When the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invited our Washington Chapter to sponsor this year’s WAFWA Sage and Columbian Sharptail Grouse Workshop in Wenatchee, we were thrilled. The board’s decision to support the workshop at the top sponsorship level was unanimous. While few of us have had the opportunity to hunt these species in states where their harvest is carefully regulated, our commitment wasn’t driven by access to hunting opportunities—it was rooted in a deep-seated dedication to conservation.

In Washington, Columbian sharptail grouse and sage grouse are protected species with critically low population numbers, thinly spread across our fragile shrub-steppe habitats. These birds, emblematic of the West’s wild spaces, are at the brink of disappearing from our state. For BHA, a group that embodies the spirit of conservation-minded hunters and public land advocates, supporting efforts to recover these species aligns perfectly with our mission to safeguard wild places and the wildlife that inhabits them.

The four-day workshop, organized by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), was a gathering of some of the brightest minds in wildlife management and conservation. It was the first time since 2004 that Washington hosted this event, making our participation particularly meaningful. The workshop brought together state game managers and biologists, university scientists, Tribal resource managers, BLM staff, and representatives from non-profits like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The collective expertise and passion in the room were palpable, and it underscored the seriousness of the challenges facing prairie grouse recovery.

Attending the workshop on behalf of our chapter, I immersed myself in panel discussions and presentations. While I’m not a wildlife biologist, I found the data fascinating, even when it delved into complex scientific territory. More importantly, I walked away with two significant insights:

1. The dedication and passion of those involved in prairie grouse recovery are inspiring, as is the depth of technical knowledge and fieldwork being undertaken.
   
   
2. Hunters and hunting-based organizations, including Pheasants Forever, the North American Grouse Partnership, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, are playing a critical role in data collection, advocacy, and on-the-ground conservation efforts for these uniquely North American species.

For instance, hunter-furnished biological materials were key to the first full genome sequencing of sharptail grouse, a milestone that could pave the way for more effective conservation strategies. Bird dogs and their handlers are crucial in performing brood counts, offering valuable data that informs population estimates and habitat management. Additionally, Washington state hunter-volunteers are contributing directly to habitat recovery efforts in the Swanson Lakes area, showcasing the tangible impact of boots-on-the-ground conservation.

While hosting the BHA table at the Wenatchee Convention Center, I engaged with WDFW regional and wildlife diversity biologists who were eager to learn about our chapter’s other initiatives across the state and explore opportunities for increased collaboration. I also had the chance to connect with scientists and program managers from other states, many of whom praised BHA’s volunteer efforts in states like Montana, Idaho, and Utah. These interactions reaffirmed the importance of our chapter’s involvement in broader conservation efforts and highlighted the respect BHA commands within the conservation community.

During the breaks between panels, I met with key figures that many BHA members will recognize:

- Conservation Northwest’s Sagelands Heritage Program, which is focused on preserving Washington’s critical shrub-steppe habitat and the species that depend on it.

- Former Washington Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Kim Thorburn, a passionate birder and Audubon volunteer who has been a driving force behind grouse recovery efforts in eastern Washington.

- John Gale, BLM’s Program Executive for Intergovernmental and External Affairs, and a former BHA staffer who continues to champion public lands and the partnerships that drive habitat and wildlife conservation success across the West.

This workshop was a deep dive into the science and strategies of prairie grouse conservation—a subject that may seem niche but is profoundly important. I was likely one of the few attendees without an advanced degree in the hard sciences, but that’s precisely where BHA comes in. Our role is to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public, championing the work of professionals dedicated to the preservation of our public lands and the wildlife they support. While we may not be any closer to a huntable population of sage or sharptail grouse in Washington, we are more committed than ever to ensuring these species aren’t forgotten amidst the noise of more high-profile conservation issues.

This workshop reinforced the critical role that BHA and its members play in the broader conservation landscape. By sponsoring and participating in events like this, we are not only supporting the recovery of threatened species but also ensuring that hunters have a voice in conservation. It’s an investment in the future of our public lands, our wildlife, and our shared outdoor heritage. We hope that other BHA chapters across the West will recognize the value of sponsoring this WAFWA workshop when it comes to their state and join us in supporting the recovery of these iconic birds. We look forward to continuing our efforts in Washington and beyond, driven by the belief that healthy and abundant wildlife populations are the cornerstone of our hunting traditions and the key to a sustainable future.