35th Biennial Sage & Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop
August 18, 2026 - August 21, 2026
Spearfish, South Dakota
The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) will continue its 72-year tradition of holding a biennial workshop August 18 through August 21, 2026 in Spearfish, South Dakota. This event is jointly hosted by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and North Dakota Game and Fish Department with assistance from WAFWA.
The workshop will provide an opportunity for scientists, managers, and students to share results of their latest research, activities related to management and conservation, and strategies for dealing with the many issues impacting sage- and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in western North America. Attendance includes over 160 wildlife professionals from across North America with representatives from 10 participating WAFWA agencies.
Schedule of Events
Detailed schedule will be available after July 6.
A general schedule line-up of the schedule and meals provided are available below.
Subject to change
Registration
General admission:
$280 if registered by 6/30/26
$350 if registered by 7/31/26
$450 after 7/31/26
Student/Retiree admission:
$150 if registered by 6/30/26
$250 if registered by 7/31/26
$300 after 7/31/26
One day admission:
$150
Lodging
Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center
305 North 27th Street, Spearfish, SD 57783
605.642.4683 or 800.999.3541
Reserve your room by July 17, 2026.
Rooms are per diem rates are
$140 per night.
JOIN US AS A SPONSOR
We welcome sponsors and vendors!
If you are interested, see our SPONSOR BROCHURE for details.
Please be aware of WAFWA’s sponsor policy.
Call for Poster/Presentation Submissions
Deadline for submissions is June 12, 2026. Contributors will be notified by July 6, 2026.
Awards
Consider nominating someone for the Robert L. Patterson Award! Submit by May 22, 2026.
Agenda
The workshop will be held at the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center in a setting that will provide a relaxed atmosphere, opportunities for activities, and unlimited potential for exchanging information.
Agenda below will be updated as details become available. Subject to change.
Tues. August 18
8:30 am – 5:00 pm Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Technical Committee (invite only)
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Early Sign-in and Welcome Reception (all welcome)
*Lite hors d’oeuvres provided with registration
Wed. August 19:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Research and Management Presentations and Poster Session
*Lunch buffet provided with registration; Lite hors d’oeuvres provided with registration during poster session
Thurs. August 20:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Field Trip Tour of sage-grouse habitat in Butte and/or Harding Counties with an additional stop learn more about the region and get a South Dakota experience. *Cold lunch provided to field trip attendees
5:00 pm Banquet *Meal provided via registration
Fri. August 21:
8:00 am – Noon Research and Management Presentations
Lodging and Reservations
The Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center is located at 305 North 27th Street, Spearfish, South Dakota. The group has negotiated per diem rates for the nights of August 17 through August 21 at $140 (plus taxes and fees). Group rates apply two days before and two days after our block, based on availability. This room block will be held until July 17. Please make your reservations accordingly. Check-in time is 4pm. Check-out time is 11am.
To reserve: You can call 800-999-3541 and make a reservation referencing the “Grouse Workshop” and the code GGW. You may also email to reserve your room by going to this website (www.holiday-inn.com/spearfishsd).
The hotel is a 60-minute drive from the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).
For more information about this location, see the hotel website: www.holiday-inn.com/spearfishsd
A WAFWA Sanctioned Workshop
The Western Agencies Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop is a biennial meeting held in even numbered years sanctioned by WAFWA. The workshop provides a forum where leading sage and sharp-tailed grouse managers and researchers share research results, management strategies, and emerging issues in the realms of grouse management throughout North America.