The Donald H. Rusch Memorial Game Bird Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Don Rusch, who died unexpectedly in 1999, and to continue his legacy by contributing to studies of game bird biology. The award is presented annually to a graduate student studying any aspect of upland game bird or waterfowl biology and management. This award was originally intended to continue for 20 years and expire in September 2019. However, the scholarship was extended and maintained thanks to Chuck Meslow.
Dr. Donald H. Rusch 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 first scholarship was announced during The Wildlife Society’s 7th Annual Conference in 2000.
AWARD APPLICATIONS
To apply for consideration, click here to learn about the criteria and the application process.
Application forms must be submitted by May 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM EDT.
DONALD H. RUSCH MEMORIAL GAME BIRD RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
| 2023 | Cailey Isaacson, University of North Dakota |
| 2022 | James Lee, New Mexico State University |
| 2021 | Alexander Fish, University of Maine |
| 2020 | Colby R. Slezak, University of Rhode Island |
| 2019 | Casey M. Setash, Colorado State University |
| 2018 | Kaitlyn K. Rush, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point |
| 2017 | Andrew Olsen, Oregon State University |
| 2016 | Victoria Simonsen, University of Nebraska |
| 2015 | John P. Severson, University of Idaho |
| 2014 | Katrina Alger, State University of New York |
| 2013 | Aaron Robinson, Brigham Young University |
| 2012 | Stephanie Graham, Utah State University |
| 2011 | Erik Blomberg, University of Nevada–Reno |
| 2010 | Meadow J. Kouffeld, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities |
| 2009 | Lance McNew, Kansas State University |
| 2008 | Brian Hess, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee |
| 2007 | David A. Miller, Iowa State University |
| 2006 | Dominic Bachman, Humboldt State University |
| 2005 | Kevin E. Doherty, University of Montana |
| 2004 | Jed Meunier, University of Wisconsin, Madison |
| 2003 | Guthrie S. Zimmerman, University of Minnesota |
| 2002 | Patrick Devers, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
| 2001 | Michael A. Gregg, Oregon State University |
| 2000 | Ben C. West, Utah State University |