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.

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.

August 18           Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Technical Committee (Invitation only) 

August 19          Research and management presentations. 

August 20          Field trip and banquet

August 21          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.