Out & About: Ruffed Grouse Society banquet aids feathered friends
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Forget the black tie, here come the denim and flannel.
The banquet facility at Rizzo’s Malabar Inn in Crabtree became a sportsmen’s paradise on Jan. 25 for the 28th annual Conservation and Sportsmen’s Banquet hosted by the Ruffed Grouse Society Western Allegheny Chapter.
A large part of the event is the raffle of numerous items designed to make the next outdoor excursion a deluxe adventure. Tables ringed the room to display camping gear, firearms and accessories, including one shotgun that emcee Larry Hornyak said Jed Clampett would have been proud to own.
There also was outdoor-themed artwork and decorative items, jewelry for the gals who weren’t interested in all the guy stuff and even a supply of Rizzo’s famous spaghetti sauce — perhaps to add a gourmet touch to a wild game meal?
The Ruffed Grouse Society was founded in 1961 and makes its headquarters in Coraopolis, Allegheny County.
Members are mainly grouse and woodcock hunters who support national conservation and management efforts to ensure the future of those species, along with songbirds and other wildlife. The society employs wildlife biologists to work with private landowners, land managers and local, state and federal government entities.
The Western Allegheny Chapter’s banquet is traditionally one of the top 10 fundraising events for the entire society.
Event chairman Roy McMahan said he and “some of the guys” were responsible for organizing the evening’s activities.