PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE...by the blowdown event. As part of the impact, aspen stands of all ages were de-stroyed. After the storm settled, many of these stands needed to be regenerated,

RGS & AWS 2019 Annual Report 1

The Ruffed Grouse Society holds a distinct reputation among con-servation groups, and with that, a unique responsibility. I’m reminded of our duty every time an issue affecting forest wildlife comes up, and someone asks, “… what does RGS think?” We’re front-of-mind when it comes to forest wildlife among our agency, business and NGO partners.

Of course, you and I believe this is as it should be. We are proud of RGS's character built on 60 years of forest management leadership. Yet, we know this is no time to rest on our laurels. We’re at a conservation cross-roads. Our beloved ruffed grouse and American wood-cock are listed as species of conser-vation need in more than half the states that make up their native ranges. They’re the bellwethers, and their status illuminates the plight of many birds and mammals of the forest. There’s much work to do, and it's our re-sponsibility to lead.

Carrying the water for forest wild-life is a significant obligation. So, above all else, we need to ensure we’re fully equipped to deliver on that mission. As a non-profit, that means securing sus-tainable funding. No margin, no mission. About 90 cents of every dollar we raise

goes toward our mission. For the fifth consecutive year, we’ve received a 4-Star Charity Navigator rating, a feat rarely ac-complished. We have a sound foundation and are poised to make a difference for grouse, woodcock and all forest wildlife.

But ultimately, we need to grow, and not only for the sake of growth, but to fulfill this massive responsibility. Our im-

pact is directly correlated to annual op-erating funds. Every increment we grow revenue from our current $5 million mark will mean more significant habitat work on the ground.

Through 2019 and continuing into 2020, we’ve moved to strengthen our business model. No longer can we de-pend on events for the lion's share of the revenue. We’re pursuing larger grants, better leveraging locally-raised funds and incorporating working forests into our

portfolio. Does this mean we’re aban-doning banquets? No way! But, if there's one thing COVID-19 has shown us, it's having all your eggs in one basket is a risky proposition.

Our goal through the pandemic is to emerge a more robust organization. As Winston Churchill said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” COVID-19

presents oppor-tunities along with its challeng-es. Even during tough econom-ic times, peo-ple still support causes in which they believe. Now is the time to adapt so we can ensure RGS & AWS is a lead-er in the business of forest wildlife conservation.

As I write this, we’re pursuing new business part-nerships and

conducting a feasibility study to deter-mine our readiness and your support for a capital campaign. We’re crowd-sourcing ideas for a new fundraising program that’s disease-resistant. I re-fuse to accept that our inability to hold banquets is the death knell of this or-ganization. Our responsibility to for-est wildlife conservation is too great. Conservation isn’t canceled, and there’s much work remaining for us to do. If not us, then who?

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society are North America’s foremost conservation organizations dedicated to preserving our hunting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. RGS & AWS work with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat utilizing scientific management practices.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGERGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

2 RGS & AWS 2019 Annual Report RGS & AWS 2019 Annual Report 3

Charity Navigator is America's premier independent charity eval-uator. They help charitable giv-ers make intelligent giving decisions by providing in-depth, objective ratings and analysis of the financial health and ac-countability and transparency of Amer-ica's largest charities.

We are proud to announce Ruffed Grouse Society has earned our 4-star rat-ing for the fifth consecutive year. This is the highest possible rating and indicates that our organization adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work. Only 15% of the charities evaluated have received at least five consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that RGS & AWS outperforms most other charities in America. This ex-ceptional designation from Charity Nav-igator sets RGS & AWS apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. Approximately only a quarter of rated charities have achieved this distinction!

The RGS & AWS habitat program works with landowners and government agencies to create healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other forest wildlife utilizing scientific management practices.

HEALTHY FORESTS

2019$3,714,217Total habitat project funding from all sources

$248,428Dedicated for habitat projects from regional Drummer Funds

85Drummer Fund projects for forest wildlife

27Miles of roads and trails created or enhanced

12,518Habitat acres directly impacted by RGS & AWS programs

RGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

MID-ATLANTIC & SOUTHERN APPALACHIA

$233,474Dedicated habitat funds from all sources

32Regional Drummer Fund projects

1Mile of road and trail created or enhanced

1,582Habitat acres enhanced by RGS & AWS programs

MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, IOWA & ILLINOIS

$2,428,192Dedicated habitat funds from all sources


90Forest Wildlife Specialist private land projects


8,905Habitat acres impacted by RGS & AWS programs

MICHIGAN, INDIANA & OHIO




1,328Habitat acres impacted by RGS & AWS programs

NEW YORK & NEW ENGLAND



18Town Forest and private land projects

1Mile of road and trail created or enhanced

703Habitat acres enhanced by RGS & AWS programs

CHARITY NAVIGATORRGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Awarded 4-Star Rating for the Fifth Consecutive Year

February 1, 2020

Benjamin C. Jones Ruffed Grouse Society 451 McCormick Road Coraopolis, PA 15108

Dear Benjamin C. Jones:

On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate Ruffed Grouse Society on attaining the coveted 4-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

The nonprofit sector is advancing and expanding. As our organizations evolve, so do the desires and interests of our supporters. Astute donors are yearning for greater accountability, transparency, and for concrete results from us. With more than 1.5 million American charities, Charity Navigator aims to accentuate the work of efficient and transparent organizations. The intent of our work is to provide donors with essential information to give them greater confidence in both the charitable decisions that they make and the nonprofit sector.

Based on the most recent information available and in conjunction with our updated financial methodology, we have issued a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce Ruffed Grouse Society has earned our 4-star rating for the fifth consecutive year. This is our highest possible rating and indicates that your organization adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that Ruffed Grouse Society exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work. . Only 15% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 5 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Ruffed Grouse Society outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Ruffed Grouse Society apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. Approximately only a quarter of rated charities have achieved this distinction!

Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger's Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled and celebrated our unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. We evaluate ten times more charities than our nearest competitor and currently attract more visitors to our website than all other charity rating groups combined, thus making us the leading charity evaluator in America. Our data shows that users of our site donated more than they planned to before viewing our findings, and in fact, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced approximately $10 billion in charitable gifts.

Your achievement and the 4-star rating will enhance your organization's fundraising and public relations efforts. Our favorable review of Ruffed Grouse Society's financial health and commitment to accountability & transparency is now visible on our website.

We wish you continued success in your charitable endeavors.

Sincerely,

Michael Thatcher President and CEO

4 RGS & AWS 2019 Annual Report

HABITAT PROJECTRGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

PHOTOGRAPH BY A.J. DEROSA

Wisconsin Storm Cleanup

Starting on July 19, 2019, a series of powerful storms impacted vast areas of Wisconsin – a total of more than 1.1 million acres. Langlade, Oconto, Polk and Barron counties were among the most substantial hit areas with 286,000 acres of destroyed forest. To put it mildly, with a combination of straight-line winds in excess of 80 mph and tornadic activity, this was the biggest blowdown event in the states recorded history, and impacts were felt across ownerships. Esti-mates are that enough wood was blown down in that one event to feed Wisconsin's entire forest products indus-try for three years. The dam-age was so widespread that it would prompt the gover-nor to declare “A State of Emergency Due to Extreme Severe Weather.”

