Ruffed Grouse Society Reactivates Woodcock Migration Mapping
451 McCormick Rd
Coraopolis PA 15108
412-262-4044
www.ruffedgrousesociety.org
October 9, 2012
Hunters and Naturalist Input Sought
Coraopolis, Pa -- The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is again providing access to its National American Woodcock Migration Mapping System -- an online tool to track the migrations of the American woodcock. Hunters and bird watchers are encouraged to enter their woodcock activity reports this fall and winter. As the birds return north, bird dog trainers and bird watchers again will be able to enter reports until April 30.
In partnership with Waterfowler.com -- the online authority in waterfowl migration tracking -- RGS started providing real-time tracking of the annual American woodcock migrations in 2006; it has continued each year since.
The advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping system relies on daily migration data provided by hunters and bird watchers. Users simply enter the zip-code for the area they're reporting on, select if the woodcock activity in that area is Light, Medium, Heavy, or at its Peak and submit. A link to access the USPS Zip-code look up based on the nearest town name to the activity is provided.
According to RGS Webmaster Ron Burkert, “This mapping is provided as part of a mapping tool for various waterfowl groups, doves and American woodcock. Data is collected and displayed for 24-hour periods. Historical maps of the prior day, week, month and season are also provided. Links to the feature are available from the Society’s home page (www.ruffedgrousesociety.org) or directly at www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/migration-map,” adding, "a new twist developed, tested and improved in 2011-12, will make reporting more convenient via Android phones."
Waterfowler.com produced a Migration Map app that is available FREE for the Android platform. This mobile app will keep you in constant touch with the daily Migration Map and also allow you to input your woodcock, and waterfowl, activity reports from the field at any time. To download the App today, click the Migration/waterfowler.com button on the RGS mapping page or visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eyephonegroup.waterfowler. An iPhone app is in the works.
Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society 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.
Information on RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.
Media Contact:
Ron Burkert, 412-262-4044.
RonB@ruffedgrousesociety.org .