Ep. 08 - A Full Picture View of Ruffed Grouse Hunting in Virginia with Wesley Hodges

In this week's episode of the Give for Grouse Podcast, we talk with ruffed grouse guide and outfitter, Wesley Hodges. Wes guides hunters for ruffed grouse in Virginia and, through his adventures and experiences, offers a perspective on ruffed grouse in Virginia that few people, if any, can match. We discuss: Why Wes thinks Ruffed Grouse are doing better in Virginia than most people think. The disconnect between Wes' in field observations of grouse populations versus how a state agency might collect data. How the economic impact and value of hunting a perceived declining species can actually be a positive for ruffed grouse. Why Wes thinks that logging alone won't fix the problem for ruffed grouse in Virginia. How unique Appalachian Ruffed Grouse are, and why we don't always find them in "typical" grouse habitat. His message to those who might look at his commercial guiding for ruffed grouse as negative for the species. Why Wes would like to see species-specific hunting licenses sold in Virginia. How hunting grouse could actually be what helps grouse in Virginia in the long run. Follow Wes on Instagram:   / wesley_hodges_fly_fishing   Follow us on Instagram:   / give_for_grouse   Facebook:   / giveforgrouse   YouTube:    / @giveforgrouse   Donate to our billboard campaign: HabitatVA.org