Road clearing, trail re-hab and commercial timber harvesting are still ongoing. The effects have delayed some RGS & AWS Drummer Fund habitat projects, and even impacted hunting areas. Going into the spring of 2020, wildland firefighting staff are on edge and prepping for high fuel loading caused by the blowdown. In the future, the blowdown situation will further be complicated by tree diseases, and Forest Managers are also aware of problems they may face with regenerating aspen stands. Coming to the aid of our pub-lic lands partners to help ensure healthy

habitat continues, RGS & AWS stepped up to offer assistance in one of the hard-est-hit areas, Langlade County.

Langlade County Forestry and Parks Department manages 120,002 acres of public forest land (the states seventh-larg-est). With over 10,000 acres of county forest impacted, it was hit especially hard by the blowdown event. As part of the

impact, aspen stands of all ages were de-stroyed. After the storm settled, many of these stands needed to be regenerated, or they would begin to succeed to later suc-cessional timber types like red maple if left unchecked. This fits with a broader regional trend where early successional forest types are transitioning to red ma-ple, making working to maintain aspen especially crucial on public ownerships when we have the opportunity. Most of the merchantable aspen that suffered

extreme damage was sold as commer-cial timber salvage sales over the past six months; however, many mid-aged aspen stands that are considered unmer-chantable were too young to be harvest-ed commercially. Unlike young forests, those same mid-aged stands are also too old to spring back easily after being hit by a wind event. Mid-aged stands need

to be treated and sheered with forestry mowers, or the aspen will eventually die out and transition to other tree species. Time was also of the essence to salvage blowdown before it rots in the woods and is no longer usable – this is where RGS & AWS helped provide additional assistance with Wisconsin storm cleanup.

Working with the county, RGS & AWS identified multiple project areas due to their proxim-ity to grouse management areas and areas of the

worse severity of the storm damage. In total, RGS & AWS combined $20,000 with $21,975 in county match to finish an area of 485 acres of storm salvage and 120 acres of aspen sheering to ensure the long-term stability and hunting opportu-nity of the county forest and help get the community back to a sense of normalcy after the storm.

~ Jon Stigerwaldt RGS & AWS Wildlife Biologist

In total, RGS & AWS combined $20,000 with $21,975 in county match to finish an area of 485 acres of storm

salvage and 120 acres of aspen sheering to ensure the long-term stability and hunting opportunity of the county forest and help get the community back to a

sense of normalcy after the storm.


compiled in 2019. Analyses of antibodies in the blood and examination of hearts for the presence of viral genetic material showed that ruffed grouse are being ex-posed to WNV. Still, some are surviving and clearing the virus from their bodies. Exposure did vary, with similar rates of 12% in Minnesota and 13% in Michi-gan, but 29% in Wisconsin. Possible causes of this variation will be examined as further data is analyzed, including

from the second sam-pling during the 2019 season.

The Future for Ruffed Grouse Conservation

We still have much to learn about the effects of WNV across the range of ruffed grouse. Re-gardless of our im-proved understanding in years to come, the close partnerships developed among conservation organi-zations, agencies and the grouse hunting community to support WNV research and surveillance efforts in numerous states will be important for another reason. The best means of helping ruffed grouse popula-tions tolerate the add-ed stress of WNV out-breaks is to improve the quality, quantity and connectivity of habitat. Collaboration

to achieve such habitat improvement will increase resilience and rebound af-ter disease outbreaks, plus aid conser-vation of grouse (and many other forest wildlife species) even in years and areas with little or no WNV exposure.

~ Brent Rudolph RGS & AWS Chief Conservation &

Legislative Officer

to grouse hunters in each state. Results won’t measure population-level impacts, but improved understanding of year-to-year variation in WNV activity and an assessment of the spatial variation of exposure in the region will help identi-fy conditions that could predispose local grouse populations to more significant WNV impacts.

The first-year results from more than 700 samples from the three states were

RESEARCH PROJECTRGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

PHOTOGRAPH BY A.J. DEROSA

West Nile Virus Research

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been a disease of interest to the Ruffed Grouse Soci-ety & American Woodcock Society for several decades. As the leading ruffed grouse conservation organization and a consistent advocate for scientifical-ly-based forest and wildlife conserva-tion, RGS & AWS and our members have supported WNV research, mon-itoring and surveillance efforts across the United States.

As 2019 marked 20 years since WNV was first detected in North America, our Annual Report rep-resents an appropriate time to recap some of the many projects that RGS & AWS and our members have supported over the years. We extend our sincere thanks to the agencies, partners and especially those in the grouse-hunt-ing communities that provided their time and effort to support surveillance efforts – from many more states and projects than the handful we have space to summarize.

West Nile Virus Background

Previously known from Europe, Af-rica and Asia, WNV was first detected in North America in New York State in 1999. It was confirmed as infecting wild New York grouse the following year. West Nile Virus is a general disease of concern, as it can affect humans follow-ing exposure from being bitten by infect-ed mosquitos – the same path by which

grouse are infected. Numerous other bird species are also susceptible to WNV in-fection. There is no evidence that humans can contract WNV by handling or even consuming infected birds. The best way for people to prevent WNV infection is to limit exposure to mosquito bites.

Impacts on Ruffed Grouse

The effects of WNV on individu-al ruffed grouse were assessed in a 2015

study coordinated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), with support from RGS & AWS and other partners. Captive reared birds hatched from Penn-sylvania wild grouse eggs were experimen-tally infected with WNV. Overall, 80% of the infected grouse either died or had sig-nificant organ damage due to WNV.

However, an earlier study facilitated by RGS & AWS during the 2005 Nation-al Grouse & Woodcock Hunt in Minne-sota found that some ruffed grouse con-

tract the disease and survive. This was reflected by the presence of antibodies in one bird among those tested during the National Hunt. Of more significant con-cern are questions still being addressed regarding any population impacts on wild ruffed grouse.

The Population and Habitat Connection

WNV doesn’t apply annual and steady pressure on ruffed grouse pop-

ulations. The risk to grouse rises and falls over time triggered by weather conditions, with varying peaks in differ-ent states, regions and time periods. A PGC and RGS & AWS collaboration to test hunter-harvested grouse during the 2015-16 Pennsylvania hunting season documented grouse exposure to WNV in every region of the state. The research in-dicated areas with high-quality and abun-dant habitat show a strong population recovery between peak WNV periods. Regions with lower-quality and less abundant, more fragmented habitat show weak recovery and population de-clines. Computer mod-els indicated continued presence or expansion of grouse populations over time are positively related to increases in young forest habitat.

Expanding Geographic Concerns and Coordination

In the Great Lakes region, confirmation of ruffed grouse infected with WNV first oc-curred in Michigan in 2002, in Minnesota in 2005 (documented at the RGS & AWS Na-tional Hunt) and Wis-consin in early 2019. The disease has likely been infecting grouse in all three states for many years. Still, growing interest and concern led to initiating the first of an intended three-year regional monitoring effort in 2018. The Minnesota, Wiscon-sin and Michigan Departments of Natu-ral Resources, the Wisconsin Conserva-tion Congress and RGS & AWS are all collaborators. RGS & AWS has assisted with funding, logistics or coordinating communications through the effort to distribute blood and tissue sampling kits

Computer models indicated continued presence or expansion of grouse populations over time are positively

related to increases in young forest habitat.

The best means of helping ruffed grouse populations

tolerate the added stress of WNV outbreaks is to improve

the quality, quantity and connectivity of habitat.


