Rusch Memorial Game Bird Research Scholarship

The wildlife profession lost a great friend and advocate on September 12, 1999, when Dr. Donald H. Rusch died unexpectedly. Don was an avid hunter and angler, with a keen interest in all aspects of game bird biology and conservation. His career in the wildlife profession included research on game birds in Canada, the United States, and South America, and contributed greatly to our understanding of ruffed grouse and Canada goose population ecology in particular.

As a teacher, Don imparted great enthusiasm to his students, encouraged them to think critically, and always maintained an open mind toward new ideas.

As a scientist, Don believed in the value of long-term research over the entire geographic range of a species to provide comprehensive understanding of population ecology.

As a manager, he advocated the wise use of our wildlife resources, and emphasized the importance of scientific research to improve our understanding of wildlife populations and their conservation.

The Donald H. Rusch Memorial Game Bird Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Don Rusch and to continue his legacy by contributing to studies of game bird biology. The award is to be presented annually to a graduate student studying any aspect of upland game bird or waterfowl biology and management.

The first scholarship of $2,000 was announced during the 7th Annual Wildlife Society Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 13, 2000.

Criteria

Applicants must be registered in a master's degree program (in even numbered years) or doctoral degree program (in odd numbered years) in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology or a related discipline at a university in North America, and must be a member of The Wildlife Society.

Awards are based primarily upon project merit, but also consider the candidate's academic achievement, field experience, appreciation of hunting (personally and professionally), and career interests.

Research projects must be endorsed by the candidate's academic supervisor. The award is intended to benefit students who show promise as wildlife teachers, researchers, and managers. A special TWS committee will select the recipient, and reserves the right to forego an award selection if no suitable candidates apply.

Nomination Instructions

• A cover letter indicating what influenced the applicant’s entry into the wildlife field, philosophy of the importance of hunting personally and professionally, and future career interests. Also submit a brief project description addressing the rationale for the study, the experimental methods, other cooperators and support, and estimated term of study (maximum three pages double-spaced); 
• A resume, including list of presentations and publications, and grade-point average (maximum two pages); and
• A letter of support from the student’s academic advisor. The letter should address the need for and the significance of the research, as well as provide a candid appraisal of the student.  

Previous Winners