"Disturbance" is a good thing for ruffies and timberdoodles, say RGS/AWS leadership

In this episode of Upland Nation, host Scott Linden interviews Carl Malcolm and Gabe Stone from the Rough Grouse Society (RGS) and American Woodcock Society (AWS) at the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Minneapolis. The conversation centers on the ecological and hunting significance of rough grouse and American woodcock, emphasizing their role as indicators of forest and migratory habitat health. Carl Malcolm, RGS Vice President of Conservation, highlights the importance of disturbance—like prescribed fire and mechanical treatments—in maintaining diverse, healthy forest ecosystems. He explains that both rough grouse and woodcock thrive in dynamic landscapes shaped by natural and human-driven disturbances, and that their conservation requires thinking at both local and continental scales. Gabe Stone shares practical advice for hunters, stressing the value of tools like OnX Maps, the importance of approaching dogs from a 45-degree angle, and the need to shoot quickly and confidently in dense cover. Both guests advocate for broader participation in upland hunting, framing rough grouse and woodcock as challenging, rewarding, and ecologically vital species that deserve attention beyond traditional game birds. The episode blends conservation science, hunting tips, and personal anecdotes to inspire new and experienced hunters alike.