STAFF PROFILERGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Nick Biemiller: Forest Conservation Director, Southern Appalachian Region

With funding donated specifical-ly for the purpose, the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society have moved forward with a new Forest Conservation Direc-tor position in the Southern Appalachian Region. The generous gift, from a donor who wished to remain anonymous, was placed in a restricted account late in 2019 as recruitment ensued. The Society an-nounced that Nick Biemiller was selected for the role from a highly qualified group of applicants. In the newly-developed po-sition, Biemiller will build and manage a network to achieve forest wildlife goals across several states. The region includes northern Georgia and South Carolina, western North Carolina, eastern Tennes-see, southwestern Virginia and Kentucky.

“Having a dedicated person in the southern Appalachians has been a pri-ority since my first day at RGS & AWS. Ruffed grouse are hanging on by a thread and we have to put our best foot for-ward. With his deep understanding of forestry and wildlife conservation, Nick is the right person for the job,” said Ben Jones, RGS & AWS President & CEO.

In his most recent role, Biemill-er served as Southeast Region Director for the Forest Stewards Guild for three years, where he promoted forest stew-ardship across the southeast, including several projects with a wildlife forestry focus. Biemiller earned his bachelor’s de-gree from Warren Wilson College and a Master of Forestry degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmen-tal Studies. Nick has been immersed in working forests and the diverse goods

and services that they provide, including clean air and water, recreation, wildlife habitat and forest products.

“The southern Appalachians have been home for about nine years, and I have a strong passion for forest and wildlife conservation in this region,” said Biemiller. “I believe that good forestry should be performed in a way that en-hances wildlife habitat and the ecological integrity of forests. In the southern Appa-lachian context, this is especially true for disturbance-dependent forest types. My approach to forestry is rooted in a strong conservation ethic and I feel it’s my pro-fessional calling to integrate conservation impact and forest management.”

As a Forest Conservation Director, Biemiller will draw on a diverse forestry and wildlife background to promote the RGS & AWS mission and increase habi-tat impact on private and public land in the southern Appalachian region.

When he’s not working in the woods, Biemiller can most often be found with a fly rod in his hand on a trout stream, tying flies on a bench, gar-dening or on a trail with his dog. “I’m excited to build our model of working forests in the southern Appalachians and build capacity for scientifically-sup-ported forest management to improve habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock and all forest wildlife.”

tridge Run, a state WMA in Berne, N.Y., to complete a habitat improvement project. The crew worked for seven hours, clearing brush and releasing apple trees. Despite the oppressive heat and vicious mosquitos,

they powered through. A true group of con-servationists, uniting for a common goal of improving wildlife habitat. The key to this committee's sig-nificant success in such a short time is an easy one; engage-ment, whether it’s a committee meeting, habi-tat workday or just getting to-gether to shoot sporting clays, they’ve kept up the momentum.

Even to-day, as I write

this amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mohawk Valley chapter is chomping at the bit to get out and get some habitat work done and push the RGS & AWS mission, despite having their spring fund-raiser canceled.

~ Joe Levesque RGS & AWS Regional Director

CHAPTER PROFILERGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Mohawk Valley Chapter: Albany, New York

My mind raced with thoughts as I made my way to the inaugu-ral Mohawk Valley Chapter Sportsman’s Night Out. The chapter was newly formed – only six months old, and I had been Re-gional Director for three and a half days. Still, I was at ease knowing Lisa Rossi, Region-al Director of Western Penn-sylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Georgia, would be help-ing me out. My good hunting buddy Sam G l a s b e r g e n was the ban-quet chairman for the event. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Sam had behind him a rock-solid committee made up of bird doggers, grouse and woodcock hunters and those who care about healthy forests and abundant wildlife.

Before the event, the Mohawk Val-ley committee had sold 300 tickets for an over/under shotgun, and had pushed tickets sales that far exceeded everyone's expectations. The night went off without

a hitch, and the chapter had an incredibly successful event, with 125 people in at-tendance and net proceeds over $10,000 for the night. Follow-up meetings have always had a full house, with the help

of folks like Steve Borst, Elliot Shanklin, Josh Shaul, Leigh Gibson, Amanda and Chris Mohr, Susie Thomas and many more. The committee has always asked what more can they do to further the RGS mission.

On a sweltering day last July, the committee, made up of folks from all generations and walks of life, met at Par-


hour day, to now you wouldn’t expect to flush any in most of the areas I’m fa-miliar. There are some spots in the west-ern North Carolina mountains that you might, if you’re lucky, flush two or three birds in a day.

It’s discouraging and disappointing. Not because those of us who adore the ruffed grouse like to smell gun powder or enjoy grouse on the table, it’s the loss of that noble species being a part of the nat-ural landscape. It may not be too late to take steps to restore the ruffed grouse in this part of its former natural terrain, and because it may not be too late, we need to do what we can do now to restore the bird.

I believe that the Ruffed Grouse Society, with its history and traditions, promises the best avenue we have to get that done. For that reason, I'm do-ing what I can to bring about the decent habitat for ruffed grouse in the southern Appalachians. My interest goes beyond the southern Appalachians. I've hunted in New Brunswick, the states of New En-gland, the great lakes states, Pennsylva-nia, Virginia and Tennessee, but because I live in the southern Appalachians, that’s the emphasis for what I'm trying to do now. To help the king of gamebirds, to restore it to its former status. I appreciate what RGS is doing to that end.”

We truly appreciate all you’ve done and are continuing to do Mr. Wells. Thank you so much for all you do for the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society’s mission of creating healthy forests, abundant wildlife and promoting conservation ethic.

~ Sean Curran, RGS & AWS Vice President of Mission Sustainability

DONOR SPOTLIGHTRGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Member Conservationist Mr. Dewey W. Wells

Shining the spotlight of recognition on a single donor is an extremely chal-lenging task, especially with so many dedicated and well-deserving individuals contributing to the greater good of the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Wood-cock Society’s mission. The organization is truly blessed to have so many wonderful contributors from across the country, all sharing the same passion for healthy forest habitat to provide for the birds we cherish.

In the 2019 annual report, RGS & AWS would like to honor the vision of longtime member, Mr. Dewey W. Wells. Through his support in the present, and thoughtful contributions in his estate plan, Mr. Wells is making meaningful contribu-tions to conservation. Our organization can take the essential steps of impacting habitat for ruffed grouse and American woodcock in the southern Appalachian states thanks to the help of Mr. Wells.

A member for many years and Cen-turion Life Member of the organization, Mr. Wells' guidance, vision and passion for healthy forests shines through when he speaks. You can see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He is the embodiment of a conservationist, and we're honored by his generosity. We know you will feel his passion in the words captured in an interview with President & CEO Ben Jones last fall.

“The ruffed grouse is important to the Appalachians, and it’s worthy of its deserved reputation as the king of game birds. It’s a harbinger species because if things are right for the ruffed grouse, then things are right for many other spe-cies. It’s such a noble creature that it’s es-sential we do all that’s possible to main-tain a viable number of birds.

In the southern Appalachians, in the decades that I’ve been aware of what’s happened, we’ve gone from the point where there was a super-abundant popu-lation, to the point where now where you seldom hear of anybody grouse hunting in most the areas where I normally used to see a lot of grouse.

Most of this is thought to be due to the declines in necessary habitat, the abil-ity of the sunlight to reach the ground to create the necessary food and cover, the

early successional forest habitat. There may be something else going on, but it’s most visible in the loss of the habitat that makes grouse thrive.

