Buffalo, M0: “Very exciting NEWS! After more than a decade of hard work, constant fund raising, untold meetings and historical partnerships with sponsors, landowners and the Missouri Department of Conservation, we are very excited to announce the beginning of the multi-year restocking of the wild ruffed grouse starting in August of this year” explains Craig Alderman, Founder and manager of QUWF. “Over $1 million dollars was raised by our QUWF chapter and invested in intense timber stand improvement, matched by another $1 million dollars from the MDC in 100,000 acres in the River Hills area near Hermann. Over 100 landowners formed the QUWF Grouse Coop to coordinate efforts in re-establishing this majestic native bird” Alderman says.

“Special thanks to Sara Pauley, Director of the MDC, Bill White, Chief Private Land Services, Mike Hubbard, now Assistant MDC Director, Jason Isabelle MDC Research Scientist, Chief QUWF Biologist Nick Prough, and Tom Westoff, Chair of the Grouse Chapter and Coop for their strong support and guidance, and the blessing of the Commission for the entire project” Craig states, “This is a great example of what can happen when partners work together for a common goal”.

Also, as a company, we could not have accomplished this without the long-term support of our corporate sponsors who quietly supported our efforts, meetings and research. Bass Pro Shops and Johnny Morris; Ruger Firearms, Tri-Star Firearms, Benelli Firearms, Truax Seed Drills, ATLAS Shooting Traps, Doolittle Trailers, ALPS Outdoors, Cuddeback Game Cameras, Premier Manufacturing, Plano, Toby Keith and Toby Keith’s Country Bar and Grill, Harrah’s Hotel, Las Vegas, and Cordova Coolers.

The first grouse are expected to be released on the prepared habitat sites in mid-August. Teams of volunteers are being formed for the trapping and release process.

“For a conservation organization, this is as good as it gets” Craig states. “You can talk conservation, have large offices, big conferences, take in huge sums of money and nothing changes over decades, in fact wildlife populations decline. Done right, at the local level, with local dollars and sweat equity, this habitat has a 25 year sustainability now for all upland species with many more out years being accomplished by the landowners. QUWF chapters and members are insured to do the work, they make it happen and we are proud this is happening in Missouri first” Alderman concludes. The ruffed grouse, a majestic native to Missouri was near total expiration in the state. The hunting season was closed many years ago due to the loss.

The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF), based in Buffalo, is the only Veteran founded and managed national conservation organization in the U.S., and the only multi-specie and clean stream national organization based in Missouri. To join QUWF, get involved locally with upland wildlife and habitat restoration/ clean streams or the new youth fishing teams, visit our web site at www.quwf.net.

“Preserve the Land and Clean Streams….Build the Habitat….Hunt and Fish for Generations” with QUWF™.