 acres, but has expanded to include other special projects where forest needs to be managed. One new opportunity is a 1700 acre project designed to establish a quail population on a landscape owned by CONSOL Energy in Greene County. This project is being supervised by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Natural Resources Conservation Service. RGS has been asked to handle the removal of the timber to make way for dense, brushy habitat that will not only benefit quail, but also woodcock and eventually grouse and likely many songbirds. Eventually, wild quail will be introduced from other CONSOL Energy lands in Illinois, where they currently thrive. RGS Receives Coveted Four Star Charity Rating For the second time in four years, Charity Navigator -- the largest charity evaluator in America -- has given the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) a 4-Star rating for " its ability to efficiently allocate and grow its finances. Based on the most current financial information, Charity Navigator has determined that RGS outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate a 'fiscally responsible' organization that spends its money fulfilling its mission. The coveted 4-star rating is the highest charity rating available for a non-profit organization. According to Ken Berger, Charity Navigator s President and CEO, approximately only a quarter of the charities evaluated have received our highest rating; indicating that the Ruffed Grouse Society executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. This 'exceptional' rating differentiates the Ruffed Grouse Society from its peers and proves that it's worthy of the public's trust, Berger said in making the announcement. Upon learning of the prestigious recognition, Ruffed Grouse Society President and CEO Mike Zagata said, The Ruffed Grouse Society is once again proud to be featured by Charity Navigator for living up to the high standards set within the nonprofit sector. This recognition is a tribute to the men and women who conduct the day-to-day operations, the team of biologists who work with landowners to improve conditions for ruffed grouse, woodcock and other species, including more than 80 species of songbirds, and to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who help make our fundraiser banquets and special events the success they have become. All should be proud that their efforts have been recognized. First Year of PA Drummers Program Very Successful The Wildlife Leadership Academy of the Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education (PICE) administered their first Pennsylvania Drummers program at Powdermill Nature Reserve near Ligonier in Westmoreland County on June 22 to 26. The camp focused on grouse and, to a lesser extent, woodcock ecology and management. Dedicated PICE staff organized speakers and volunteers and administered every aspect of the camp. RGS Senior Biologist Mark Banker filled many roles as an instructor throughout the 5- days of the camp. RGS President/CEO Mike Zagata also presented a seminar on careers in natural resources and participated in several other programs while there. The 15 attending youth, ranging in age from 14 to 17, were an unusually mature and focused group and proved very quick studies. They created impressive displays and PowerPoint presentations based on their experiences during the week. The youth are following up by 7

8 attending RGS banquets, setting up their displays and saying a few words at the podium. They are also expected to continue outreach efforts educate others about grouse and woodcock. In 2011 Pennsylvania Drummers will be held June 21 to 25. Registration materials and more information can be found at and on Facebook. RGS 50 th Anniversary Publication Available for Pre-Sale Celebrate 50 years of conservation by purchasing a copy of the unique, limited edition 50 th anniversary publication of the RGS. Immerse yourself in the world of ruffed grouse and American woodcock. Read renowned outdoor writers on shotgunning, dogs and hunting. It includes tips from our expert field biologists on how to get more grouse and woodcock on the ground. This high quality, perfect bound publication of well over 100 pages will be a collector s item for years to come. Issue price is $14.95 plus shipping. Order online at or by phone at (888) Product will arrive mid-january, National Raffle Announced The RGS national raffle offers three chances to win this year. Three winning tickets will be pulled June 30, First place will win a Remington Model 1100 F-grade, semi-auto 28-gauge with exhibition grade wood and engraved ruffed grouse, woodcock and the RGS 50 th anniversary logo. The retail value is $9,000. Second place will win a Caesar Guerini RGS 50 th Anniversary Commemorative Apex, an over-and-under 28-gauge with a retail value of $7,850. Third place will win a Kimber Valier Grade II, a side-by-side 20-gauge with a retail value of $5,000. To find out more and purchase a ticket, contact RGS at (888) , or by contacting your local Regional Director RGS 50 th Anniversary In 2011 The Ruffed Grouse Society celebrates its 50 th Anniversary, preparations are already underway. Special items commemorating the anniversary will include a collector s knife, belt buckle, several unique shotguns, a unique lost-wax process cast of a ruffed grouse, carved woodcock and apparel with the 50 th Anniversary RGS logo. These items will be at our 2011 banquets and available for purchase through our website. Pamphlets Available As mentioned previously, there are many RGS publications available for your use at Sport Shows, including The Other Silent Spring, The Impact on Wildlife from Ignoring Ecological Principles and soon the Woodcock in Hand as it is in the process of being updated and reprinted. Please contact RGS Headquarters to arrange having the brochures you need sent to you by calling RGS to Attend NRA Annual Meeting April 29 May 1 The NRA will be holding its annual meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 29 th through May 1 st, In celebration of our 50 th anniversary, RGS will be attending the event. We will be in booth #3626 on the main floor. Special offers to recruit new members will be our main initiative, so stop by to say hello. More information to come at a later date or see the event website for details on tickets and the schedule of events. 8