I wasn’t around in the early part of the last century when the farms in the southern Appalachians were being aban-doned and were growing up in cover. Back then, in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, from what I hear the old-timers say, is probably the most grouse that’s ever been here. I began to hunt in the mountains of North Carolina in the late 1970s, and I’ve seen it deteriorate from it not being unusual to flush 15 to 20 birds in a five-

THUNDER BAY

MI: $5,912

ANDY AMMANN

MI: $5,851

WILDERNESS WINGS

WI: $5,538

RIVERS EDGE

NH: $5,224

CHIPPEWA VALLEY

WI: $5,073

NUTMEG

CT: $4,938

LEHIGH VALLEY

PA: $4,773

NORTH COUNTRY

NY: $4,385

BACKBONE

MOUNTAIN

MD: $3,835

WISCONSIN RIVER

WI: $3,622

KENTUCKY RIVER

KY: $3,356

MOHAWK VALLEY

NY: $3,015

TRI-STATE DRUMMING

FEATHERS

WV: $2,484

ASH RIVER

MN: $2,407

HOCKING RIVER

VALLEY

OH: $2,400

ALLEGHENY

NORTHWOODS

PA: $1,954

TIP OF THE MITT

MI: $1,290

2019

CHAPTER/EVENT RANKINGS BY FUNDS RAISED

GRAND RAPIDS MN

MN: $142,712

GREATER PITTSBURGH

AREA

PA: $75,566

T. STANTON ARMOUR

IL: $43,677

TRIPLE FLUSH

NY: $35,077

GRAND RAPIDS MI

MI: $28,438

DAVID V. UIHLEIN

SPRING

WI: $27,901

DULUTH/SUPERIOR

MN: $26,535

MISSI-CROIX

WI: $25,525

MID UP

MI: $23,778

POTOMAC VALLEY

PA: $23,262

GREEN MOUNTAIN

VT: $21,876

WESTERN ALLEGHENY

PA: $21,843

MID-HUDSON VALLEY

NY: $21,686

ALLEGHENY

PA: $19,378

ROBERT J LYTLE

MI: $17,979

SOUTH MOUNTAIN

PA: $17,960

JAMES RIVER

VA: $17,829

SUPERIOR

MI: $17,667

FLAMBEAU RIVER

WI: $17,513

CENTRAL

PENNSYLVANIA

PA: $17,372

AITKIN AREA

MN: $17,187

CENTRAL NEW YORK

NY: $15,963

MARINETTE COUNTY

WI: $15,919

LAKE SHORE

WI: $15,902

SOUTHWESTERN

MICHIGAN

MI: $15,838

EASTERN UP

MI: $15,479

UPPER HUDSON VALLEY

NY: $12,219

ALPENA

MI: $14,451

ROGER MOORE

MI: $13,771

H.C. EDWARDS

VA: $13,758

LAKESHORE

MI: $13,465

RUM RIVER

MN: $13,133

WASHINGTON

WA: $13,028

LAKE OF THE WOODS

MN: $12,960

INDIANA

IN: $12,902

NORTH CENTAL

MICHIGAN

MI: $12,688

NORTHERN OHIO

OH: $12,672

DRUMMING LOG

MN: $12,626

HIGHLAND DRUMMER

WV: $12,570

RUSS & CAROLE DYER

ME: $12,524

DEEP PORTAGE

MN: $12,380

WEST CENTRAL MN

MN: $12,349

NORTH WOODS

MI: $12,307

WESTERN

MASSACHUSETTS

MA: $12,277

DELAWARE VALLEY

PA: $12,179

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER

VALLEY

PA: $11,878

LEGRAND TRAVERSE

MI: $11,581

CRAZY FLIGHT

MN: $11,576

COPPER COUNTRY

MI: $11,467

NICOLET WILD RIVER

WI: $11,250

SOUTHERN

APPALACHIAN

NC: $11,184

CHAGRIN VALLEY

OH: $11,120

DAVID V. UIHLEIN FALL

WI: $10,929

RAPPAHANNOCK

VA: $10,881

HIGHLANDS

MI: $10,865

JIM FOOTE

MI: $10,679

TWIN CITIES MN

MN: $10,407

BRIAN HAYS

MA: $10,259

SOUTHWEST WI

WI: $10,010

SAGINAW VALLEY

MI: $9,995

BLACKDUCK

MN: $9,885

GOLDEN SANDS

WI: $9,767

AL LITZENBURGER

MI: $9,756

VOYAGEUR

MN: $9,727

GEORGIA

GA: $9,607

GILBERT R. SYMONS

OH: $9,393

WESTERN NEW YORK

NY: $9,38121

CHARLES E. BECHTEL

PA: $9,232

SOUTH SHORE/BOSTON

MA: $9,010

CHAIN O' LAKES

WI: $8,860

APPALACHIAN

HIGHLANDS

VA: $8,830

IOWA

IA: $8,811

NORTHEASTERN WI

IA: $8,811

NORTHCENTRAL MN

MN: $8,661

LAKESIDE

MI: $8,509

NORTH CENTRAL WV

WV: $8,353

SKYLANDS

NJ: $8,266

COVERED BRIDGE

PA: $8,135

LOWER CENTRAL

MITTEN

MI: $7,931

NESHANNOCK CREEK

PA: $7,707

WEST CENTRAL WI

WI: $7,668

EASTERN WV

WV: $7,259

ALLEGHENY

PA: $7,218

CENTRAL MAINE

ME: $7,203

RIB MOUNTAIN

WI: $6,938

UPPER OHIO VALLEY

OH: $6,677

THUNDERBIRD

PA: $6,340

NORTHEASTERN

PENNSYLVANIA

PA: $6,165

JOHN M. KEENER

WI: $6,145


THE RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION December 31, 2019 and 2018

2019 2018

ASSETSCash and cash equivalents 1,442,251$ 746,673$ Accounts receivable - trade 181,844 140,467Promises to give - net 591,534 796,671Grants receivable 263,189 172,974 Inventory 274,854 291,484Prepaid expenses 99,475 71,781Marketable securities 4,866,755 4,806,335 Land held for investment 492,000 492,000Property and equipment - net 202,737 412,334

TOTAL ASSETS 8,414,639$ 7,930,719$

LIABILITIESLine of credit 1,114,232$ 919,488$ Note payable 18,673 23,256 Accounts payable 238,199 234,318 Accrued retirement 41,178 38,574 Accrued expenses 100,803 53,480 Deferred grant income 31,614 34,044 Other deferred revenue 4,920 9,956

Total liabilities 1,549,619 1,313,116

NET ASSETSWithout donor restrictions

Undesignated (500,172) (228,149) Designated by the Board for quasi-endowment 5,904,196 5,364,579

5,404,024 5,136,430 With donor restrictions

Perpetual in nature 14,045 124,840 Purpose restrictions 900,860 1,321,776 Time-restricted for future periods 546,091 34,557

1,460,996 1,481,173 Total net assets 6,865,020 6,617,603

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 8,414,639$ 7,930,719$

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

ASSETS

STATEMENT OF FINANCES STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIESTHE RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Year Ended December 31, 2019

