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 onX Hunt instructor role, and now serves as an approved Field MentHer and a key member of our National Events Committee.
Kaley lives in North Idaho and works as an iOS software engineer for onX maps, where she builds tools that help others explore and navigate the wild. But when she’s not coding, you’ll find her doing exactly that herself—hunting wild birds, training dogs, and diving deeper into the upland lifestyle.
And then there’s Maggie, Kaley’s golden retriever and the unofficial mascot of HerUpland events. Maggie has earned the affectionate title of “HerUpland’s token Golden,” known for stealing hearts and belly rubs from volunteers wherever she goes. We’re also beyond excited to watch Kaley step into the pointing dog world with her new English setter puppy, Huck—a fresh chapter in her already dynamic upland story.
Kaley’s progression from participant to mentHer is a beautiful reflection of what HerUpland is all about: showing up with curiosity, gaining confidence, and giving back to lift others up. Her blend of heart, humor, and technical know-how makes her not only a fantastic resource—but a vital part of the HerUpland community.
Based in northern Idaho
Bird Dog Team: Maggie the Golden Retriever & Huck the English Setter
Follow her journey:@kaleyandthemagpie
Meet Kaley!
I’m an iOS software engineer at onXmaps, living in North Idaho. When I’m not building tools to help others navigate the backcountry, I’m out there myself—hunting, exploring, and making the most of the wild places around me.
How did you get into upland hunting?
I got into upland hunting the way a lot of people do—walking fields for pheasants without a dog. Eventually, I got a golden retriever, mainly as a house pet with the idea that she might retrieve a few ducks here and there. One day, I decided to take her on a pheasant hunt, and she blew me away with her natural ability. From that moment, we were hooked. Watching her work and develop her instincts opened up a whole new side of hunting for me, and I’ve been passionate about bird dogs and the uplands ever since.
What drew you to the upland community?
What really drew me to the upland community is the support and encouragement from other hunters and dog handlers. Whether it’s advice on training, celebrating small wins, or just sharing stories from the field, there’s a camaraderie that makes the journey even more rewarding. Upland hunting is full of challenges—reading the landscape, working with a dog, and adapting to unpredictable conditions—but overcoming those obstacles has made me a better problem solver in every aspect of life. The patience, resilience, and constant learning that come with it don’t just make me a better hunter; they make me better at everything I do.
How has this journey impacted your life?
This journey has impacted my life in more ways than I ever expected. The long walks through mountains and fields have given me the space to work through some of the hardest problems I’ve faced. There’s something about the rhythm of the hunt—the movement, the focus, the connection with my dog—that feels like meditation. Out there, distractions fade, and my mind sharpens. But beyond the solitude, I’ve found a community of men and women who have picked me up, encouraged me, and reminded me to keep going. The support and camaraderie in upland hunting have made the journey even more meaningful.
How are you involved with HerUpland?
I’ve been involved with HerUpland in a few different ways. As a squad member, I’ve helped with meals and camp setup, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. I’ve also served as a Field MentHer, guiding and supporting women on their hunts. One of my favorite roles has been teaching the onX portion of camps—helping women learn how to find the birds they’re after and navigate safely using the app. Most recently, I have been a part of the National Events Committee.
Are you a participant, mentor, volunteer, or all of the above?
All of the Above
What’s your most memorable experience with HerUpland?
My most memorable experience with HerUpland has to be my first event—Grouse Camp 2022. I’ll never forget the first hunt day, when everyone started trickling back into camp that evening. The energy was incredible—stories being shared, birds being admired, and pure excitement as we all celebrated each other’s successes. It wasn’t just about the hunts; it was about the camaraderie, the support, and the shared passion for being out there. That moment really solidified how special this community is.
What does being part of HerUpland mean to you?
Being part of HerUpland means being part of a community that uplifts, educates, and supports each other. It’s more than just hunting—it’s about mentorship, encouragement, and shared experiences that make us all better hunters and stronger individuals. Through HerUpland, I’ve had the chance to give back, learn from others, and watch women grow in their confidence and skills. It’s a space where challenges are met with support, successes are celebrated together, and the journey is just as meaningful as the destination.
What breed(s) do you have, and what do you love most about them?
I have a golden retriever and a puppy english setter, and I love how they each bring something different to the hunt. My golden is all heart—loyal, eager to please, and a driven retriever who never quits. English setters, on the other hand, are built for elegance and precision. With their flowing gait and intense points, they cover ground effortlessly and lock up on birds with incredible style. Both breeds have a long history in the uplands—one excelling as a flushing and retrieving companion, the other as a classic pointing dog. Whether it’s the determination of a golden or the finesse of a setter, each brings its own kind of magic to the hunt.
Do you compete in any events (hunt tests, field trials, NAVHDA, etc)?
I haven’t competed in any events yet, but I recently became a NAVDHA member. I plan to run my setter in an NA test, hopefully at the end of this summer. I also had the chance to spectate a NSTRA practice trial, and I really loved the energy of the event. I hope to run my setter in some braces down the line.
Share a fun or proud moment with your dog(s).
During a hunt in New Mexico, I experienced a moment I’ll always cherish. My golden flushed my first mearns quail and then retrieved it from across a draw to hand. Even though she’s not from traditional hunting lines, that day proved her natural talent beyond any doubt.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women new to upland hunting or dog training?
Be patient—with yourself, your dog, and the process. Upland hunting and dog training are lifelong journeys, and progress comes in small steps. Success doesn’t always mean birds in the bag; sometimes, it’s a young dog making their first solid point or simply covering new ground with confidence. Celebrate the little wins, learn from the setbacks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The upland community is full of people who want to support and encourage you—lean into that, and enjoy the journey.
What’s in your vest?
Paradigm first aid kit, zip ties, duct tape, wire cutters for snares, Benadryl, nerds gummy clusters usually just loose in a pocket (pocket clusters), chapstick, compressed cloths that become a wet wipe when you add water, peanut butter honey packet, lots of water
Any must-have gear you never leave home without?
Shotgun, shells, and my dogs
Favorite snack or lucky charm?
Nerds gummy clusters
Favorite upland hunting memory?
One of my favorite hunting memories from last season was chasing sharpies with a group of old and new friends. Walking the prairie together, watching a variety of dogs—each with their own style—work the ground, lock up on point, and honor each other was something special. It was the perfect blend of teamwork, dog work, and shared excitement that makes upland hunting so rewarding.
What role does conservation play in your upland journey?
Conservation is key to my upland journey. Healthy bird populations and wild places depend on responsible stewardship. As hunters, it’s our job to support habitat, hunt ethically, and give back—so future generations can experience the same wild places we love.
Are you involved in any habitat restoration or conservation organizations?
I’ve been involved in habitat restoration through Pheasants Forever volunteer projects. Giving back to the land that sustains upland hunting is important to me, and I believe every hunter plays a role in conservation.
How do you personally contribute to conservation efforts?
I support conservation by helping with habitat restoration projects, like planting shelter belts and native food plots. Improving upland habitat is a small way to give back and help ensure healthy bird populations for the future.