By Staff
The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will offer every woman and youngster ages 16 and under who takes and passes a hunter education course and/or participates in a "Woman in the Outdoors Program" an opportunity to receive a one-year RGS non-magazine membership and a complementary dinner at an RGS Banquet.
The only requirement is that each provides proof that he or she successfully completed the course during the calendar year (past 12 months), and a paying adult accompanies each to the banquet.
RGS will provide them with a complementary dinner at the RGS Banquet and in addition a free, 1-year non-magazine membership in the society.
"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, that unless we get young people and women interested in hunting and conservation, the future of our sport hunting and outdoor heritage could be lost forever," said RGS Executive Director and CEO Mike Zagata.
"It is important that we educate everyone on the importance of sound wildlife and forest management practices and the role hunting has played, and continues to play in those practices. If we, as individuals, can't keep in touch with our hunting and outdoor heritage, how then can we expect to pass them along to future generations. The key to that future is women and our youth, and that is the basis of our program," Zagata said.
The Ruffed Grouse Society was established in 1961. The RGS is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.
The 17th Annual Southwestern Michigan Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society Sportsmen's Banquet is set for Feb. 2 at Niko's Landing in Kalamazoo. Cocktails and raffle sales start at 5:30 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The cost is $60 per person for a membership and dinner, $35 for dinner only and $25 for youth. Sponsorship packages are also available.
For more information, or to order tickets, please contact Dave Dyer at (269) 665-7713.