Without Donor With Donor Restrictions Restrictions Total

OPERATING REVENUEContributions 362,023$ 848,602$ 1,210,625$ Grant income 470,246 190,667 660,913 Membership dues 649,665 - 649,665 Corporate sponsors 32,700 - 32,700 Banquet and event revenue 2,270,328 - 2,270,328 Sales of merchandise 73,034 - 73,034 Advertising income 56,671 - 56,671 Timber sales 25,817 - 25,817 Forestry clearing and consulting 53,177 - 53,177 Miscellaneous income 8,309 - 8,309

4,001,970 1,039,269 5,041,239 Net assets released from restrictions:

Restrictions satisfied 1,076,021 (1,076,021) - Total operating revenue 5,077,991 (36,752) 5,041,239

OPERATING EXPENSESProgram services:

Membership services 668,492 - 668,492 Chapter operations 1,952,424 - 1,952,424 General education and outreach 626,227 - 626,227 Habitat projects 1,489,454 - 1,489,454 Research 51,224 - 51,224 Advocacy 51,203 - 51,203

Supporting services:Administration 440,367 - 440,367 Fundraising 171,369 - 171,369

Total operating expenses 5,450,760 - 5,450,760

Change in net assets from operations (372,769) (36,752) (409,521)

NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES)Net investment return 965,172 16,575 981,747 Gain on disposal of property and equipment 22,220 - 22,220 Return of Dew Scholarship Fund (166,966) - (166,966) Uncollectible promise to give (950) - (950) Depreciation expense (179,113) - (179,113)

Total non-operating income (expenses) 640,363 16,575 656,938 Change in net assets 267,594 (20,177) 247,417 Net assets at beginning of year 5,136,430 1,481,173 6,617,603

NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR 5,404,024$ 1,460,996$ 6,865,020$


GULLION CIRCLERGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The Gullion CircleThe late Gordon W. Gullion, known

as “Mr. Grouse”, was universally ac-knowledged as the world’s leading expert on ruffed grouse ecology.

Gullion Circle$250,000 or more

Gaylen J. BykerDavid V. Uihlein FoundationSuzanne DixonEdwin H. Gott, Jr.Joe IrwinDenis KarnoskyGary MartinDavid L. MooreTerry Wilson, Ugly Dog HuntingNestle Purina PetCareJames H. OliverPerkins Charitable FoundationStephen QuillR. K. Mellon Family FoundationRichard King Mellon FoundationGeorge S. RichScotty SearleMrs. William L. SearleThe Searle Family TrustDavid C. Wahl

Gold Aspen Ring$100,000

Johnson Timber Corp.James L. JurriesGunnar, Louise & Rebeka KlarrW. Stephen MaritzMeadWestvaco CorpBruce A. Ogle

John C. OliverOrvis-Perkins FoundationDavid Perkins - OrvisDavid D. SandstromThe Lynde & Harry Bradley

FoundationDewey W. Wells

Silver Birch Ring$50,000

Hobson Brown, Jr.Larry & Cindy BrutgerJoe (Jamie) ByersLeon (Joe) Chandler, M.D.Lawrence M. ClarkJames HayettMarty & Wayne Jacobson, Jr. John & Carolynn LoackerMorton Family FoundationJohn H. Mullin IIIJohn C. Oliver IIIAlan RheinschmidtS. Kent Rockwell Foundation, Inc.David ScartonBetsy SearleWilliam W. Shelden, Jr.Brian W. SmithThe Sordoni Foundation, Inc.Jason R. SpaethStevens Engineers and

Constuctor, Inc.William A. YacktmanMichael D. ZagataZiegler Construction

Bronze Maple Ring$25,000

Ralph W. Arthur, Jr.Richard W. BarchRobert J. Bates, M.D.Bruce A. Bennett

Robert W. & Susan T. BrownRick & Trish BryanDavid A. BuechelThomas W. Dew IIISeth DizardMarshall Field IVStephen H. FletcherIsaac FreemanDon E. FunkFritz HellerTim HillRichard & Judi HuempfnerScott JuidiciKuritzky Glass Co. Inc. /

David KuritzkyTracy T. LarsenTerry L. LydellRobert “Mac” W. Macdonald, Jr.Mars FoundationMenasha Corporation FoundationShane Thomas MengelNorman E. NabhanBrent R. NicklasOlin-Winchester Corp.Leigh H. PerkinsM. Richard PhillipsAdrian B. Ryan, M.D.Julie SandstromDuane SatherCoby ShawElizabeth, Allan & Warren

Shelden FundKenneth H. TaylorRichard C. ThomasonJoseph F. TootJeff TownerRob VadasThe White Pine FundThomas S. Word, Jr.George J. WordinghamWright Automotive GroupPaul Zelisko

Thank You!

LIFE SPONSORSRGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

RGS Life Sponsors$10,000 Lifetime Membership

UNITED STATES AND CANADAListed by place of residence

ALASKALeon (Joe) ChandlerTrigg DavisRichard HemmenSteve HyamsBryan KnightRobb MilneWilliam PeaseAdrian B. RyanSpecialty Supply, Inc.Janice M. StrongLen & Marty Yuknis

ARIZONAJohn & Lynette Eichinger

CALIFORNIAJohanson Ventures, Inc.Keith A. Johnson Family

FoundationShane Thomas MengelJames H. Oliver

COLORADODavid M. FullerEdwin H. Gott IIISteve R. HigginsJames E. KurtzmanJim E. PetersonBetsy SearleTimothy J. Travis

CONNECTICUTSteven K. Wilson

FLORIDAJames A. CornetetRandy HicksLawrence S. KatzGary T. MartinTodd M. RyanBrian SimmonsJade VickersDavid Wahl

GEORGIAMichael E. DickensJim FonvilleM. Richard PhillipsCurtis G. Werner

ILLINOISJean ArmourTimothy Ian BatesWilliam BuhrmanBuckley ByersJoe (Jamie) ByersJim & Marcy CalawayCaterpiller, Inc.John A. ClemetsenSuzanne DixonJames W. DominikRussell & Christina FisherThe Searle Family TrustDavid KellerChapin LeeTracy LeeBarry MacLeanDamon MaranoDavid L. MooreConor MulladyWilliam P. O’Keefe, Jr.Olin-Winchester Corp.Greg OyerAlan RheinschmidtAndrew M. RosenfieldDamon SatherKeith SchoppJohn (Jake) S. SearleMrs. William L. SearleScotty Searle

William Kent K. SearleThomas SennstromTom ShaughnessyCoby ShawJ. Gregory & Molly SouthCarol SvobodaThe Yacktman FoundationStanford K. WilliamsWilliam A. YacktmanPaul ZeliskoRobert Ziegler

INDIANALuke FunkH&D Tree ServiceJim & Heidi Straka

IOWAJeff Doll

KANSASGhassan (Gus) Bader

KENTUCKYTom & Susan Burtoft

LOUISIANAThomas NoellJacques L. Wiener, Jr.

MAINELeon GormanL. L. Bean, Inc.The Brook Family FoundationBob Wendling

MARYLANDSidney W. Beddow IIJohn W. GreeneBen GriswoldRobert W. Macdonald, Jr.Tyler MillsWilliam MillsDavid Barrett RichGeorge S. RichGeorge Sunderland Rich, Jr.


