Courtney Bastian, Author at HerUpland

Conditioning for Confidence: Why Pre-Season Prep Matters – For You and Your Bird Dog

Leave a Comment / BIRD DOGS, DOG TRAINING, HUNTING CULTURE / Director

With just 12 weeks until upland season opens in many states, now is the time to commit to a purposeful preseason plan. The uplands demand more than passion—they demand preparation. Whether you’re gearing up for your first bird or your fiftieth, conditioning—both physical and mental—builds the confidence to go farther, hunt longer, and keep both […]

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HighlightHer: Kaley Groskreutz

HER Highlight / Director

From First-Time Grouse Camper to Field MentHer & Tech Trailblazer When we first met Kaley Groskreutz at Mountain Grouse Camp in 2021, she arrived as a participant—curious, driven, and eager to learn. Since then, Kaley’s journey through the HerUpland community has been nothing short of inspiring. She returned as a squad volunteer, stepped into an

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Showing Up Right: How to Be a Great Participant and Volunteer at a Dog Training Event

BIRD DOGS, DOG TRAINING, MENTORSHIP / Director

Attending a dog training event—whether it’s your first or fiftieth—is always an opportunity to grow. These days are about more than drills and birds; they’re about building community, learning together, and helping each other raise reliable, confident bird dogs. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re working your way toward a NAVHDA Utility test, here’s

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HighlightHer: Rachel Willard

HER Highlight / Director

Mentor. Volunteer. Bird Dog Devotee. From the mountains of western Montana to the fields of NAVHDA tests, Rachel Willard is a dedicated mentor and volunteer whose upland journey is powered by purpose—and two incredible bird dogs. Rachel first entered the hunting world through big game, learning alongside her husband, Andrew. But everything changed when they

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Mentorship in the Uplands: Empowering Women Afield

EVENTS / Director

Mentorship is more than just teaching skills. At HerUpland, it’s a powerful way to build confidence, grow community, and help more women feel at home in the uplands. Why Mentorship Matters Upland hunting, bird dog training, and shooting sports can feel intimidating at first. Many women don’t have someone to guide them through those first

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HighlightHer: Shelby Isensee

HER Highlight / Director

Mentor. Uplander. Conservationist. Midwest CoordinatHER. Meet Shelby Isensee — a powerhouse in the upland space whose journey from a childhood spent in the Minnesota outdoors to leading women in the field is as inspiring as it is impactful. Shelby’s story is rooted in a lifelong love for the outdoors, cultivated through hunting, fishing, and shooting

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MT Wingshooting Clinic

EVENTS / Director

Hosted/Reported by: Courtney Bastian Dates: July 5-6, 2024 The Montana Wingshooting Clinic was held at Gallatin Sporting Clays in Three Forks, MT, on July 5-6. This venue, with its beautiful setup, perfectly accommodated our group’s needs with three 5-stands and two sporting clays courses. We had a total of 13 participants, including a youth scholarship recipient,

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Pointing Dog Training Camp, MN

EVENTS / Director

Hosted/Reported by: Sam Tillman Dates: June 14-16, 2024 The Minnesota Pointing Dog Camp was held at the beautiful Pineridge Grouse Camp in Remer, MN. Our team of expert Dog TrainHers included Kelli Aitkin from Kansas, who traveled all the way from Washington, and Bailey Petersen, also in her first year. Supporting the event were our

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Pointing Dog Training Camp, MT

EVENTS / Director

Hosted/Reported by: Courtney Bastian Dates: May 24-27, 2024 Our first HerUpland Pointing Dog Camp of the year was held in picturesque Helmville, MT, from May 24-27, 2024. This camp brought together 20 enthusiastic participants from across the United States and Canada, making it a sold-out event. Attendees came from California, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Alaska, Washington,

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HER Highlight: Kelly Bergeron

HER Highlight / Director

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Kelly Bergeron, an inspiring member of our HerUpland community. Kelly’s journey with us began at the 2022 Mountain Grouse Camp in Montana, and since then, her dedication and passion for upland hunting and bird dog training have only grown stronger. Kelly’s enthusiasm and commitment have led her

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Author name: Director