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

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.

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.

We got an extension! This room block will now be held until August 4th. Please make your reservations accordingly.

Check-in time is 4pm. Check-out time is 11am.

To reserve: You can call 605-642-4683 and make a reservation referencing the block name “Sage Grouse Workshop” When calling, please use Option 2 (speak to the front desk).

The hotel is a 60-minute drive from the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).
A rental car or shuttles are an option for getting from RAP to Spearfish, or if you would like to ride share please fill out the form.
Shuttle Companies:
Rapid Express Shuttle (605) 399-9999 10-, 15- and 24-passenger bus 3+people, as low as $50/person if booked as a group (4+ people). Booking link will provide a 20% discount if you book under “WAFWA” https://rapidshuttle.bookingtool.net/v3/airport?new
Black Hills Shuttle (605)-645-9521 Minivan: $120 one-way, $10 per extra passenger, up to 5 passengers
Da Bus (605)-347-3287 $175 per person, with discounted rates for groups, e.g. 10-25 people on a larger people-hauler would be lower than $50 per person

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.