Stursa Equipment Co. Ltd.Kenneth M. StuzinDavid R. Wilmerding III

MASSACHUSETTSBruce A. BennettWilliam G. Curtis VJonathan EnnisDennis FusiniRobert J. HareJeffrey M. HayerAnthony R. Mastromarino, Jr.Stephen B. QuillStephen F. Quill

MICHIGANRichard W. BarchEdward A. BeekmanWilliam BolyardGayle L. BykerGaylen J. BykerSteve ChaffeeCharles ChandlerScott E. Christopher, Sr.Rob DeVilbissStephen H. FletcherFrey FoundationEric R. FritzDon E. FunkDavid GeenenRichard J. GeenenMatthew GrgurichFritz HellerRichard HellerHen-Mar, LLC.David O. HigleyTim L. HillJames L. JurriesDavid KaczmarekHunter KingGunnar & Louise KlarrRebekah KlarrBlake KruegerFrederic W. KruerTracy T. LarsenDave M. LillieJoseph L. MagginiDavid B. MedemaM. J. MorounJohn MyaardTodd G. OostingDavid & Mary SlikkersMike SnapperRichard R. TaylorJeff TownerMichael G. VanLokerenJoel F. Visser

Johannes B. VisserWessel Gun Shop, Inc.Venture Industries

MINNESOTAGreg AplinKevin AplinAPR Captal Investments, L.L.C.Allen R. ArvigBill Hicks & CompanyBlack Bear Log HomesArmand BrachmanLarry BrutgerCharles BurnsMatthew ChristyDavid ColemerClint CorrowCountry Inn of Grand RapidsCub FoodsKent CummingsSteve FlemingFremont Industries, Inc.Steve GilbertsonGary GoltzGrand Rapids Amateur HockeyGrand Rapids Development Corp.Grand Rapids State BankMike GriffinDean GroebnerJohn HaeslerRobert HamiltonSteve HansonRichard & Judi HuempfnerD. Wayne Jacobson, Sr.Martie JacobsonD. Wayne Jacobson, Jr.Charles JohnsonMark KieckerSven LindquistTerry L. LydellCurtis MarksJake MarvinKristi MattesonMN Deer Hunters AssocationJerry MoehnkeCasey NewmanBruce A. OgleDennis O’TooleSteven W. RiceSafari Club InternationalDavid D. SandstromDean SandstromJulie SandstromSawmill InnDennis SchererRobert L. SeibertSnet’s Welding & Fabrication

Jason R. SpaethKurt G. SundquistDennis TollefsonTotal Control SolutionsUPM/Blandin Paper CompanyWells Fargo Bank of Grand RapidsNoah WilcoxSteve M. WilcoxLeonard WohlmanZiegler Construction

MISSOURIAnheuser-Busch FoundationTed S. CooperStephen C. JonesW. Stephen MaritzNestle Purina Petcare Co.Tom Schlafly

MONTANAAndy Duffy

NEBRASKACabela’sClarence L. Werner

NEW HAMPSHIRERobert and Patricia LeipoldDavid E. Michno

NEW JERSEYGriffin and HoweStephen H. BrowneBob MalloryKeano David Munoz

NEW YORKEric Paul AffusoHobson Brown, Jr.Lawrence M. Clark, Jr.Marshall Field VIBenjamin H. GriswoldScott JorgensenWilliam V. KrazinskiKuritzky Glass Co., Inc.Ralph MorganBrent R. NicklasBill NicklinTodd SolomonThe Funnyfolk FarmThe George F. Baker TrustMichael D. Zagata

NORTH CAROLINAChris DavisNelson D. FreemanMyron W. Gallogly

Glenn HarveyMark A. JonesBryan & Debbie StutzmanKen Wrangell

NORTH DAKOTARobert J. Bates, M.D.Sam W. McQuade, Jr.Leslie M. Rainwater

OHIOBill Goudy Memorial/Rick & Trish

Bryan IIIRick & Faith Bryan IVRick & Trish Bryan IIIByers Charitable TrustJohn F. CassidyFifth Third BankMichael MulladyOrvis-Perkins FoundationPerkins Charitable FoundationPerkins TrustT&D ThompsonJoseph F. Toot, Jr.Rob & Bonny Vadas Foundation

OKLAHOMAGregory & Linda Meyer

PENNSYLVANIARalph W. Arthur, Jr.Morris C. BakerArthur R. BorrellA. H. Burchfield IIICallaghan & CompanyClassic Shotshell, Inc.Craig FiedlerFish Real EstateEdwin H. Gott, Jr.Nicholas H. GottHabitat For WildlifeJ. Upton HudsonCharles (Mickey) M. HutchkoJoe R. IrwinBenjamin JonesRobert KappeRon KistlerMark LindstromS. Prosser MellonLee Industries, Inc.Samuel & Beatrice MooreMichael K. Moss, V.M.D.John J. Murray, Jr.James D. NyceJohn C. Oliver IIISamuel R. PursgloveR. K. Mellon Family Foundation

Richard King Mellon FoundationRockwell FoundationJames Sadler, Jr., M.D.Seneca Printing and Label, Inc.Kenneth L. SimonBrian W. SmithLarry & Dee SouleretChris StandishWalter StoeckleinPeter StropeKenneth H. Taylor, Jr.Robin F. TaylorThe Sordoni Foundation, Inc.Robert WoodingsWright Automotive Group

RHODE ISLANDGeorge F. Baker Trust

SOUTH CAROLINAEdwin L. DeVilbissChuck A. GomulkaJohn & Suzanne LeonardMeadWestvaco Corp.John C. OliverJim & Clara Sue Smith

SOUTH DAKOTALarry PillardDuane Sather

TENNESSECraig J. BalzerWilliam B. Benton, Jr.W. Gregory Cook, M.D.Phillip CroweShannon R. Curtis, M.D.Jeff KingMartin RashThe Tucker Foundation

TEXASRandolph R. BirkmanWilliam ButlerJeff H. HoodStephen HowardJordan Matthew JaysonNorman E. NabhanGeorge W. PasselaDonald PattesonJerry Theodorson

VERMONTDavid PerkinsLeigh H. Perkins, Sr.Frank Simms

Ugly Dog HuntingRon Wright

VIRGINIAJim BrabstonIsaac FreemanJacob ‘Jay’ E. Frith IIKarl K. KindigRobin LeonardDavid D. MacDonaldTony MakrisMars FoundationMichael D. MilliganJohn H. Mullin IIIGustav OhrstromMark J. OhrstromWilliam L. PannillWilliam A. Royall, Jr.D. Middleton Smith IIIWilliam W. & Virginia B. Sale

FoundationDavid M. WordThomas S. Word, Jr.Thomas S. Word IIIMrs. Ray ‘Paco’ YoungGary G. Youngblood

WASHINGTONJames H. GrimesDaniel SatherFred Stark

WEST VIRGINIAAudubon Animal ClinicBrad Hall, M.D.

WISCONSINAmerican Garage Door Co.Douglas P. BaumannGeoff G. BergauerSteve BodenschatzJames BradshawRobert W. & Susan T. BrownGreat Northern Corp.Thomas J. BuechelDavid V. Uihlein FoundationThomas W. Dew IIISeth DizardColin FoutsMark FoutsChristopher Dennis GalleRichard W. GraberJames HayettJames Hayett in Memory of

Arthur J. HayettDerrick JohnsonGillian Johnson


Phillip JohnsonW. B. Sonny JohnsonJohnson Timer Corp.Denis KarnoskyEric & Gretchan KarnoskyJoe KleinGregg & Kathy KuehnBradley LengelingDave MathewsMenasha Corporation FoundationMertens Erectors, Inc.Michael F. Hupy & Assoc.Brigid O’DonoghueJohn (Jack) M. OlsonDan OngnaSteven & Lois RaetherPaul E. SeulBrett E. SopocyRichard StanglLynde B. UihleinRyan WoodyGeorge J. WordinghamDallas WuethrichBrittany ZebraskyRobert Zimmerman

WYOMINGRobert Model

ONTARIO, CANADAJames AbbeyG. Wayne ConnorJames HoddinottMichael Phippen

AWS Life Sponsors$10,000 Lifetime MembershipCALIFORNIA

James H. Oliver

FLORIDADavid WahlBruce Wojcik

ILLINOISJoe Byers

MARYLANDGeorge S. Rich

MASSACHUSETTSBruce A. Bennett

MICHIGANDavid O. HigleyStephen H. Fletcher

MINNESOTASawmill InnDavid D. SandstromJulie SandstromDon E. Matta

PENNSYLVANIABrian W. Smith

VERMONTNancy AnisfieldUgly Dog Hunting

CENTURIONRGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

RGS Centurions$1,000 Lifetime Membership

UNITED STATES AND CANADAListed by place of residence

ALASKARichard Todd BrownConoco PhillipsThomas J. Eley, Jr.Daniel HallKevin J. KehoeGregg KingSpencer K. WilsonJohn Wunsch

ARIZONARaymond J. Clodi, Sr.

CALIFORNIADavid B. LefevreSean & Melissa McAvoyStephen P. Renock IV

COLORADODavid M. FullerCharles F. GarciaLee W. Mather, Jr. Thomas MoebiusEdward G. Schrandt

CONNECTICUTTimothy FosterJeffrey GardnerDavid MeleThomas N. PatchThomas ReynoldsJonathan RotoloSteven K. WilsonRichard W. Witmer, Jr.

DELAWAREWilliam K. Dupont

FLORIDAAlexander ChesterDavid R. EllisVictor S. Falk IIIBruce Fenn IIIGeorge E. FordMike GebhardJeffrey J. KossThomas LaituriJohn SocolJohn H. SullivanJames W. TownsendRobert UihleinDr.Philip Winslow

GEORGIAJohn R. RichardsTravis Wallick

ILLINOISRussell H. BuechsAndrew GraserJohn E. HuntGeorge D. Ihrke, Jr.Walter KastenStephen LynchJohn R. RodelliJoel Ross ScalzoLewis J. ScheerJerry A. SmithWilliam R. StevensEric TorstensonRonald J. VecchieBryan WiesnerSteven Worth

INDIANALarry W. DunnChristopher MillerBrad Quinn

IOWADaniel Bartlett

Morris A. KnutsenEmilia SurmaMarco SurmaMateo Surma

KANSASWilliam BradleyJohn GlassmanDana Towle

KENTUCKYFrank AllenRichard D. OliverDavid E. Trauth

LOUISIANAGlenn BegnaudMark & Diane LarsonHarold A. Loyacano, Jr.Edward A. Neupert

MAINEBenjamin E. JeffriesDaniel NeinA. E. SchickleCharles TappanBradley C. VarneyRichard Walthers

MARYLANDAmir AlikhaniAspen HillSidney W. Beddow IIMarshall H. DurstonThomas A. EdwardsJonathan FarberHarry S. GrunerStuart F. HallJack ShawRichard Lee SimisCalbraith Rodgers Wheaton

MASSACHUSETTSBruce A. BennettPaul BrukGregory T. Garland


Charles W. HulbertFrederick Moseley IIIPatrick S. Wilmerding

MICHIGANMichael D. AllettCraig S. BoylesDoug CallanderBrent L. CanupMartin CarpenterJames ChaseFrank J. CorralMartin B. CotancheWilliam A. CraneWilliam A. DemmerBrian & Dayna DrettmannDean FarrierRobert H. FlintHarry J. FullerRay Jamie GonzalezBrian GrangerGuns-N-GearW. Lee HammondRandall L. HansenJohn HartDavid L. HerrmannDonald E. Johnson, Jr.Jonathan KovalcikMatt KovalcikMichael J. Levandoski, Jr.Dave ListelloMichael MagnusonTony MazurekDavid McIntyreJohn H. PaigeMichael SchaferPat SchultzJames (Jake) ShinnersBruce SimonAndrew SiudaraDavid Duane SmithArchie H. Stevens, Sr.Ted SzydlowskiNorman TorreChris TracyPeter TreboldiMax TrembourTom Van De GriendLarry VerHageDon VlcekFrank C. WheatlakeDouglas L. WhitleyAdam WhitneyRichard G. Wimmer, Sr.

MINNESOTAWilliam Allen

Andy Michalek LoggingBrady BlattnerDavid H. Blattner IVDavid H. Blattner Jr.Tim BymarkTimothy CarlsonGregory Daigle, Sr.Maxwell Robert DelaneyDon & Nancy DollJason DufresneCurt EngelsCraig FossTim FosterGame Research CenterMark HaslupRandy L. HavelCraig J. HeusinkveldZenas HutchesonGeorge O. JacobsonMike KettenackerTom & Jane KingstonTimothy D. LarsonDavid M. LillyTerry L. LydellRyan P. MalleryAustin David MattaDon E. MattaNorthprint InternationalAndrew O. OgrenPeter RaineyEarl RoedG. Richard SladeTad D. SonnemanJason R. SpaethPaul F. StollAaron C. TankMatt TumaWilliam B. WebsterDale E. WeickMichael and Cami WhittJoseph Witt

MISSISSIPPIEd Moody

MISSOURIGarry L. GordonJoe Sivewright

MONTANADr. John K. Pike, Jr.

NEW HAMPSHIREPierre G. BrazeauPatrick O’Donnell

NEW JERSEYC. Austin BuckRalph J. CampoliPeter R. KelloggSteven J. RenehanTyrell K. Rydgren

NEW YORKErica AffusoGeorge BarneyFrederick W. Beinecke IIAlbert E. BrunelliJames F. ByersLawrence M. ClarkSal DeBellaLouis DiGiovanniGeorge T. Driscoll, Jr..Jeff FishackRoger GlennChristofer GuarinoHarris Hill Nursing FacilityPaul HarveySusan Jones GraffRoss B. KenzieDavid S. Kern, Sr.Donald A. LancasterChristopher G. LanningJames W. LeanaJoseph C. LittletonWaylon LunnWalter McLallenRalph MorganChristopher Jospeh NastkePaul H. OLearyJohn PartenzaMike PascarellaGeorge L. ScherrerRichard T. WilliamsBeth J. ZagataLawrence Zirkel

NORTH CAROLINAJeff AkinCharles C. BassettPete R. BromleyJames Fred ClodfelterChris DavisCharles H. Duckett, M.D.Hunter L. FaustDouglas ForgitJoel W. KingArnold C. SheldonDewey W. WellsArt Wheaton

OHIOLynn T. Aduddell

Clarence J. BittnerChad J. BowmanBob EplingJames HatfieldMark K. JonesJames McKeeRay MileskiMueller Roofing DistributorsRobert MullinsDr. Mitchell NahraJ. S. RenkertSam RiceHewitt ShawRobert Thompson

OREGONStephen PossJohn M. Tess

PENNSYLVANIAJeff AnkneyOtto BeckStephen P. BielloSam M. BlackEdwin J. BrooksKeith BurkhartTodd BurnsRussell Byers, Jr.James D. CarmichaelBess E. CriswellJames DePolo, Jr.Robert A. DigelBrenda DoneganBob GlaserNicholas M. HiltonHarry C. HineyAngelo & Cynthia HionisTom F. HoffmanThomas D. KirkwoodKodlick FarmsRichard LewisDavid MacaleerFrederick MartinArmour MellonGeorge MetrokaDaniel MillerJack W. MontgomeryEric NollEugene M. OakillLaren PitcairnScott QuillmanGary RehmAlmore G. RobbBrandon C. RoofCyrus D. RoofJames B. RyanGregg Scott

Earl R. SlusserFrank SmithRichard SneboldJohn J. SomonickJoe SulikoskiThomas E. TerritBernard UtnikMatthew E. UtnikMr. & Mrs. Utnik & SonsTripp WayDonald J. WilliamsA. E. Wright, M.D.Jake Yanosky

RHODE ISLANDWebster Goodwin, Jr.William F. White

SOUTH CAROLINAD. O. DaviesAleksander Krazinski

SOUTH DAKOTAAlex Papp

TENNESSEDavid M. AdamsPaul R. Benny, Jr.Paul R. Benny, Sr.Sonny HitchcoxLes Nation

TEXASRobert BlakelyLane FowlerJay HerbertRobert SkinnerJohn Surma

UTAHHeggie R. Wilson

VERMONTJohn McCormick, Jr.John O’HaraHenry Slauson IIIRon Wright

VIRGINIAChuck AkreJohn D. Bassett IIIJim BlakeneyP. Steve BollingerMichael Casey CarpenterRobert HaessnerWilliam R. HubblePeter Keefe

Bryan KoontzBob MartinKirk W. McCullough IIJohn H. MongerArthur H. NashWilliam W. NeaseDavid L. ShackelfordMichael Wilkerson

WASHINGTONRod & Val OlsonW.P. WilkinsonRyan Wynn

WEST VIRGINIARobert CochraneMichael Harmon, M.D.James Lemons

WISCONSINCharles R. AldenDavid AndersonDavid R. BertlerJoshua M. BrettingenJim BrockmanTerrence ClarkDan & Hali DesseckerStephen Jospeh EbertDustin Robert ElsburyPatrick FeeJohn FritzkeMichael Jay GildemeisterBrett GramsStephan D. GramsRonald K. HaugThomas B. HurdMatthew KangasGordon C. KarpinskeSean KeckGary J. KrukarJohn & Clara KubisiakWayne L. LacosseTony J. LaszewskiMalmquist Law FirmRobert W. MeddaughTom MohrhauserBryan H. MullettFrancis W. MurphyRice Family FoundationJohn TaylorThe Highlands Sportsmen’s ClubRussell C. WoodLeonard H. WurmanThomas P. Zapatka

WYOMINGTimothy Althauser

RGS & AWS 2019 Annual Report 23

Mary Anna G. ClayJonathan T. DawsonRandy SmithDavid Walsh

CANADARob FrasierDavid KainsW. K. MacLeodThomas L. StephensCody Wollen

AWS Centurions$1,000 Lifetime MembershipARIZONA

John & Lynette Eichinger

COLORADOLee W. Mather, Jr.

FLORIDADavid Wahl

ILLINOISCraig PurseEric TorstensonWilliam A. Yacktman

IOWAEmilia SurmaMarco SurmaMateo Surma

LOUISIANAJens Aubin Rummler

MARYLANDGeorge S. Rich

MASSACHUSETTSPaul BrukCharles W. HulbertCharles Kane

MICHIGANCraig S. BoylesSteve ChaffeeEarl HessTracy T. LarsenMichael J. LevandoskiSteve PouliosJeff Towner

MINNESOTATerry L. LydellDon E. MattaBruce A. OgleDavid D. SandstromNoah WilcoxNicholas WilcoxSteve M. Wilcox

NEW HAMPSHIRERobert and Patricia Leipold

NEW JERSEYC. Austin Buck

NEW YORKLouis DiGiovanniWilliam V. Krazinski, Jr.

Kuritzky Glass Co., Inc.Linc Lyman

NORTH CAROLINAHunter L. FaustJoel W. King

OHIOMark K. Jones

PENNSYLVANIAJeff AnkneyEdwin H. Gott, Jr.Joseph V. PiccoloJake Yanosky

TENNESSEEPaul R. Benny, Jr.Paul R. Benny, Sr.

TEXASJohn Surma

VERMONTJohn O’Hara

WISCONSINMark FoutsAlex GemrichJames HayettDavid JohnsonGary J. KrukarDan OngnaBob Ross

RGS & AWS BOARD AND STAFFRGS & AWS 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Moore ChairGeorge Rich Vice ChairBrian Smith TreasurerTracy T. Larsen SecretaryTerry Wilson Immediate Past ChairBruce BennettJoe ByersSeth DizardWilliam Krazinski, Jr.David KuritzkyTracy LeeW. Stephen MartinezShane T. MengelJulie SandstromJames Coby ShawRoy Smith

DIRECTORS EMERITI

S. Prosser MellonSally B. Searle

HEADQUARTERS STAFF

Benjamin C. Jones President & CEOMark D. Fouts Vice President of Member RelationsSean Curran Vice President of Mission SustainabilityTracy M. Greene Director of Headquarters Operations

Kim Swisher Manager, AccountingAlison Kelley Banquet Communications & Graphic DesignDave Wilhelm Shipping & ReceivingSeth Heasley Digital MediaNicole Parkhurst Member Services & Project ManagerBrenda Donegan Accountant, Payables/Receivables

CONSERVATION POLICY & PROGRAMS

Brent A. Rudolph, Ph.D.Chief Conservation & Legislative Officer

CONSERVATION DELIVERY

Nick BiemillerForest Conservation Director, Southern Appalachian Region

Jon SteigerwaldtForest Conservation Director, Western Great Lakes

Jared ElmForest Wildlife Specialist, WI – RGS position supported in partnership with USDA-NRCS and WI DNR

Dan HoffForest Wildlife Specialist, WI – RGS position supported in partnership with USDA- NRCS and WI DNR Regional Directors

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Dave “Swede” JohnsonLead RD, WI, Western UP of MI, IL, IA, LA & UT

Glen BlackwoodLower Peninsula & Eastern UP of MI, IN & IL

Betsy Dullum MN, WA & LA

Joe Levesque Northeast PA & New England

Lisa M. RossiIN, OH, Western PA, WV & GA

RGS CANADA

David FinleyCanadian Coordinator

ART DIRECTION

Northwoods Collective LLC.James Engerbretson & Samuel Dickison

EDITORIAL

BOOTH MEDIA GROUP, LLCBritney Booth

. . . dedicated to preserving our hunting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife.

Ruffed Grouse SocietyAmerican Woodcock Society 451 McCormick RoadCoraopolis, PA 15108

(412) [email protected]

PHOTO BY ADAM WAMPOLE

01_RGS_President's Message_AR1902_RGS_Healthy Forests_AR1904_RGS_Habitat Project_AR1906_RGS_Research Project_AR1908_RGS_Staff Profile_AR1910_RGS_Chapter Profile_AR1912_RGS_Financials_AR1914_RGS_Sponsors_AR19FC_RGS_Cover_AR19RGS_BC_AR19

Documents

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE...by the blowdown event. As part of the impact, aspen stands of all ages were de-stroyed. After the storm settled, many of these stands needed to be regenerated,